Water Worries: Can A Swimming Pool Be Eco-Friendly?

By Brooke Chaplan

Installing a swimming pool in your backyard can transform your space into a resort-like oasis. It gives you a place for entertaining, exercising and more. However, swimming pools also can be viewed as being bad for the environment. This is because of the excessive amount of water waste associated with pools as well as the harsh chemicals that are used to maintain the water in chlorine pools. While traditional pools may indeed be bad for the environment, the reality is that there are some more eco-friendly options to consider.

A Swim Spa

A swim spa is a unique type of pool that is generally much smaller in size than a traditional pool. It has a strong current in it that allows you or your loved ones to essentially swim in place. Because of this unique feature, it requires very little space in your yard and uses much less water and energy to maintain. In addition, it can even double as a hot tub to give you multi-purpose functionality.

A Saltwater Pool

Another option that is increasingly popular is a saltwater pool. These swimming pools only use a very limited amount of chlorine and requires treatment annually. The most common maintenance task associated with it is to sprinkle the right type of salt into the pool regularly. Many people find that this type of pool is easier on their skin and respiratory system than a chlorine-based pool as well, and their bathing suits last longer as well. The downside, however, is that it can be more expensive to install initially.

A Moss-Filtered Pool

Using moss to filter a swimming pool may not sound ideal, but with the right type of moss used, it can produce wonderful results. Sphagnum moss has been used successfully in many pools to filter bacteria and other elements out of swimming pool water to create a safe, healthy swimming experience. It is even currently being used in public and college campus swimming pools in the United States. The moss needs to be harvested or cut back approximately once per month. This is a great way to enjoy a freshwater swimming experience on a dime.

A Natural Pool

When you install a natural swimming pool in your yard, you typically will have a mud or gravel border and fresh water inside the pool. This gives you a hassle-free and all-natural swimming experience. The extensive use of vegetation in the pool eliminates the need for a filtration or cleaning system. This is not always the most sterile swimming experience in comparison to a chlorine pool, but it is a safe and healthy option in most cases. In fact, natural pools are increasingly popular in the United States, and they have already been used in Europe for decades.

An Ozone Pool

Another option to consider is to install an ozone pool on your property. This unique system uses solar power and ozone to kill most or all of the bacteria that may grow in swimming pools. Depending on the type of ozone system that you install, you may be able to eliminate between 80 and 100 percent of the chemicals that you otherwise would have needed to use in the pool.

As you can see, there are many fabulous swimming pool options to consider. While a chlorine pool may be the most common option, you can use any of these other designs to reduce or eliminate the chemicals required to maintain healthy water in your pool. You can also adjust the pool size to keep the pool’s water replenishment needs to a minimum. As you examine these pools to find the right option for your needs, keep installation and ongoing maintenance costs in mind as well to make the best decision for your home.