For many homeowners, the idea of owning a family pool comes with concerns about water and energy use, as well as the impact on the environment. But a sustainable pool is not only possible; it can also be an enjoyable and responsible choice for your family. Let’s explore practical tips for designing and maintaining an eco-friendly pool.
Use Mineral-Based Sanitation Systems
Mineral-based sanitation systems offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional chemical pool treatments. Systems like Mineral Swim use natural minerals, such as magnesium, to keep pool water clear and hygienic, significantly reducing the reliance on harsh chemicals like chlorine. This natural approach not only maintains water quality but also creates a softer, more enjoyable swimming experience that’s gentler on skin and eyes.
Choose Sustainable Timber Options for Decking
Sustainable timber is an excellent choice for eco-friendly pool decking, adding natural beauty while reducing environmental impact. Selecting responsibly sourced wood not only ensures durability but also supports sustainable forestry practices. Here are some top timber options for poolside decking in Australia:
- Spotted Gum: A popular choice for its resilience and strength, Spotted Gum is a native Australian hardwood that can withstand harsh outdoor conditions. It’s sustainably harvested and known for its durability and stunning colour variations.
- Ironbark: Another native hardwood, Ironbark is incredibly durable and naturally resistant to rot and insects, making it ideal for pool decking. Sustainably sourced Ironbark offers long-lasting performance and requires minimal maintenance.
- Jarrah: Sourced from Western Australia, Jarrah is a durable hardwood that’s resistant to decay and pests. Its rich red hues and strength make it a beautiful, sustainable choice for decking, especially when FSC-certified.
- Blackbutt: Known for its fire resistance and durability, Blackbutt is sustainably harvested along Australia’s eastern coast. It performs well outdoors and is a sturdy choice for poolside applications.
- Bamboo Composites: While not technically timber, bamboo composite decking combines recycled wood fibres and bamboo, making it an eco-friendly option. It’s resistant to moisture and UV exposure, offering a durable and low-maintenance alternative.
Utilise Solar Energy
- Solar Pool Heating: Installing solar panels to heat your pool water is a renewable energy solution that keeps temperatures comfortable without the high energy expenses of traditional heating systems. Solar pool heating systems are effective in many climates and provide reliable warmth year-round, making them a great investment for eco-conscious pool owners.
- Solar-Powered Equipment: Solar-powered pumps and filtration systems can further reduce energy consumption by operating independently from grid electricity. These systems use solar panels to power essential equipment, cutting down on energy costs and ensuring your pool runs efficiently and sustainably.
Efficient Water Management
- Rainwater Tanks: By installing rainwater harvesting systems, pool owners can minimise reliance on municipal water sources. These systems collect rainwater, which can be filtered and used for pool refills, reducing overall water consumption and creating a more sustainable, water-neutral pool environment.
- Efficient Water Circulation: Self-cleaning systems with optimised water circulation help maintain pool cleanliness with fewer chemicals and less frequent cleaning. By improving circulation, these systems minimise water loss, cut down on chemical usage, and contribute to a healthier, eco-friendly pool.
Energy-Efficient Pool Technologies
- Variable-Speed Pumps: Upgrading to a variable-speed pool pump is one of the most impactful ways to cut down on energy usage. These pumps, which can use up to 80% less energy than traditional single-speed models, adjust their speed to match the pool’s requirements, ensuring efficient filtration without unnecessary power consumption.
- Robotic Pool Cleaners: Models like the Maytronics Dolphin S 100 operate independently and use minimal electricity, robotic cleaners make maintaining a pristine pool easy and energy-efficient.
- LED Lighting: Using LED pool lighting is a simple yet powerful way to save energy. LED lights consume significantly less power, have a longer lifespan, and generate less heat, reducing both energy expenses and waste.
Warm Your Pool with Solar Pool Covers
A solar pool cover is a simple yet powerful tool for enhancing your pool’s eco-friendliness. By covering the pool when it’s not in use, you can significantly reduce water evaporation and heat loss, which conserves both water and energy. Pool covers also help maintain water temperature, reducing the need for additional heating and saving on electricity costs.
Go for Eco-Friendly Landscaping
- Native Plants: Choose native plants that are well-suited to the local climate and naturally resilient, reducing the need for excessive watering, fertilisers, or pesticides. Native plants, such as kangaroo paw, bottlebrush, and coastal rosemary, are excellent choices. Check out our landscaping tips for everything you need to get started!
- Permeable Paving: Traditional paving can create excess runoff, but permeable paving materials allow rainwater to seep into the ground, reducing runoff and supporting groundwater recharge. Options like porous concrete, gravel, or permeable pavers help manage stormwater naturally, enhancing sustainability around the pool area.
- Mulching and Drip Irrigation: Mulching garden beds retain soil moisture, reduces water needs, and prevents erosion, while drip irrigation systems deliver water directly to plant roots, minimising water waste.
Let’s Build Your Sustainable Dream Pool Together
At Environ Pools, we bring your vision to life with a bespoke, thorough design process tailored to your unique specifications and style. Reach out to us today to start building the pool you’ve always dreamed of – one that enhances your lifestyle and respects the environment.
