Wave pools, especially large ones designed for surfing, require significant amounts of water and experience daily water loss primarily through evaporation.
Daily Water Loss in Wave Pools
While the total volume of water in a wave pool is substantial and varies greatly depending on size, a key aspect of water usage for operators is the daily amount needed to compensate for losses.
According to Adam Fincham, the engineer behind the technology used in Slater's 14-acre wave pool in Lemoore, California, this specific facility can lose up to 250,000 gallons of water per day solely due to evaporation. This daily loss is comparable to roughly half the volume of an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
Factors Affecting Water Loss
The amount of water a wave pool loses daily can vary significantly based on several factors:
- Size and Surface Area: Larger pools with greater surface area experience more evaporation.
- Climate: Hot, dry, and windy conditions accelerate evaporation.
- Wave Activity: Splashing and wave action can increase splash-out and misting, leading to additional losses.
- Filtration and Maintenance: Backwashing filtration systems also consume water.
Example: Slater's Wave Pool
Let's look at the specific example provided:
| Facility | Size | Daily Water Loss (Evaporation) | Comparison | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slater's Wave Pool | 14 acres | Up to 250,000 gallons | Roughly half an Olympic pool | Adam Fincham |
Note: This figure represents evaporation loss only and doesn't include losses from splash-out, filtration, or other operational factors.
Understanding Water Usage
It's important to distinguish between the total volume of water a wave pool holds and its daily water consumption or loss. The initial fill volume is massive, but the ongoing need for water is primarily driven by replacing daily losses.
While 250,000 gallons per day for a large, 14-acre facility is a significant amount, the usage varies widely among different wave pools depending on their scale, design, location, and how they are operated.
[Water Usage]
