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Swimming pools can seem like huge wastes of energy and water. Admittedly, they are a luxury and not technically necessary. However, I'm willing to bet that if any of us owned a pool, we'd defend our lifestyle choice, because pools are also kind of awesome. Is there a way that we can have our pool and feel good about it?
Yes. It is entirely possible to fill your pool using grey water. And you can heat your pool with a solar pool heater. The Department of Energy touts the solar pool heater as the most efficient form of solar energy on the market. That's a pretty good reference. So you can be a pool owner and be green. But you can always be greener.
How to Save Water in Your Pool
- Turn Down the Thermostat
If you have a heated pool, lower the temperature a few degrees. The hotter the water, the more it evaporates away. - Get a pool cover
Pool covers reduce evaporation by 30 to 50% and will warm the pool naturally. - Plant a Windbreak
Wind whipping across the surface of the pool will remove water from the pool. A windbreak can help you conserve water as well as energy costs. - Check for Leaks
A leaky swimming pool can waste over 100,000 gallons of water per year. Learn how to check for leaks in your swimming pool. - Pool Filters
Keep filters clean to prevent backwash. If there is backwashed water, use it on your lawn or elsewhere. (Chemicals in the pool may damage some plants. Keep that in mind.) Keeping your pool clean will reduce stress on the filter. - Horseplay
Horseplay and splashing will waste water. I personally enjoy horseplay, roughhousing and shenanigans. But horseplay does waste water. Knocking it off will save water.
More on Water Conservation:
What's Your Water IQ?
How to Go Green: Water
Is Your Toilet Wasting Water? Take These Quick Tests to Find Out
10 Simple Ways You Can Keep Watersheds Clean
How to Garden with Urine
Got a tip or a post idea for us to write about on Planet Green? Email pgtips (at) treehugger (dot) com.
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