There are many ways to become a more eco-friendly pool owner. For example, positioning a swimming pool in an area that maximises sunlight exposure can help warm the water naturally and reduce the need for chemicals.
The impact of pools can also be reduced through the use of natural sanitisers like saltwater systems, reducing chemical usage and pollution. Additionally, solar heating is an efficient way to cut energy consumption.
Energy Efficiency
Swimming pools are major energy hogs, especially in Melbourne. Heating the water and pumping it consumes massive amounts of electricity, which, in turn, creates a hefty carbon footprint. Fortunately, eco-friendly pool builders based in Melbourne can help to reduce this impact. By utilizing low-toxicity materials, encouraging water re-use, and using energy-efficient equipment, they can lower the overall consumption of water and electricity
One simple but effective measure is to use a pool cover to reduce water evaporation, which can account for up to 95% of a pool’s energy usage. Another is to build the pool with a permeable surface such as pavers or gravel, which allows for the natural flow of rainwater into soil and ecosystems, rather than into sewer systems or stormwater drains.
Other measures include building with a minimum of excavation that could disturb the surrounding landscape and choosing a design that minimizes landscaping requirements, thereby reducing contaminant runoff and soil erosion. Using solar water heaters and pumps also cuts the need for electrical power. Additionally, incorporating rainwater harvesting into the design can help to significantly reduce reliance on municipal and private water sources and can be integrated with landscape features like swales or rain gardens for aesthetic appeal.
While there are no specialized green certifications for pool construction, the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system does provide guidelines and incentives that can benefit environmentally conscious pool builders. For example, when builders choose to use recycled aggregate and fly ash for concrete, they can earn LEED points. Similarly, when they select materials for the deck that prevent heat islands and are high in reflectivity, they can gain LEED points.
Water Conservation
Water conservation is a crucial part of ensuring the sustainability of your pool, especially in regions like Melbourne. By reducing evaporation, optimizing filtration systems, and promptly addressing leaks, Melbourne pool servicing can help you significantly cut down on your pool’s water usage. Embracing these practices is an eco-friendly and financially smart approach to your pool’s maintenance, ensuring a sustainable and enjoyable swimming experience
Another way that pool builders are greening their work is by incorporating LEED-friendly features into their projects. For example, by selecting low-VOC materials for the deck surfaces that surround a pool, builders can earn LEED points for preventing a heat-island effect. This means that bare feet won’t be as likely to burn on hot surfaces and the pool itself will consume less energy.
Additionally, pool and spas help prevent the proliferation of mosquitoes that can carry diseases like West Nile Virus. Consequently, they’re an important resource for the local communities that they serve and should not be restricted during times of drought. PHTA and CPSA have been working to address the issue by developing a water-saving pool guide and educating officials on the facts about swimming pools’ water usage, so that restrictions aren’t imposed without careful consideration. These efforts are critical, particularly as some regions are considering bans on filling and building new pools during times of drought.
Materials
The chemicals used to keep traditional pools clean have a negative impact on the environment and humans, especially those with skin sensitivities or respiratory issues. These harsh chemicals also evaporate into the air, releasing greenhouse gases. Eco-friendly pool designs utilize natural filtration methods to decrease the need for these chemicals and promote healthier swimming environments.
Water conservation is another key aspect of sustainable swimming pools. It takes a lot of energy to heat and maintain a warm, clean pool. Eco-friendly pool designs are more efficient, using less energy and reducing monthly utility bills. They also use alternative water sources that don’t require the energy-intensive process of refilling and reheating.
Some sustainable pool construction techniques help reduce evaporation, the primary cause of water loss. A pool cover significantly decreases the amount of water lost from a pool, decreasing the need to re-fill the pool each day and lowering recurring maintenance costs.
A pool built with natural stone requires less energy to produce than an average concrete pool. The stones can be sourced locally, which cuts down on the energy required to transport them from elsewhere. Additionally, permeable paving allows rainwater to pass through the surface and be collected in underlying layers or directed toward a storage tank, which can be part of a larger rainwater harvesting system for the pool.
Recycling
While the initial investment for greener pools is higher, these systems save energy and water over time. They also help to reduce the harmful effects of chemicals that can contaminate water and damage wildlife and plants. Additionally, eco-friendly pool construction methods minimize runoff issues and work to preserve the landscape of your yard.
Traditional swimming pools use a lot of water, not only during filling and backwashing, but also through evaporation. This is a huge problem, especially in climates where water scarcity is already a concern. Furthermore, chlorine and other chemicals used to sanitize the water can leach into the environment, harming ecosystems and affecting human health.
Aside from this, the electricity used to power pumps, filters and heaters contributes to energy consumption. This is particularly true for pools located in cooler climates that need to be heated for a large portion of the year.
Aside from these major impacts, there are a number of smaller concerns that can be addressed through smarter pool design and maintenance. For example, using a solar heating system can significantly lower energy costs and emissions. Moreover, choosing eco-friendly materials that are biodegradable and require less energy to produce can significantly cut down on environmental damage and indoor air pollution. Lastly, eco-friendly options also use far fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are known to cause allergies and asthma.