A swimming pool is a great addition that adds value to your home, but it can be an energy hog. Backyard pools use up more electricity, water, and in some cases, fossil fuel, than anything else in your home except your HVAC system. Find out how you can have a green home and still own a pool.
Assess Your Pool’s Carbon Footprint
To assess your pool’s carbon footprint, know the size of your pool, how many litres of water you need to fill it up and how much electricity you need to power the pool pump. Bear in mind that each litre of water lost to evaporation and splashing and the heat lost to exposure to cold air all add to your carbon footprint.
Heat Your Pool using a Solar Pool Heating System
The most significant leap you can make towards an energy efficient swimming pool is to invest in solar pool heaters. They are far more efficient than gas or electric heaters. Using the heat generated from the sun to heat your swimming pool water is a smart and green idea. Make sure of course that if you are heating your pool water you invest in a pool cover to keep the heat from escaping.
Invest in Energy-Efficient Technologies
Anything you add to your pool should be energy-efficient for it to be really green. Change your pool light to a modern LED light system to reduce energy consumption significantly. Ensure you use a pool cover when heating your pool to keep the heat in your pool water and avoid operating your heating system excessively.
Practice Green Habits Religiously
You should also make a commitment to use and care for your swimming pool efficiently and wisely, in every way you can. Clean your pool using a non-electric cleaner, skip draining during the winter and cover it instead, or be a good lifeguard and stop any form of horseplay that causes excessive splashing. Check for leaks and clean your filter routinely. Turn off the waterfall when not in use.
If you can commit to these good pool ownership practices, then you deserve to have one. Owning a big pool comes with responsibilities. If you would like to know more about how to reduce your pool’s carbon footprint, contact Pool Solar & Spa today.