Chase away the empty pool blues and let the water flow
When the temperatures rise, the cool of the pool starts calling. But if you recently installed your pool or drained it for maintenance, you’ve got to fill it before floating through the summer. In some cases, you’ll need little more than a garden hose, but a pool water delivery service might be more convenient and efficient in others. Here’s the lowdown on who to call to fill a pool with water.
Pool water delivery services are the most expensive option but the least work-intensive for the homeowner. These services offer convenience because you don’t have to monitor the water as the pool fills. In fact, you don’t even have to be home while the pool fills. These services can also provide water to areas where water is rationed or where well water may not be suitable for a pool.
However, the price can bite you if you’re not careful. The cost to fill a pool via water delivery ranges from $500 to $1,700 for the average 17,000-gallon pool. Get a few quotes and consider your options before immediately scheduling a delivery service.
You have a couple of options to fill the pool yourself. Both revolve around a regular garden hose and patience. If you’re concerned about your water bill, estimate the cost with a little math.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average family of four uses 10,000 gallons of water every 30 days. The average pool holds around 15,360 gallons of water, so you’ll be filling the pool with 1.5 times the amount of water you use in a month. So factor that into your budget if using city water.
City water is easily accessed and affordable. Attach a garden hose to an outdoor spigot and let the water flow. Depending on the water pressure, pool type, and size, filling a pool can take up to 48 hours. Sometimes, well water is suitable for filling a pool, but thoroughly research this topic before you go for it.
A local pool contractor may offer to assist with everything from permits and landscaping to equipment and labor, depending on the depth and breadth of services they offer. Pool contractors often offer regular maintenance packages that include cleaning filters, replacing parts, and checking for wear and tear. While they might drain some water as part of regular maintenance, filling the pool with water isn’t usually part of their services. However, they may recommend or partner with a pool water delivery service, giving you a good place to start if you don’t want to fill the pool yourself.
Pool water delivery services use water tanker trucks to deliver pre-treated water. Using an industrial hose, they pump the water directly into the pool within a few hours. The water may come from city water, a well, or natural sources. Pre-treating the water is faster than DIY-filling your water, so you can put on your water wings sooner. Sometimes, water delivery services book in advance. Plan ahead for your water delivery, or ask your local pool installers to fill the finished pool with water to avoid a long wait in the peak season.
