If you’re only familiar with traditional pool maintenance methods, you may be surprised at the new environmentally conscious options. There are several unique ways to make your pool a little more “green” and most of them are easy to do. If you’re looking for a few simple ways to build an eco-friendly swimming pool, we’ve got you covered.
1. Use a Solar Pool Heater
Solar pool heaters are more eco-friendly than standard pool heaters, and they’re also a lot cheaper to operate.
These heaters use the sun to warm your swimming pool, which is not only better for the environment but also saves money on electricity or gas. If you need to heat your pool frequently, a solar pool heater is a much better alternative than these other options.
If you don’t want to spend the money on a heater, though, consider using a solar blanket instead. A pool blanket is a less expensive alternative that works well for shorter periods of time.
2. Invest in an Energy-Saving Water Pump
Because your water pump is usually the biggest energy sapper in your home (besides the HVAC system), it’s one of the quickest ways to make your pool more eco-friendly. Traditional single-speed pool pumps are expensive to maintain and repair. They also use a lot of energy, which is hardly eco-friendly.
A variable-speed water pump may cost more upfront, but most pool owners save money in the long run. These systems are more efficient and break less often, saving money on both energy and repair costs.
3. Stay on Top of Repairs and Maintenance
Every major appliance needs regular maintenance and timely repairs to run at peak efficiency. This includes your pool.
If you want to save money while also reducing your impact on the environment, make sure you maintain your eco-friendly swimming pool and its system according to your contractor’s recommendations. If something breaks, fix it quickly so it doesn’t cause additional wear on the system.
By keeping your pool in tip-top shape, you’re ultimately doing more for your wallet and the environment. The chemicals needed to fix plumbing and water filtration are not only expensive but ultimately harmful to the environment.
4. Cover Your Pool When You’re Not Using It
Because California is so hot and sunny, your pool water constantly evaporates when you leave it uncovered. You can save a lot of water if you cover your pool tightly when it’s not in use, and reduce how often you change the pool water.
Most people don’t use their pools every single day, so it’s pretty simple to put the cover back after you swim. If you do use yours every day, though, even occasionally covering your pool can help save water and energy.
Leaving your pool covered in the off-season can have positive effects on energy spending, as well as the amount of water you’ll save. Covering your pool will also prevent anything from leaves to wildlife from falling in.
5. Invest in Eco-Friendly Landscaping
Some types of landscaping are more eco-friendly than others. The best options are native to Southern California and require little watering and maintenance. Skip less natural materials like porous concrete and choose natural stone instead. You can also use eco-friendly fertilizers like compost to keep plants lush and green.
6. Enjoy a Natural Swimming Pool
Most pool owners use chlorine or similar chemicals for maintenance, but there are eco-friendly water alternatives. Natural swimming pools are popular in Europe, and they’re becoming more popular in California, too.
A natural pool doesn’t use chemicals at all. Instead, these pools mimic the local ecosystem, using plants and other natural methods to keep the water clean.
Natural swimming pools are more expensive than traditional pools when it comes to pool construction (they average $70,000), but they save money on energy costs in the long run. They’re also gorgeous waterscapes that often flow seamlessly with your existing landscaping. If you don’t mind the splurge, natural pools are certainly worth a look.
8. Not a Fan of Natural Pools? Use Saltwater Instead
If a natural pool doesn’t appeal to you, a saltwater pool is the perfect middle ground. Saltwater pools aren’t as eco-friendly as natural pools, but they’re better for the environment than chlorine pools.
These systems still use a bit of chlorine, but a lot less of it than traditional pools. You don’t add the chlorine yourself; the system creates chlorine gas from the salt you use instead.
There are other benefits as well when you install a saltwater pool. Most people notice the water feels smoother, and there’s no strong chlorine smell. You may also see less color fade on your swimsuits, and saltwater isn’t as harsh on your skin and hair.
9. Use the Right Contractor for Your Pool Construction
No matter which type of eco-friendly swimming pool you choose, the right contractor is crucial. A great pool contractor gives you several pool construction options to consider and helps you make the best choice for your home and yard. They’ll make sure your pool is eco-friendly and stays within your budget. More importantly, a California pool contractor should know the area and provide professional pool construction that meets your expectations for quality and design.
If you need help designing your eco-friendly swimming pool in Southern California, call Pool Icons today for a free estimate. We’ll help create your eco-friendly backyard paradise.
