Cruise ships primarily get their pool water through two sophisticated methods: desalination and "bunkering." Most modern ships use Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems or Flash Evaporators to convert seawater into fresh water while the ship is moving. The RO process forces seawater through microscopic membranes to remove salt and impurities, while evaporators heat the water to create steam that is then condensed into pure water. This treated water is then chlorinated and filtered to meet strict health standards before entering the pools. Some ships use "potable water" (drinking water) for all pools, while others may use "screened seawater" in specific pools, which is pumped directly from the ocean, filtered, and then treated with chemicals. Seawater pools are often drained and refilled daily when the ship is in the open ocean to ensure cleanliness. When a ship is in port or in sensitive ecological zones, they rely on stored water or "bunker" fresh water from the municipal supply of the port city. Regardless of the source, the water is constantly recirculated and tested multiple times a day to ensure it meets the rigorous "Vessel Sanitation Program" requirements.