August 2011 Evaporation of pool water What is evaporation? As we know from boiling water and seeing it turn into steam, a simple definition of evaporation is: the process whereby liquid water becomes a gas and dissipates as the water temperature is increased. Eventually, a saucepan of water will ‘boil dry’ as all the liquid becomes a gas and disappears into the atmosphere. Calculating evaporation rates is a very complicated process, with many variables such as water surface area, water temperature, air temperature, air pressure, air density, wind speed, and humidity - mong others - all affecting evaporation. Evaporation from swimming pools The main factors that affect evaporation rates from domestic outdoor pools are: 1. pool surface area 2. the temperature of the water and air 3. humidity 4. wind
TIP: You reduce evaporation of pool water drastically when you can situate your pool out of the wind. Pool Covers: Maybe you know that a pool cover regularly reduces evaporation by 90 to 95 percent which means that in summertime you can safe up to 200 litres of water evaporation a day. Another benefit of a pool cover can be enhanced safety. Pool covers are important but you have to be aware of the fact that your water quality can deteriorate when you don’t open de pool for a couple of hours a day. With a Chlorine gas installation its even dangerous if you don’t air the pool because topping gas. |