Green Your Pool: 5 Eco-Friendly Pool Tips

There are many benefits environmentally friendly pools offer including lower electricity bills, reduced water and energy waste and reduced chemical usage. Going “green” with your pool doesn’t require an expensive overhaul, but rather a few simple changes. The following five eco-friendly pool tips can help save you money, reduce your pool’s environmental impact and make your pool a healthier one for your friends and family to enjoy all summer long.

Energy Efficient Pool Pumps

When it comes to pool pumps, there are more options available today than ever before. Newer model pumps are available in dual-, four- and variable-speeds that increase energy efficiency by reducing the day-time flow rate while increasing the total amount of run time. A lower flow rate for a longer period of time uses less energy and makes less noise. Longer circulation periods also help to decrease algae growth, reducing the amount of cleaning time and chemicals needed. A more efficient pool pump means your filter has to work less, leading to even more savings.

Pool Covers

Pool covers are the easiest way to cut back on water usage and heating costs. Pool covers reduce water evaporation so you have to refill your pool less often, saving you money and making the planet smile. If you have a heated pool, solar pool covers harness the power of the Sun to heat your pool naturally, greatly reducing your overall energy usage and costs. Pool covers are also useful in keeping unwanted debris from being blown into the pool.

Natural Pool Cleaners

There are many benefits to switching to natural pool cleaners and chemicals. Pool cleaners and chemicals made of naturally-occurring, sustainable materials are less harsh compared to man-made pool chemicals and are better for both your family’s and the environment’s health. A popular line of natural pool cleaners is Natural Chemistry. Natural Chemistry pool chemicals are made from naturally-created enzymes and use a mixture of malt, molasses and citrus-based botanicals to keep your pool clean and sparkling.

Salt Water Chlorinators

While having a salt water pool doesn’t completely take the place of other pool chemicals like chlorine, it does mean that you’re going to be using a lot of them, reducing pool maintenance costs and dry and itchy skin that results from swimming in a chlorine-filled pool. When salt water is added to swimming pools, chlorine generators use a low voltage electrical charge to convert salt ions into chlorine. While the initial cost of a pool salt chlorinator is not cheap, it’s a worthy investment because it can end up saving you thousands of dollars in pool maintenance and cleaning costs.

Automatic Pool Cleaners

Automatic pool cleaners make cleaning the pool practically effortless, more efficient and ensures the task is not overlooked. Skipping regular pool cleanings allows algae growth to flourish and more debris to build up in the pool filter, making your expensive pool filter and pump work harder. Robotic pool cleaners keep your pool clean and running efficiently.

There are several easy ways to “green” your pool that will help reduce environmental impact, lower maintenance costs and create a healthier swim experience for your family and friends. For more information about optimizing your pool system visit The Pool Guy Store and we’ll be more than happy to help!

How to Use Pool Solar Covers

Using Solar Pool Covers

Solar safe pool covers offer more than just a warm pool. Of course a warm pool on a cold night is a good thing, but there are a wide variety of benefits that a solar cover provides. We want to ensure that you have the run down and basics on how to use them, and, above all, understand the benefit of owning solar pool covers.

So how do you use a pool solar cover?

1. It is actually a very easy process. In fact, it is so easy that you can do it yourself! However, before you begin, here are some simple tips to follow:
2. You can choose to place the cover onto the water either manually or with an automatic system 
3. If you are going to use the manual approach, you may need to get into the pool to ensure the cover is properly placed 
4. Make sure the cover completely encompasses the entire surface area of the water
5. Using a manual system with a crank makes the process much easier 
6. If you want to place the cover perfectly each and every time, check out the Wheels Solar Cover Reel System

Some Advice

You don’t need to worry about having a manual or automatic system for placing your cover on your pool. However, keep in mind that taking a cover on and off your pool by hand does require time and energy. Using a system makes the process much easier.

It is best that you store the solar cover in a shady area. You take a risk of the material degrading by storing the cover in direct sunlight. Remember, it is the job of the plastic to get very hot, so shade is always best.

Keep in mind that you don’t necessarily need to cover the entire pool to get all the benefits. For example, if you have a kidney shaped pool; it might not be possible to cover your entire pool with a rectangular shaped cover. However the portion covered will still retain heat, or you can choose to buy a shaped cover.

Big Benefits

Solar safe pool covers are a great way to save money. They increase the temperature of your pool by up to 15 degrees, which saves money on your pool heating bill.

The covers are designed to insulate and trap the sun’s heating rays, which ultimately benefits your pool and your wallet. The thermal bubbles along with the insulation properties have the ability to retain heat at night and on cloudy or cool days.

So, what are you waiting for?

Owning a solar pool cover not only provides money saving benefits, it allows you to swim whenever you want. You deserve a warm pool, even if you don’t have a pool heater!

Start saving money and start using the power of the sun for more than a suntan! Contact The Pool Guy Store today. We are happy to help and always available to answer any questions.