Having a pool for the summer is a delightful treat, but in order to safely use it, you'll want to know how to take care of it. One of the first pieces of information you'll want to digest is the answer to this question: How do you add water to a pool? Fortunately, the answer is just as simple as the question.
First, you'll want to know exactly how much water you need to add. (This number will also come in handy when you're treating the water.) Check the manufacturer's instructions, use an online pool calculator, or ask a local pool store for assistance. AquaChek, a pool and spa testing company, has several handy pool calculators here.
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"There are two ways of adding water to your pool," Erick Edwards, a pool construction contractor, tells Hunker. "One is by simply doing it yourself and using your garden hose to add to it. Now, if you're looking for convenience, you can always use pool water delivery services, which will often remove/refill water for you."
While using a pool delivery service is certainly convenient, it can be expensive. "Sometimes it just isn't worth it unless you have a giant pool or you're very short on time," Edwards says. He also notes that some delivery services will offer pre-chlorinated water but — just to be safe — you should test the water before jumping in.
When asked about the easiest method for adding water to a pool, Matt Giovanisci, founder of Swim University, a pool and spa care resource, tells Hunker that you can use a garden hose. However, if you're using city water, be aware that you might be charged extra fees. To mitigate this, you should give your utility company a call, tell them you're filling a pool, and ask about their rates and discounts.
If you're filling your pool with well water, make sure that your well has the capacity to do so. You'll also want to ensure that your well equipment is up to speed; test the well water before adding it to your pool. It can contain excess minerals that might make balancing your pool water difficult. This well test kit can be bought for $25.
Before jumping in — no matter what method you use — make sure to test the water and adjust your pool chemicals accordingly. Michele Hlavsa, the head of the CDC's Healthy Swimming Program, states that the CDC recommends a pH of 7.2 to 7.8, while the chlorine level in pools should be at least one part per million (or ppm). If your pool's levels are outside of this range, swimmers are at risk of feeling uncomfortable in the water due to symptoms like skin irritation.