Hot, windy days in Socorro can make your pool feel like it is vanishing. You are not imagining it. In our arid climate, uncovered pools can lose several feet of water each year to evaporation, and routine backwashing can waste even more. The good news is you have local rebates that make smart fixes more affordable.
In this guide, you will learn exactly which EPWater rebates apply to pools, who qualifies, how to apply, and practical tips that cut water use without cutting summer fun. Let’s dive in.
Why pool water loss is high here
Our area sits in the Chihuahuan Desert, so evaporation hits hard. EPWater notes that uncovered pools in the El Paso region can lose about 4 to 6 feet of water each year, and that a solar or solid cover can save tens of thousands of gallons annually. You can see those local figures on EPWater’s Rebate Programs page.
To make the math real, consider a common 15 by 30 foot pool. That is 450 square feet of surface area. One inch of water across that surface is about 280 gallons based on the standard conversion of 1 inch over 1 square foot being roughly 0.623 gallons. For 4 feet of annual evaporation, that adds up to more than 13,000 gallons. For the conversion, see this simple area to gallons calculator.
EPWater pool rebates that help
EPWater offers two residential rebates that target the biggest water losses from pools. Always check the current details before you buy, since programs can change.
Pool cover rebate
- What you get: 50 percent of the cost, up to $100
- What qualifies: Solid or solar covers. Mesh or net covers do not qualify.
- Why it matters: Covers cut evaporation significantly and can save tens of thousands of gallons per year in our climate.
- Key rules: Purchases must be made after March 1, 2025. You will need an itemized receipt and proof of installation, such as photos or a contractor receipt. Find the form and full terms in the Pool Cover Rebate application.
Pool filter rebate
- What you get: Up to $250 to replace a sand or DE filter with a cartridge filter
- Why it matters: Cartridge filters reduce or eliminate routine backwashing, which EPWater estimates can save about 2,000 to 8,000 gallons per year depending on pool size and use.
- Key rules: You must be upgrading from a sand or DE filter to a cartridge filter. Provide an itemized receipt and proof of installation. Get the details in the Pool Filter Rebate application.
Who can apply and when you get credit
- Eligibility: You must be a direct EPWater residential customer in good standing at a single-family home, duplex, or triplex. Businesses have separate programs.
- Timing: If approved, the rebate appears as a credit on your EPWater bill within 1 to 2 billing cycles.
- Documentation: EPWater may inspect installations within 90 days. If your combined rebates exceed $600 in a calendar year, you will need to submit a W-9.
- Program hub: See current programs and links to applications on the EPWater Rebate Programs page.
Step-by-step: how to apply from Socorro
Confirm your water provider. Make sure you are an EPWater account holder at the property. If you are unsure, check your water bill or contact EPWater via the rebates page.
Check purchase-date rules. For the pool cover and pool filter rebates, qualifying purchases must be made after March 1, 2025 per the current applications.
Buy qualifying products. Keep the itemized receipt showing purchase date, vendor, model, and cost.
Install and document. Take clear before and after photos or obtain a contractor receipt as proof of installation. EPWater may inspect within 90 days.
Complete the right form. Fill out the pool cover or pool filter application. Attach your receipt and proof-of-installation photos.
Submit your application. Email your packet to [email protected] or fax using the number on the form. Find both applications on the Rebate Programs page.
Watch for the credit. Approved rebates post to your EPWater bill in 1 to 2 billing cycles. Save all documents for your records.
Smart pool habits that save water
- Use your cover consistently. A solar or solid cover is your best defense against evaporation in our dry, windy conditions. It also helps retain heat.
- Swap to a cartridge filter. Cut backwashing and keep more water in your pool. Pair the filter swap with the cover for the biggest impact.
- Maintain and monitor. Backwash only when needed. Watch for leaks and check your bill for unexpected spikes. EPWater’s customer pages emphasize leak detection. For help, visit EPWater customer assistance.
- Consider energy-efficient pumps. While EPWater does not rebate pool pumps on the residential side, El Paso Electric has offered ENERGY STAR variable-speed pool pump rebates. Check current details at EPESaver’s pool pump page.
- Be careful with auto-fill. Set it conservatively and review usage so it does not hide leaks or accidental overfilling.
- Add shade and windbreaks. Strategic landscaping and barriers can reduce wind-driven evaporation around the pool area.
If you are buying or selling a home
If you are upgrading while preparing to sell, keep everything organized. Save receipts, completed applications, and install photos, and note when the rebate appears on your bill. Since credits post to the account holder of record, coordinate timing with buyers and your agent so documents transfer smoothly at closing. These upgrades can be a practical selling point for water-savvy buyers in our region.
A local note for Socorro residents
EPWater serves much of the El Paso area. To use these rebates, you must be a direct EPWater customer in good standing. If your home is served by a different water provider, EPWater’s residential rebates may not apply. When in doubt, check your bill or reach out through the EPWater Rebate Programs page to confirm eligibility.
Ready to make your pool more efficient and your home more marketable in Socorro? If you want help prioritizing upgrades before listing or want to understand what resonates with local buyers, reach out to Erica Barnaby - Homes By Harshaw.
FAQs
Who is eligible for EPWater pool rebates in Socorro?
- Direct EPWater residential customers in good standing at single-family homes, duplexes, or triplexes can apply, while businesses follow separate programs listed by EPWater.
What purchase date qualifies for EPWater pool cover or filter rebates?
- The current applications state purchases must be made after March 1, 2025, so confirm the latest date rules on EPWater’s rebate page before buying.
Can I receive both the pool cover and the cartridge filter rebates?
- Yes, you can apply for both if you meet each program’s rules, noting that EPWater may require a W-9 if total rebates exceed $600 in a calendar year.
How quickly do EPWater rebates post to my account?
- EPWater indicates approved residential rebates will appear as a credit on your water bill within 1 to 2 billing cycles, subject to program funding.
Does EPWater rebate pool pumps for homes?
- EPWater’s residential pool rebates cover covers and cartridge filter conversions, not pumps, though El Paso Electric has offered energy rebates for variable-speed pool pumps.
