When it comes to swimming pool and spa care, there’s no shortage of advice out there. Unfortunately, not all of it is accurate. At Atlantis Pools in North Lakes, we often hear well-meaning pool owners in nearby suburbs like Mango Hill, Rothwell and Kippa-Ring repeat common myths that could actually be doing more harm than good—especially when it comes to water usage and environmental care.

“Water conservation is an important part of owning a pool today,” says Kylie Rojahn, owner of Atlantis Pools. “But there’s also a lot of misinformation floating around. It’s time to clear the air—and the water—on what’s really best practice.”

Setting the Record Straight on Pool Water Myths  

SPASA Australia (Swimming Pool and Spa Association) has created an insightful guide titled “Water – Best Practice Debunking Myths”, which addresses the most common misconceptions around pool and spa water management. As proud supporters of SPASA’s standards, we’re sharing the truth behind these myths so you can care for your pool more confidently—and sustainably.

Let’s dive into a few of the most persistent pool myths and why they don’t hold water.

💧 MYTH 1: Owning a pool wastes huge amounts of water  

FALSE. A properly maintained pool actually uses less water annually than a well-watered lawn of the same size. By installing a solar cover, using a liquid evaporation barrier, and maintaining the correct water levels, you can drastically reduce water loss.

“Pool covers can reduce evaporation by up to 97%,” Kylie explains. “That’s a massive saving, especially during the warmer months when water loss can be significant.”

💧 MYTH 2: It’s okay to empty your pool whenever you want  

Not exactly. In Queensland, local water regulations apply, especially during drought conditions. Unnecessary draining wastes thousands of litres and can damage pool structures if not done correctly.

Best practice: Only drain your pool when absolutely necessary, and always consult a pool professional first. At Atlantis Pools, we can advise when and how to safely do this—if needed at all.

💧 MYTH 3: Rain refills my pool with “clean” water  

Wrong again. Rain can carry dirt, pollen, phosphates, algae spores, and even pollutants from surrounding trees and roofs. It also dilutes your pool’s chemicals, throwing off the balance.

“As clean as it may look, rainwater can quickly tip your pool chemistry out of balance,” Kylie warns. “After a storm, test your water or bring a sample to us for free in-store testing.”

💧 MYTH 4: Backwashing my filter too often is good for it  

Actually, over-backwashing wastes water and reduces the efficiency of your filter. Filters should only be backwashed when pressure levels indicate it’s needed—typically once every 4 to 6 weeks, depending on usage.

“Using clarifiers and pre-filter baskets can help reduce the debris entering your filter, so it stays cleaner longer,” Kylie recommends.

💧 MYTH 5: Pool water can’t be reused  

This one surprises many pool owners. With the right treatment, pool water can be reused for gardens or even topping up the pool itself. Devices like backwash minimisers and cartridge filters can help reduce water waste significantly.

At Atlantis Pools, we offer a range of eco-friendly products that help minimise water use without compromising pool quality.

Simple Tips for Smart Water Use  

Being water-wise doesn’t mean more work—it just means working smarter. Here are some of Kylie’s top recommendations for sustainable pool care:

  • ✅ Use a pool cover to minimise evaporation

  • ✅ Check for leaks regularly, especially around fittings and pipework

  • ✅ Maintain proper chemical balance to avoid needing to drain or dilute

  • ✅ Upgrade to energy-efficient pumps and filters

  • ✅ Run your pool equipment during solar times to save energy and money

  • ✅ Come in for free water testing to avoid overcorrecting chemical levels

“Smart pool ownership is about getting the most enjoyment with the least environmental impact,” Kylie says. “When you follow best practices, everyone wins—your wallet, your pool, and the planet.”

Want to Learn More?  

SPASA’s Water – Best Practice Debunking Myths brochure is a great read for all pool and spa owners. You can download it online or pop into Atlantis Pools for more advice, brochures, and everything you need for efficient, eco-friendly pool care.

Let’s bust the myths and take better care of your pool—and our environment. For expert advice and trusted products, visit Atlantis Pools today.

📞 (07) 3491 9700
📧 atlantispoolshop@bigpond.com
🌐 www.atlantispoolshop.com.au