How Can My Pool Be Eco-Friendly?

Is there anything more pleasant than a backyard pool? Having a pool increases your home’s value, adds to its aesthetic appeal, and provides a great space for fun with family and friends. Unfortunately, most backyard pools are rough on the environment. That’s because they use harmful chemicals like chlorine to remain sparkling clean. Using chemicals kills bacteria, but also produces greenhouse gases as it evaporates, damages waterways as it’s drained and discharged, and harms organisms living in and around the pool. Pools use large amounts of electricity, and they waste water through evaporation and leaks. So, is there a way to have your pool and be eco-friendly too? We’re glad you asked! Energy-efficient pools are not out of the typical homeowner’s reach.

• Consider a conversion. Converting to a natural pool requires a major commitment, but it’s the ultimate way to make your pool environmentally friendly. Natural pools use plants instead of chemicals and a biofilter instead of a traditional pump, to dramatically reduce your carbon footprint.
• Save water with a cover. Covering your pool after each use can save an immense amount of water. A solar cover reduces evaporation by 50 percent while increasing the temperature by as much as 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Conserve energy by switching your equipment. Switch to a variable speed pump to reduce energy consumption by about 80 percent. A robotic pool cleaner won’t strain your pool’s circulation system, costs pennies per day to operate, and will allow you to go for longer stretches without cleaning your pool filter. Installing solar panels provides energy-efficient pool heat. When shopping for eco-friendly pool equipment, look for the Energy Star® label.
• Automate everything. When you put your pool equipment on an automated system, you’ll save money and energy by only using it when it’s needed.
• Stay on top of leaks. Hidden leaks are bad news for a pool and can waste hundreds of gallons of water every day. Regularly inspect your pool for leaks and have them repaired as soon as possible.
• Don’t neglect the other aspects of your pool. Eco-friendly pools involve more than just a hole full of water! Upgrade your pool lighting with LED or solar lights, which look better and use much less energy than incandescent lights. The way you landscape around your pool also has a major environmental impact. Choose low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, native plants, and reduce water evaporation and energy usage by planting trees and shrubs that will act as windbreaks.

It might not take too many modifications to make your pool more eco-friendly. When you need someone to care for that pool, Millennium Pool Service can help. With over 30 combined years of experience in the pool industry, we provide a comprehensive range of services for both residential and commercial customers in Virginia, Washington DC, and Maryland. When you hire Millennium Pool Service, you get a well-qualified, industry-trained staff, services that are tailored to your needs, and a commitment to 100% customer satisfaction. Contact us through our website for more information.