Your swimming pool is probably the last thing you think of when it comes to going green, environmentally that is. But that sparkling oasis in your backyard can be more damaging to our environment than you might think. In our effort to keep pools clean and comfortable we create hazardous waste, pollute our air and waste precious water.
Here are some easy ways you can be a little more environmentally conscious with your pool and save some money while you’re at it.
Buying And Storing Chemicals
When purchasing liquid chemicals (acid or chlorine) I recommend a pool store and not the grocery store-where the chemicals tend to sit around and lose potency.
Only buy what you plan to use within 2 weeks to ensure you actually use it all. This will help you use less of the chemical as it will be more potent when you need it.
If you find some old jugs of chemicals laying around make sure to use them, otherwise you will need to take them to a hazardous waste center.
When throwing away empty jugs make sure to thoroughly rinse them out and check with your local recycling company about their guidelines.
Reusable containers for liquid chlorine and muriatic acid are great for the environment and cheaper than the disposable. Requires a $5 deposit which will be refundable anywhere returnable’s are sold.
Water Consumption
Only drain your swimming pool when it is absolutely necessary. Just because your swimming pool is green doesn’t mean it needs to be drained.
Check around your equipment for moisture, leaky equipment is usually an easy fix and should never be put off.
When back-washing your pool filter make sure not to backwash longer than whats needed to remove all the dirt.
Windbreaks such as walls, trees, bushes and water features will prevent breezes from reaching your pool and keep hot, dry air from sucking away moisture.
Energy Consumption
When replacing your pool pump motor be sure to use energy efficient replacement motors which only cost slightly more than standard motors.
If you need to replace your entire pump you now have the option to go with pumps that will calculate and program the minimum flow requirements for every pool task – filtering, heating, cleaning, spa jets, water features and more. This option can save you up to 90% on your electric bill and should pay for it’s self within the first year.
Pool lights can definitely make a swimming pool more enjoyable at night, but make sure to only use the pool light if you are using the pool.
Next time you need to change your light bulb in your pool, consider swapping out that 400w bulb for a 22w Color Splash™ LED bulb, comes with 9 exotic color modes.This upgrade looks cool and will definitely pay for itself if you enjoy using your pool light.
Make sure not to run your pool pump longer than what is necessary. The rule of thumb here is 1 hour for every 10 degrees, so 8 hours when it’s 80 degrees outside.
Make sure your automatic cleaner is working properly so you’re not running the system longer for desired results.
You may or may not be aware but on December 19, 2007, the President signed into law the Virginia Graham Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. The Act requires that all public swimming pools and spas be equipped with anti-entrapment drain covers that comply with the ASME/ANSI A112.19.8-2007 Standard by December 19, 2008.
