The average residential pool holds around 18,000 gallons of water, but where does all that water come from?
This article will look at the various ways to fill your swimming pool, the pros and cons of each water source, and whether or not you should use a pool water delivery service.
Quick answer: A pool water delivery service is the fastest way to fill your pool, while city or well water is cheaper and more accessible. While all will require balancing, well water may also require treatment beforehand.
Is Pool Water Delivery Your Only Option?
No, getting water delivered isn’t the only way to fill a pool.
Aside from trucking in your water, it’s worth considering the more traditional sources when it comes to filling a swimming pool, such as using city or well water along with a standard hose.
We’ll get into the details of using each water source below and why you might choose one method over another.
Where Do You Get Water to Fill a Pool?
As mentioned, there are three main sources when it comes to filling an empty pool, each with varying costs and considerations.
Here’s the breakdown:
1. City Water
City water or municipal water is the most common source of water for filling a residential swimming pool, and for good reason.
This water comes straight out of your tap, making it readily available for anyone with a hose and some patience. It’s also treated and safe to use in a pool, as well as reasonably cost-effective depending on your local water rates.
The only major drawback is time, as it can take more than 24 hours to fill even a modestly-sized pool. Of course, you should also consider any local regulations that restrict water usage, as well as potential drought warnings.
To get city water into your pool, simply attach a hose to your outdoor faucet, place the other end into your pool, and turn on the water.
Pros of using city water
- Convenient and easy
- Treated and safe to use
- Only requires a hose
- Not too expensive
Cons of using city water
- Very slow process
- May be restricted by local regulations
- Not suitable during drought conditions
Note: Call your water company or utility office and ask them about the rate for filling a pool. They’ll help you estimate the total cost and may even waive or reduce sewer fees since the water will not enter the sewer system.
2. Well Water
Well water, as you can probably guess, comes from a well. It’s entirely independent of city water and can be a great source of water for your pool depending on the conditions.
Assuming the well is on your property, it’s completely free to use. It’s also a very accessible and seemingly endless source of water depending on the water table and local weather patterns.
Unfortunately, well water is often highly saturated with metals such as iron and copper, which lead to metal staining. It can also be very “hard”, meaning it contains high calcium content that leads to cloudy water and scaling.
To get well water into your pool, connect a hose to your well pump and place the other end of the hose in your pool. Then simply turn on the pump.
Pros of using well water
- Accessible and easy to use
- The water is free (if it’s on your own land)
- Can’t be limited by local regulations
Cons of using well water
- May require treating or filtering
- May not be enough water
- Still takes a long time
Note: Test your water before using it and be prepared to adjust excessive metal or calcium levels. We recommend reading our article on using well water as it will give you more specifics on what to test for.
3. Pool Water Delivery
Pool water delivery involves hiring a service to truck in a large volume of water and dump it straight into your pool. These companies may use city water, well water, or even water from natural sources.
A water delivery service uses an industrial hose to fill your pool much faster than a regular hose. What normally takes 24 hours to fill up might only take an hour or two with a truck. They also pre-treat the water so you don’t have to spend extra time or money treating it yourself.
As for the drawbacks, the time-saving benefit only applies if you’re not waiting several days for the delivery to arrive, which makes it far less attractive as a last-minute solution. It’s also not budget-friendly as it’s easily the most expensive option.
To use a delivery service, simply book an appointment with a local company and let them handle the rest. It’s completely hands-off.
Pros of using a service
- Fastest method if you can plan ahead
- Water is pre-treated
- Hands-off process
Cons of using a service
- Not ideal as a last-minute solution
- Most expensive method
- May not be available in your area
What to Do Before Filling an Empty Pool
Whichever water delivery method you choose, there are a few things you should do to better prepare an empty pool.
Here’s a quick checklist:
Clean your pool. Dirty surfaces will make your fresh water dirty and consume your sanitizer. Take some time now to brush the walls and remove or vacuum any debris, including leaves, dirt, and insects.
Inspect your pool. Check for any damage such as cracks or loose tiles that could result in leaking. If you have a vinyl pool, check for tears and smooth out any creases or wrinkles as these will be more difficult to correct once filled up.
Inspect your equipment. Check your pool pump, filter, and any other main components for serious wear or damage. It’s also worth checking seals and tightening gaskets while you’re at it.
Prepare the surrounding area. If you’re getting your pool water delivered, you’ll need to provide a good entry point for the truck and its heavy-duty hose. This may require moving furniture or trimming back plants.
Start with low pressure. Finally, the first few inches of water should be added at low pressure to avoid causing any damage to your pool surfaces, especially if you’re using a vinyl liner. You can cover the end of your hose with some fabric to reduce the pressure for the first hour or so.
What to Do Before Topping Up a Pool
Just as with filling an empty pool, there are some things to consider before topping up your pool.
Here’s a quick checklist:
Check your water level. If your water currently sits around the halfway point of your skimmer, you don’t need to add more water. If it’s only slightly under, consider local weather patterns as rain alone could make up the difference.
Look for potential leaks. If you’re losing water without explanation, you probably have a leak (use the bucket to be sure). Before adding more water, check your equipment and plumbing for potential leaks, and make fixing it a priority.
Consider getting a cover. Another common cause of water loss is evaporation, especially in warmer climates. If you keep losing water and you don’t already use a pool cover, it might be worth the investment.
Be ready to rebalance. Adding fresh water to your pool is going to impact your pH and total alkalinity. It’s also going to dilute your sanitizer, cyanuric acid, and calcium levels. Be ready with a testing kit and the appropriate chemicals for a quick rebalance.
The Bottom Line
For some, a pool water delivery service will be the most desirable option. With a bit of pre-planning, this is easily the fastest and most convenient way to fill a pool from empty, and the water even comes pre-treated.
However, for those looking for a more affordable option, using a hose to move city or well water into your pool will make more sense. While this is much slower, it’s more accessible and doesn’t always require treatment.
