Autofill: Consider using a sensor-based autofill device to reduce unnecessary refilling of pools and increase leak detection. Forgetting to shut off fill water can make for a costly waste of water.

Watch for splash-out: Splashing and water fights in your pool and spa can cause excessive water loss. To avoid splash-out, reduce the water level of swimming pools to the lower half of the water line tile.

Use a pool cover: Use a pool cover to avoid evaporation and save energy on heating. A recent Cal Poly San Luis Obispo study found that solid pool covers can reduce swimming pool water evaporation by up to 95%.

Maintain pool chemistry: Maintain proper pool chemistry year round to avoid the need to drain and refill your pool. Only drain the pool when necessary for health and safety reasons, to fix leaks, or for major repairs. Use reverse osmosis or nanofiltration to improve water quality and reduce how often draining is needed.

Sweep, don't hose: Sweep instead of hosing down hard surfaces near the pool area.

Reduce water temps: If heated, reduce your pool and spa water temperature, especially while not in use. Warmer water evaporates more quickly.

Backwash your filter: The average backwash uses 250 to 1,000 gallons of water per backwash, depending on pool and equipment size. Save water by manually cleaning the filter for a more thorough cleanse and follow the manufacturer's guidelines. Use a pressure gauge to determine when cleaning is needed - wait until pressure rises 8-12 PSI above the initial reading before backwashing.

Check for leaks: Your swimming pool should lose no more than ¼ inch per day due to evaporation. Losing more than ¼ inch per day in a pool running with no water features or heaters is considered a leak. Check the pool skimmer for cracks and perform a bucket or dye test, or seek assistance from a leak detection expert. If your pool or spa has an autofill device, check for leaks every three months by shutting off the device and performing an evaporation bucket test.