Being clued up about sustainability and swimming pools is important. This isn’t just about financial sustainability but also about eco-sustainability. When you understand what’s possible you can protect the environment and your bank account too.
Water conservation
So far the weather has been up and down this year, so water conservation isn’t at the front of our minds. Last year was a scorcher but this year’s summer has lasted about a week… if that. However, we will see some hotter weather. There are some techniques to conserve water in your pool when that happy time arrives.
For example, keep a cover over the water to prevent evaporation in the sun. We know it’s annoying and that you want to be able to jump in whenever you want. However, it’s worthwhile because you won’t need to top up your pool so often.
Consider using Mother Nature’s help too. Investing in some rainwater harvesting tanks can help keep your water topped up. It’s still important to maintain water quality with the right filters and pumps and treatment for possible bacteria and contamination. But, let’s face it, with uncertain weather we’re sure to see rain in the summer months as well as sunshine.
Eco-friendly pool maintenance
Did you know baking soda can give the chlorine in your swimming pool a boost to help keep the water clean? However, you could need several pounds just to raise the pH by 10 parts per million (ppm). It will involve more than a trip to Tesco. And, if you add too much the water can go cloudy, so regular testing is important.
Baking soda is also good for pool maintenance jobs like cleaning stonework, tiles, grout and pool furniture.
Saltwater pools
Another option is to change your in-ground swimming pool to a saltwater pool. You can use electrolysis to continuously convert salt into chlorine and then back to salt again. This can reduce overall chlorine levels so it’s kinder to skin, hair and eyes. You won’t need regular top ups of chemicals either. However, salt is corrosive and even stainless steel is affected. The appearance of your pool area could change and equipment will need regular checks.
Solar heating
Heating swimming pools uses a lot of gas or electricity. For an environmentally friendlier alternative solar photovoltaic (PV) panels can capture renewable energy from the sun. You can convert sunlight into electricity that can then power a heat pump for your pool. Alternatively, a solar water heating system uses solar collectors to absorb heat from sunlight to heat the water. They both use sunlight to create heat, but in different ways.
Swimming pool heat pumps
You can also use ground or air source heat pumps to heat your swimming pool without gas or mains electricity. You can extend your pool’s use into the cooler months without stretching your bank balance. Like a refrigerator in reverse, heat energy drawn from the pump’s surroundings is used to heat your pool.
With the right system design you can even store any surplus energy from your heat pump or solar panels for other uses. For example, you could connect your pool’s filtration system so, as well as heat, you’ll keep your pool water clean.
Natural pools
If you’re planning a new pool there are materials and approaches that can reduce its environmental impact. Some homeowners are choosing natural swimming pools with plants, beneficial bacteria, and other natural systems to keep things clean. Natural pools aren’t heated and include areas with aquatic plants that filter out contaminants and absorb nutrients to minimise algae. Gravel beds provide surface area for helpful bacteria to maintain balance. If occasional extra cleaning is needed it’s possible to use non-toxic methods that don’t harm plants and wildlife.
Overall
These are just some of the options to make your pool more sustainable. There are a lot of possibilities, but it’s your choice. With rising costs and global warming, it’s something to think about.
If you’d like some advice, please get in touch with Mosaic Swimming Pools and Spas
