If you're looking for new ways to be more eco-conscious, your swimming pool might not be the first place you think of. While the required water, energy, and chemicals involved in owning a pool may have some level of impact on the environment-there are several ways that you can make your pool more eco-friendly that you may not have considered. Here are a few suggestions to keep in mind:

Conserving Water

• Utilize a filtration system that does not require backwashing, or the dumping of water

• Create windbreaks around the pool to prevent higher water-evaporation rates

• Maintain properly balanced water at all times so that no chemical overdosing or water discharge is necessary

Reducing Energy

• Replace or supplement heating system with solar heating or energy-efficient heat pumps

• Use low-voltage lighting in the swimming pool and for any exterior lights around the pool

• Run the filter in the early morning of night, avoiding extra drain on the electrical grid; this reduces the likelihood that energy companies will need to use back-up power

• Upgrade to a filter that removes more debris in less time

Limiting Chlorine Consumption

• Use an automatic pool cleaner to ensure consistent cleanliness

• Clear the area surround the pool of leaves and other debris

• Regularly clean the skimmer basket and other cleaning supplies and accessories

• Run circulation equipment in accordance with the pool's requirements

Eco-Friendly Pool Cleaning Solutions

• Ozone Pool Cleaning Systems: Ozone-cleaning systems can reduce the amount of chlorine needed in the pool by destroying unwanted contaminants

• Ultraviolet Pool Cleaners: These pool cleaners also reduce the chlorine demand in a pool by harnessing the power of ultraviolet light and cleaning contaminated particles as water flows through it

Between regularly maintaining your pool and investing in a few upgrades, there are plenty of ways to make your pool more eco-friendly. In general, many of these environmentally conscious measures will end up saving costs in the long run by requiring less energy, water and chlorine use. For more information, and to learn about scheduling weekly pool maintenance, contact AAA Pool Service today.