10 best ways to conserve water in your landscape and swimming pool this summer

SF Bay Area water saving tips for summer 2025

These practices and technologies will contribute to reducing your environmental footprint in various ways and will save you money! Here’s how:

LANDSCAPE TECHNOLOGIES AND STRATEGIES:

1. Smart Irrigation Systems:

• AI-powered irrigation controllers adjust watering schedules based on weather forecasts, soil moisture levels, and plant types.

2. Drought-Resistant Landscaping:

• Embrace xeriscaping with native California plants that thrive in low-water conditions. Consider adding succulents and ornamental grasses for a modern, water-wise aesthetic.

3. A Sprinkler Audit:

• A thorough inspection of your home’s irrigation system, conducted by a certified professional, can drastically change your water usage. They'll assess factors like:

• Sprinkler head performance and coverage

• Pressure and flow rates

• Watering schedules and run times

• Potential leaks or malfunctions

• Areas of over- or under-watering

Above photo: An Alderland designed and built backyard that utilizes several different strategies to minimize water usage.

4. Artificial Turf vs. Natural Sod Lawn:

• Uses no water

• Needs no irrigation servicing

• Needs no fertilizing

• Needs no mowing, edging or maintenance of any kind

• Always looks immaculately mowed, perfectly watered, and perfectly fertilized

5. Drip Irrigation System for Lawns and Landscaping:

• Water Efficiency: Delivers water directly to the roots of plants, minimizing evaporation and runoff, which conserves water usage.

• Cost Savings: Over time, the efficiency of water and nutrient use can lead to lower utility bills and reduced costs for fertilizers and herbicides.

• Adaptability: Can be easily customized to meet the specific needs of different plants and growth phases.

• Disease Prevention: Reduces leaf wetness, which can prevent diseases caused by fungal pathogens that thrive in wet conditions.

• Reduced Weed Growth: Since water is applied directly to the plants, less moisture is available for weeds, helping to reduce weed growth and competition.

• Subterranean irrigation for lawns: Running lines underground every 12” apart 6” down. These system work really well in very windy and hot areas.

6. Mulching planting areas:

• Moisture Retention: Mulch helps retain soil moisture by reducing evaporation, which means less frequent watering is needed.

• Weed Control: A thick layer of mulch suppresses weed growth by blocking sunlight and preventing weed seeds from germinating.

• Soil Temperature Regulation: Mulch acts as an insulator, keeping the soil cooler in hot weather and warmer during colder months, creating a more stable environment for plant roots.

• Erosion Prevention: By covering the soil, mulch helps prevent soil erosion caused by wind and water, protecting plant roots and maintaining soil structure.

• Nutrient Enrichment: Organic mulches, such as wood chips or straw, break down over time, adding nutrients to the soil and improving soil fertility.

• Improved Soil Structure: Mulching can enhance soil structure as organic materials decompose, promoting better aeration and drainage.

• Supports Beneficial Organisms: Mulch provides habitat for beneficial organisms like earthworms and beneficial insects that contribute to soil health.

Above photo: An Alderland designed and built backyard that features an auto-covered swimming pool, equipped with UV light and salt water systems.

SWIMMING POOL TECHNOLOGIES AND STRATEGIES:

1. Swimming Pools with Automatic Covers:

• Auto-covers save lives. They provide a safety barrier that can prevent accidents, especially for children and pets, reducing the risk of drowning.

• Reduced Maintenance: Covers help keep debris, leaves, and dirt out of the pool, which means less cleaning and upkeep.

• Heat Retention: An auto-cover can help retain heat, reducing the need for additional heating and thereby saving on energy costs.

• By covering the pool when it’s not in use, you minimize evaporation of water and chemicals, leading to lower chemical costs.

• Energy Efficiency: Reduces heating and filtration cycles, leading to lower energy consumption and costs.

• Extended Swim Season: Retaining heat and reducing debris allows for a longer swimming season. Typically, one can expect to add an additional 2 months of swimming at the beginning and end of the swim season.

• Insurance Benefits: Some insurance companies may offer discounts for properties with proper pool safety measures, such as auto-covers.

• Convenience: Auto-covers can be opened and closed with the push of a button, making it easy to protect and prepare the pool for use.

2. Automatic Pool Filling Systems:

• Convenience: Automatically maintains the water level in the pool, eliminating the need for regular manual filling.

• Water Conservation: Helps reduce water waste by filling the pool only when necessary, rather than relying on a manual process that may lead to overflow.

• Consistent Water Level: Maintains a steady water level, which is essential for the optimal functioning of pool skimmers and circulation systems, ensuring proper filtration.

• Time Savings: Frees up time for pool owners, allowing them to focus on enjoying their pool rather than performing maintenance tasks.

• Reduced Risk of Damage: Maintains proper water levels, which can help prevent damage to pool equipment and surfaces caused by low water levels.

• Improved Safety: Consistent water levels can support safety measures, especially concerning the operation of safety covers or pool alarms.

3. Chemical-Free Disinfection, UV system:

• UV systems use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens without the need for harsh chemicals.

• Reduced Chlorine Use: By effectively preventing pathogens, UV systems lower the amount of chlorine needed, resulting in a more comfortable swimming experience and lower maintenance costs.

• Lower Risk of Chemical Reactions: Decreases the risk of allergic reactions or skin irritation often associated with chlorine.

• Less Odor: Reduces chlorine odor, creating a more pleasant swimming environment.

4. Saltwater Systems:

• Natural Chlorine Production: Saltwater systems convert salt into chlorine through a process called electrolysis, maintaining a consistent level of chlorine without the need for storing large amounts.

• Lower Chemical Costs: With a saltwater system, ongoing chemical costs can be significantly reduced since you’re not purchasing chlorine regularly. Although, that savings may be offset by the need for more acid to balance the PH in the water.

• Longevity of Equipment: Saltwater systems can be gentler on pool surfaces and equipment compared to traditional chlorination methods.

• Reduced Maintenance: Saltwater systems tend to require less frequent balancing of chemicals, making pool maintenance easier.

• Softer Water Feel: Saltwater pools often feel gentler on the skin and eyes compared to traditional chlorinated pools.

*Note: Both UV sanitation systems and saltwater systems contribute to improved water quality, comfort, and convenience in pool maintenance. Choosing between them may depend on your specific preferences, budget, and pool usage. In many cases, combining these technologies can further enhance water clarity and safety.

In conclusion, by implementing efficient water management strategies and innovative designs, homeowners can enjoy beautiful landscapes and functional swimming pools while minimizing their water usage. Alderland Pool & Landscape Co. is well-positioned to support these efforts, combining years of expertise with a commitment to quality and sustainability. Our approach not only focuses on the aesthetic appeal of each project but also prioritizes water conservation, ensuring that our clients can take pride in their outdoor environments. Ultimately, the collaboration between homeowners and dedicated professionals like Alderland can lead to more sustainable landscapes that enrich the community while respecting valuable water resources.