Having a pool is a dream come true for many homeowners. For those living an eco-friendly lifestyle, however, it can seem like a dream that will never come true. Pools use a lot of water and create a lot of waste. Fortunately, you can have your pool, and be eco-friendly, too! Here are a few tips to help.

Know Your Budget

One of the first things you should determine is your budget. Eco-friendly pools aren’t always going to be cheap. You have to spend a little more to ensure you minimize your impact on the environment. You can check out inground pool prices to compare your options and see what best fits within your budget. If you can’t afford the entire price out of pocket, you can also look into financing options.

Choose a Knowledgeable Builder

While most pool builders are experts in their field, with countless hours of experience under their belts, not all are knowledgeable when it comes to eco-friendly pools. The wrong contractor can create some serious problems, leaving you unhappy with the results (and possibly spending far too much money in the process).

When you’re looking to hire a builder to bring your pool to life, start by reading reviews. Check specifically for information regarding eco-friendliness. Speak to people you know. As you narrow down your options, start making phone calls and setting up interviews. Of course, make sure any pool builder you consider is licensed and insured. Just in case something happens on your property, you and the builders are protected.

If Possible, Avoid Concrete

One major benefit of hiring a pool builder with experience in eco-friendly pools is that they’ll know the best materials to use. One you’ll want to try to avoid (if possible) is concrete. While it’s technically fine, concrete is porous. If the lining rips or erodes away, the risk of bacteria growing and getting into your pool water goes up significantly. Instead, consider non-porous alternatives, such as fiberglass or carbon-ceramic composite. Bacteria can’t leech into your pool through these materials.

Go Chemical-Free

Conventional pools typically rely heavily on the use of chemicals to keep the water clean. These chemicals aren’t just bad for the people using your pool, but they’re also bad for the environment. If the water splashes out of the pool or you spill the chemicals before putting them in the water, you run the risk of contaminating your yard. Instead, go natural. Look for moss filtration or reed bed technology and eco-pumps. These options will enable you to have a pool completely free of chemicals.  

Add Solar Panels

It’s not uncommon for people to want to heat their pools to keep them comfortable. Running the heat requires using electricity. In addition to running up your power bill, electricity isn’t the greatest for the environment.

Rather than heating your pool the conventional way, install solar panels. The panels absorb the sun’s rays and convert them into energy that you can then use to heat your pool water. The great thing is that if you don’t have solar panels on your house (which can be another expensive but incredibly eco-friendly addition to your home), you can invest in a few panels for your yard, just for your pool.

Invest in a Pool Cover

Pools require a lot of water. Many owners often find themselves adding more because water evaporates out. You can get a significant amount of evaporation by placing a cover over your pool when you’re not using it.

It’s entirely possible to build an eco-friendly pool, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of pool ownership without compromising your lifestyle. With a little research, you’ll be able to make the possibility of owning a pool a reality.