Over the last decade we’ve seen society make huge steps towards being more eco-conscious. We’ve seen solar power initiatives, brands and products “going green,” electric alternatives replacing fossil fuels and more. Individuals opting to be more environmentally friendly are looking for small ways they can contribute to these movements in their homes and everyday lives. If you’re wanting to make your home more environmentally conscious, a solution is right in your backyard. Literally. If you want tobuild a pool in your yard, there are ways to ensure your Twin Cities swimming pool is eco-friendly.
Are Pools Normally Eco-Friendly?
Traditional chlorine swimming pools are not always eco-friendly. A somewhat obvious reason is that to have a pool, you need lots of water to fill it up. This can become an issue if you live in an area where water is more scarce. Chlorine pools can also have a negative effect on the environment because the harmful chemicals can get into the ground around the pool, and harm the ecosystem both in the ground and potentially the ozone.
How Can I Make My Swimming Pool Eco-Friendly?
Thankfully, there are increasingly more ways to build an eco-friendly pool for your Minneapolis or St. Paul home.
Choose a salt water pool
Salt water pools are becoming popular for many reasons. For one, they use significantly less chlorine, which is not only beneficial to the environment, but for you. Salt water is significantly better for your hair and skin than chlorine.
Go with a green chlorine alternative
Similar to salt water being a chlorine alternative, there are other alternatives such as bromine. PHMB (polyhexamethylene biguanide,) Ozonator systems and natural mineral sanitizers. These alternatives may occasionally require a small amount of chlorine to keep algae away, but they are a great option to make your pool eco-friendly.
Install a solar heater
As you look for ways to be more energy efficient with your Minnesota home’s pool, a solar heating system for your swimming pool is an eco-friendly way to conserve energy. Solar-powered heaters absorb energy from the sun and pass this energy through the filtration system. Not only can you feel good about using less energy, you’ll also save money each month on your energy bills!
Add a timer to your pump
Many pools have pumps running much more often than they need to. As long as your pump is sized properly to your pool’s volume, a timer is a good eco-friendly option. Adding an automatic timer to your pool’s pump system will ensure your water gets filtered regularly, without wasting more energy than it needs.
Cover your pool or install pool enclosure
When building your swimming pool, you’re likely going to want a pool cover or enclosure so grass, leaves and critters stay out. You might not even realize that a cover for your swimming pool is eco-friendly! By covering or enclosing your pool, you’re sealing heat in which saves energy, keeping debris out which means less energy spent filtering, and you’re discouraging evaporation, which means using less water.
Trust Prestige Pools to Build Your Eco-Friendly Swimming Pool in Minnesota
If these “green” alternatives are appealing to you, the Twin Cities pool building experts at Prestige Pools can ensure your pool is eco-friendly. Contact us today if you have more questions about eco-friendly swimming pools, or if you’re ready to get started!