Is It Safe to Use Well Water to Fill Your Swimming Pool?

Having access to well water provides you with a low-cost and easy way to fill your backyard pool. While you can use well water for swimming pools, there are a few things to consider to make sure the process goes smoothly. Following these steps will ensure you find the best way to fill your pool with locally accessible water without causing harm to your well or new swimming area.

Think about the Size of Your Pool

Filling a swimming pool can take hours to days, depending on the water source. With wells, you might need to plan for slower filling. If you plan to use your well for filling a future swimming area, let your pool builder know. Many times, you can choose a pool size and design that allows for faster filling from a well.

Filter the Water as You Fill

Well water is known for having high levels of minerals and metals that can include iron, manganese, and calcium. When the levels of these materials are high enough, they could lead to staining and deposits that impact your pool’s life span and the water quality. You can find special filters that attach to hoses to reduce the amount of minerals and metals that get into the swimming pool. Using them helps your pool’s filtration system work better and prevents premature wear and tear.

Avoid Straining the Well Pump

Filling your swimming pool could cause the well pump to run constantly. When this happens, you could face issues such as overheating and short-circuiting. Plan to fill your pool gradually. You might want to run the pump for an hour or two and give it the same amount of time to rest. This method also helps you to avoid draining the well, which could damage the pump and allow more sediment to enter the water supply.

Monitor the Process

Even when you don’t use well water, you should always monitor the filling process for swimming pools. Make plans to stay nearby to check on the progress. Ideally, you should see the water slowly filling the pool while remaining clear. If you notice discolored water, there could be an issue with the pump. In this case, stop the process and assess the situation. Sometimes, allowing for more recovery time can restore the water quality.

Test and Treat the Water before Swimming

Pool water maintenance can be a little trickier when you use a well as the source. But your pool builder can recommend treatments that prevent staining and mineral buildup. Once the pool is filled, test the water and use treatments as necessary to establish the right chemical balance.

Plan for Regular Pool Inspections

All types of pool water can contain minerals and chemicals that can create issues for the equipment over time. Ideally, you’ll want to do a visual check of the pool equipment every week or so to identify leaks and signs of accumulating debris. Annual professional inspections are also important for identifying issues you might not see. Inspecting the pool at the start and end of each season further provides protection against premature damage.If you’re ready to design or maintain your dream backyard oasis, the experts at San Diego Pools are here to help. As one of the leading pool companies San Diego homeowners trust, we specialize in creating beautiful, long-lasting pools tailored to your home and lifestyle. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can bring your perfect pool to life with quality craftsmanship and exceptional service.