Eco Options for Swimming Pools

While the great Australian dream may be to own your own home, there’s no denying the cherry on top is to laze by your own swimming pool. With our love of the summer outdoors, swimming pools can be more than just a bit of fun. The pool area can be our family focus, our entertainment hub, and even our haven. With the resurgence in environmental concerns over the last decade or so, pool equipment manufacturers have (thankfully) stepped up and started to incorporate eco friendly options for the backyard swimming pool. If you are looking at installing a new pool or renovating an old pool, and you want to ensure your choices are environmentally friendly, here a few areas to consider:

• Salt Pools Pty Ltd swimming pools use a salt-water chlorination, rather than a traditional chlorination method. As salt water passes through a chlorinator, the salt transforms into a gas that dissolves in water leaving liquid chlorine. Salt-water pools eliminate the need for chemicals to be frequently added to the water, and the need to store them around the home. Added to that, they feel much nicer on the skin, and there’s less likelihood of strong chlorine odours.

• Filtration and sanitizing equipment that use minimum amounts of water and chemicals are recommended. There are several options available today so it’s worth consulting an experienced pool designer to ensure you’re clear on all the alternatives.

• Conventional pool heating uses a huge amount of electricity. Solar heating is an obvious environmentally friendly choice which may have higher upfront costs but will be more cost effective in the long term. And once your have your equipment in place, simple steps like running filters or heating with a timer and in off peak times, can make a difference.

• And the backyard swimming pool doesn’t need to be the keen water guzzler it once was. Keep water levels maintained. Use a pool cover to minimize evaporation, teach the kids to avoid abundant splashing and bombing, and top up your pool with rainwater, or supplies from your own rainwater tanks. Consult your local water authority or council for water saving tips and incentives (some rebates are available for instance, if you purchase certain water saving devices for the home).

The key to an environmentally friendly swimming pool is knowledge and preparation. Ask your pool builder what eco options are available at every stage of the process and be aware of any measures you can implement to minimize wasted resources once the swimming pool is in use.

Looking after the planet while looking after yourself makes for one great summer’s day.