Most people might think of a swimming pool as a luxurious indulgence. Indeed, it’s something that most of us can live without, but, if you have to have a swimming pool, there are ways to make sure your pool is sustainable and is good for the environment. Here are some ideas:

1- Shower before you get into the pool

Chlorine becomes toxic and even carcinogenic as it combines with organic matter, such as dirt, leaves,skin, or hair. So, showering before you get into the pool helps to decrease the amount of organic matter present on your pool which reacts with the chlorine.

2- Use your pool sweep system sparingly

If possible, set your pool’s filter and pool sweep to run only during off-peak hours to avoid forcing the electricity company to utilize backup generators that are not as efficient or good for the environment. Regulate the length of time you run your filter and vacuum in the fall and winter months, especially if you will not be using your pool anyway. A pool cover will help to keep it clean enough, and you’ll save on energy costs.

3- Build a natural pool

Natural pools like the ones made by Bristol-based firm Clear Water Revival is a chemical-free, comparatively low-tech and very affordable method to produce an indoor pool that is eco-friendly. Materials like clay and gravel are used rather than concrete and fiberglass, and aquatic plants substitute chlorine and costly mechanical irrigation methods with organic purification which enriches the swimming with oxygen, supports beneficial bacteria and gives a natural habitat for marine life.

Spanish architectural business Urbanarbolismo specializes in the integration of character to structures, designing green roofs and vertical gardens in addition to natural pools. They feature edible plants like cress, mint, in addition to small fish and fish that is native to consume mosquito larvae and other insects that are unwanted.

4- Try a Moss Pool

Like normal pools, moss-filtered pools require less chemicals like chlorine and algaecide because they inhibit the growth of germs. Additionally, this reduces water intake since there is less regular requirement to backwash the pool. A moss pool can reduce chemical usage by 40% and water consumption by 75%, saving thousands of dollars.

5- Use solar heating

Using energy efficient boilers and solar panels will decrease energy costs. There is nothing new about using solar heating in swimming pools these days that’s an easy thing to do for most households. However, there are other emerging options too, such as, in the Netherlands, some swimming pools are heated by heat from wastewater. Using a wastewater treatment plant heat is extracted from the wastewater to heat the pool up to 30C. It’s a new system that conserves thousands of dollars in energy as well as reduces carbon dioxide emissions significantly.

If you love saving the environment, please use an eco-friendly toilet.