Having your own pool to exercise or relax in is a treat the entire family can enjoy together. If you strive to live in the most environmentally friendly way possible, you likely know how having a pool can increase your carbon footprint. To keep a swimming pool running efficiently, you must use energy to run the filter system and chemicals to prevent bacteria in the water. If the thought of sacrificing your swimming pool is out of the question, use these tips to help you run it more economically and eco-friendly.
Conserve water
As soon as you fill your swimming pool each season, the water begins to evaporate. Refilling your pool uses water that could otherwise be conserved. A simple solution for this is to use a pool cover. A UV-resistant, polyethylene pool cover reduces your water evaporation and solves heat loss problems drastically.
Shelter your pool from the elements
A cool breeze on a hot summer day feels great, but if it’s blowing on your swimming pool it can increase energy consumption. An unsheltered pool loses heat more quickly and is prone to faster water evaporation. These problems can be solved and you can decrease your energy use by installing a solid fence around the immediate perimeter of your pool.
Keep the heat in
Above ground pools can be hard on your energy bill because heat tends to escape through the sides. To avoid wasting energy heating the same water over and over again, surround the sides of your pool with a material like bubble wrap, as air is an excellent insulator. Fill in any gaps in the siding with spray foam insulation.
Use solar power
The money you spend every summer to keep your pool water warm results in a bill you’ll continue having to pay each year you use your swimming pool. A heating system that runs on solar power requires an initial investment but pays for itself in two years. A swimming pool solar system draws water from the pool, runs it through a filter, transfers it to the solar collectors to be heated and then returns the water to your pool.
Go easy on chemicals
Typical swimming pool chemicals are harsh on the environment and your family, but it’s important to make sure the water is clean and free of bacteria. Use oxygen-based algae removers or enzyme-based clarifiers to keep your pool water safe and clean while protecting the environment and your skin. Alternately, reduce your chemical use with an ultraviolet disinfectant system which kills harmful microorganisms by exposing pool water to ultraviolet light.
Progressively greener pool technology and care methods should help ease your conscience when it comes to installing or owning a pool. Reduce your family’s carbon footprint by conserving energy, using natural power sources and using nontoxic cleaners in your pool. The benefits of going green with your swimming pool will continue long after swimming season is over.