Pool by Josh Tidsbury
In the past, people living in villages used to enjoy old wells or tanks used as swimming pools during hot summer days. These were the predecessors of modern swimming pools, and you can take a glance of them in old films. Nowadays, swimming pools are a distinctive feature of family life for many. Their characteristic blue waters gained enormous popularity and they are no longer a rich privilege. However, the water in them is hardly as unsafe as in the swimming pools decades ago. On average, about 4 kilograms of bleaching powder are applied daily to provide residual chlorine and keep the bacteria and germs away.
Closer Look at Your Swimming Pool
Swimming pools are generally seen as water wasters. Regular cleaning of the pool means that a large volume of water is discharged during the process. However, these losses of water can be reduced by recycling systems, which make the pools more water efficient. Negatives of the recycling systems are energy intensity and massive usage of chlorine used to clean the waters. The challenge lies in reducing and eliminating water losses and excessive use of chemicals. Using energy at a minimum while preserving comfortable pool conditions is another hard nut. The option here may be an ecological pool.
Building an Ecological Swimming Pool
The concept of the ecological pool is derived from the idea of balance and self-regulatory mechanisms often seen in nature. Therefore the ecological pool resembles a natural pond. For example, instead of using a pump and other instruments, one can do away with several depths of water to move it thermally. After your pool is installed, you can enjoy the minimum maintenance requirements associated with its lower costs.
Typha by Wikimedia
Commons
Plants are beneficial, too. Their selection and strategic placement helps in cleansing and oxygenation. Most often, locally growing plants are suitable. Typha is a favourite choice, together with Canna, or similar plants with an underground stem called a rhizome. Such vegetation contributes to the removal of nitrates and phosphates and discourages the excessive growth of algae. Appropriate shading trees growing in the right directions are also useful for the water temperature to stay nice and low.
Such environmentally friendly pools are divided into two parts: one with the plant filter and stones called the water regeneration section, and the swimming area. A bottom lining of UV resistant and tear resistant plastic lined with earth is usually used to protect the pool. The maintenance of a green pool includes the mechanical removal of leaves with a skimmer and cleaning the waters with organic material.
Eco-friendly Pool Maintenance
You can choose from several options to efficiently heat and care for the swimming pool while keeping the use of chemical products and energy at the minimum. Here are some useful tips:
How to Avoid Chlorine
Chlorine, the bacteria-killer, whether in form of pellet, tablet, or liquid, has many inconveniences. We all know how irritating it is swimming in chlorinated water, especially for eyes and skin. It often causes respiratory problems to people with sensitive lungs too. Of course, the substance is harmful to the environment.
Salt
Pool Maintenance by Jayson
Ignacio
The salt system is one of the safer means to replace chlorine. Its installation may seem expensive, but after that no additional chlorine is necessary as salt produces chlorine. Such solution saves on the budget and comes as a healthier option since salt is more natural for skin. Newest salt systems are sophisticated and they are able to monitor and clean themselves. The downside of salt is the possibility of leakage into the soil and drainage systems during backwash and emptying the pool. Excessive accumulation of calcium can cause corrosion and contaminate water reservoirs. Considering this aspect, the method is not entirely eco-friendly.
Ozone Generator
This mechanism is based on converting oxygen molecules into ozone which is then sent to disinfect the pool water. The ozone reverts back to the oxygen after it is stirred by normal water movement. Oxygen is a harmless substance for humans and the environment. However, unlike the salt system, the ozone generator requires daily maintenance. Also, a small amount of chlorine should be used to maintain the water quality since ozone has a short life span.
Silver and Copper Ioniser
The ionizing device, placed between the sand filter and the backwash, produces copper and silver ions that are then released into the water. Silver is effective in the destruction of bacteria and viruses, while copper ions kill algae and prevent their further growth. The stable concentration of the ions guarantees disinfection. Ions have no adverse effects on eyes or skin and their application is ecological. A small quantity of chlorine must be used here as well to rid the pool of the skin's natural oils and sunscreen residue. With this option, the chlorine use can be decreased by 70 to 90 per cent.
Solar Heating Systems
Heating the swimming pool with conventional sources becomes expensive. A solar water heater can therefore be a cheap and earth-friendly alternative. The device is quiet, clean, cost-efficient, and requires no further maintenance. Solar panels similar to those installed on roofs are used to transfer heat from sun rays to the water brought back to the pool. A temperature regulator is efficient in the orientation of solar panels and reacting to the different weather conditions. A solar blanket is recommended at night or during lower temperatures to cut the heat loss.
Some further advice for the eco-friendly maintenance of your pool includes the replacement of the traditional sand filtration system with more ecological natural stones, as well as turning off the lights and other devices when not in use.
Ecological Pool Experts
If you're tempted by the idea of natural swimming pools as a chemical-free alternative to the conventional, chemically treated pools, you probably wonder about the companies that offer services in this area of business.
Bona Vista
Bona Vista
Bona Vista is a well established pool business that offers eco-friendly pool options. They can help you with construction, re-construction, supplies, or maintenance. Their green products include hydraulic efficient plumbing designs, solar heating systems, and efficient heating mechanisms.
Eco-Pools Inc.
This company is based in Holland Landing and provides extensive service connected with natural swimming pools. Eco-Pools Inc. is a good place to start when you want to install, renovate, and service a pool by incorporating the most current innovations and environmentally friendly products in the industry.
Bremner Pool
Bremner Pool & Spa specializes in swimming pool service. This company with more than 30 years of experience operates ten service vehicles. They offer several eco-friendly products and services, including weekly pool service, heaters, liners, and pumps.