Pool

• Typical backyard pools hold between 40,000 and 65,000 litres of water. Even if this is obtained from rainwater, effective and diligent maintenance of the water quality is essential to avoid excessive evaporation over the summer (though it continues year-round), and eliminate the need to dump unhealthy water into the stormwater or sewage system.

Getting the most out of a backyard pool

In these days of water restrictions and rising water costs, a backyard pool remains a luxury item and will almost inevitably compromise any household’s attempts to reduce its ecological footprint. But with careful selection of pool equipment, supplementary water supplies, and regular maintenance, a pool need not be an endless drain on resources.

A well-designed new pool can substantially reduce energy consumption, chemical use and water loss due to evaporation, and older pools can be retrofitted with devices to make them more efficient. For example:

• cartridge filters can save about 15,000 litres of water a year over sand filters, which need to be backwashed into the drains
• a thermal cover, which reduces evaporation, also keeps any heat in the pool
• a water tank, even a small one, can be used to top up the pool, instead of using mains water
• shade structures over the pool can reduce leaf and dirt contamination, slow evaporation rates, and give sun protection for swimmers
• solar heating elements can be used to heat pool water over the cooler months
• careful pool chemical systems and monitoring, and regular filter cleaning, can maintain healthy water and also reduce the need to frequently replace the water
• modern construction materials and techniques can reduce the likelihood of water-wasting leaks developing

Energy Savings

Did you know that for every 1 hour reduction in pool pump running time you could save over $80 per year and half a tonne in greenhouse gas emissions? These savings in greenhouse gas emissions are equivalent to what is generated by your car in 6 weeks.

A 2 HP (1.5KW) pool pump run for 8 hours a day at Tariff 11 costs around $650 per year and produces around 4 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year.

In winter, and other times your pool is covered, your pool pump does not need to run for as many hours as in summer.

In summer, manufacturers recommend running pool pumps for eight hours per day. In winter, with cooler conditions and pool covers, pool pumps can be effective if run for as little as 4 hours.

This could mean average green house gas emissions savings of 1 tonne per year and it could mean a saving of up to $160 for a 2 HP pool pump.

To ensure your pool remains healthy, use a home test kit or take a sample to your local pool supply retailer. You may need to adjust the running time to suit your pool. Consult with your pool supplier for advice on optimal running time.

By switching to an off peak tariff, such as Tariff 33, you could save even more. Switching to an off peak Tariff could save you up to $250 per year.

You can save even more by making a few simple changes such as:

• Timers should be checked regularly to ensure they are working properly
• Keep your filter in good condition by back washing regularly rather than waiting for the pressure to rise on the gauge.
• If building a new pool or replacing the filter, look for the most energy efficient model.

How to select the right pool for your home

Do you need a full-sized pool, when a smaller spa might be more your style? Would a swim trainer current pool meet your needs better than a larger lap pool? Is a small plunge pool enough to keep the kids cool in summer?

Different water sanitation methods are now available and are generally chosen according to cost, user allergies and the amount of time available to maintain the pool. The most common methods of sanitation are chlorine, salt, ionisers, freshwater and ozone systems.

Pool temperature can be maintained year round to increase the swimming season. Gas, electric and solar water heating systems are all available and the choice will be determined not only by installation cost but by running costs, solar usually being the most preferred option. If you need the pool interior to be lit, low voltage lighting in the pool is extremely safe these days and can provide a landscaping feature.