From Guest Blogger Dixie Somers: How to Ensure Your Backyard Pool is Eco-Friendly

If you’ve become concerned about the environment along with millions of others, you may have wondered what it takes to maintain an eco-friendly pool. Whether you regard your pool as a luxury or a hot-weather necessity, there are ways to enjoy it and help protect the environment at the same time.

Cover It Up

The single most effective thing can do is to use your pool cover, especially during the summer weather. Ideally, you should install a roll-out cover that’s easy to deploy and retract whenever you want to use the pool. In the meantime, with the cover in place, you’re conserving water by restricting evaporation. A cover will also keep out debris, including wildlife and insects, so that you can run the filter pump less and save electricity.

Prime Your Pump

The pump has to move a lot of water and it can eat up a lot of electricity. Fuel-powered pumps use up dwindling fossil fuels and generate greenhouse gases that contribute to pollution and global warming. Most people run their pumps up to 12 hours a day, but you may find you can keep a clean pool with much less. Keep filter traps clean and maintain your pump to keep it running at optimal efficiency.

Upgrade

If you’re willing to spend more to save more, you should give serious thought to upgrading your old pump. Convert from fuel to an electric pump if possible. Look for modern Energy Star pumps that use less electricity. You might also add a little more pool technology such as programmable timers, solar power, and variable-speed pumps for the most efficient system possible.

Natural Salt

The typical pool needs regular infusions of chlorine and other chemicals to kill germs and algae. But these compounds are harmful to the environment and can also irritate the eyes and skin of swimmers. They aren’t environmentally friendly at all; chlorine manufacture results in mercury emissions, while chlorine evaporation in your pool can contribute to the ozone in the atmosphere. You can keep it just as clean with saltwater systems that are much healthier and less damaging to the environment.
Totally Green

More environment-conscious owners are switching from chemicals to naturally maintained pools. These concepts rely on natural aquatic plants to filter either fresh or salted water. Depending on the amount, they could either replace or complement the pool pump. If you’re really intent on going green, take the time to consult with a pool company like KrisCo Aquatech Pools & Spas about design alternatives and products for eco-friendly solutions.

Your household budget and personal tastes may limit what you can do. But if you’re willing to consult a pool expert and make some changes, you can have an idyllic pool with minimal environmental impact.