Can a swimming pool be both relaxing and friendly to the environment? This is a question that many pool owners ponder. Fortunately, there are many ways to lessen your pool’s environmental impact. Check out these suggestions for a greener swimming pool.

Get the right pump

Your swimming pool needs a pump to circulate the water and ensure that it remains clean and swim-worthy. The typical pump, however, is single speed and pumps water at the highest flow rate, which is likely way more than your pool needs. Naturally, this extra power consumes extra energy.

eco friendly pools

When getting a pool pump, ask pool contractors to install a variable speed pump that allows you to adjust the flow rate accordingly. Another way to save on electrical consumption is to get a solar-powered heater.

Use greener cleaning solutions

You can’t replace the water in your pool each time you intend to use it—you’ll be wasting gallons upon gallons of water! Luckily, you can use cleaning solutions to purify the water already in your pool. That being said, be mindful of the chemicals you use for this task.

Chlorine, the most commonly used pool cleaner, is actually considered a pesticide by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A better way to cut down on this chemical is to invest in a chlorine generator, which produces chlorine from good old-fashioned salt. You may also consider less harmful chemicals such as bromine or even natural mineral sanitizers.

Don’t forget to use the pool cover

Do you let your pool sit uncovered when not in use? If so, you’re actually allowing water to evaporate into the air. Conserve water by rolling out the pool cover when the pool sits idle. For best results, pool builders suggest getting a solar blanket, which blocks out a great deal of the sun’s heat, thereby preventing evaporation more effectively. Another trick is to plant trees around your pool, as their shade further blocks heat.

Owning a great pool comes with a host of different responsibilities. By observing these tips, you can rest assured that you can get a fantastic pool experience without hurting Mother Nature. If you need further help in designing an eco-friendly pool, don’t hesitate to call on experienced pool builders for professional advice.

Sources:

10 Ways to Maintain An Eco-Friendly Pool, SwimUniversity.com
How to make your pool more environmentally friendly, MNN.com