Managing water and, by extension, saving water are two of our major concerns. Pool owners are increasingly seeking solutions to minimize their consumption of this resource as global awareness of its importance grows.
Fortunately, technological innovations have revolutionized the way that pool owners consume and manage their water, leading to a more sustainable and responsible approach to pool ownership.
Smart Filtration Systems
One of the first aspects to consider when saving water in a swimming pool is the filtration system. A filtering system is essential for keeping water clean, but it can also be a waste source. As a result, many manufacturers have developed more efficient and water-friendly filtration systems. This can reduce the overall water consumption of the pool, saving money and resources in the long run.
Textile filter media is one of these innovations. It is composed of layers of polymer fibers of varying densities with a filtration fineness of 1 to 3 microns. By clogging less frequently, this new media saves more than 50% of water. Moreover, it is capable of replacing sand without requiring a change of filter.
Recycled glass filter media is another innovative filter medium. The polished glass granules replace sand in the filtration process and provide a fineness of around 5 microns. There is a consequent improvement in the clarity of pool water and a reduction in clogging. The result, as with its predecessor, is a significant reduction in water consumption. In addition, this media has a much longer lifespan than sand, resulting in fewer replacements and a greater conservation of water.
Cyclonic Pre-Filters
Using centrifugal force, cyclonic pool pre-filters separate debris from pool water. Installed between the pump and the filter, they capture all dirt that is larger than 40 or 50 microns, depending on the model. This results in two outcomes:
- Reduced clogging of the filter, resulting in fewer backwashes
- Water quality is improved, reducing the need to sweep the pool and change the bathing water.
A prefilter requires approximately 4gal (ca. 15 l) of water to clean, instead of several hundred liters for a sand filter. According to the manufacturers, the saving in water is approximately 1,320 gal (ca. 5 mÂł) for a standard-sized pool.
Automatic Pool Water Control Systems
Automated pool Chemistry Monitoring and Control Systems (CMCS) use sensors to detect chlorine, pH, and other chemicals levels in the pool water. When the sensors detect that the levels are too high or too low, the system can send an alert to the owner. It can also automatically adjust the levels to bring them back into the desired range.
The purpose of these devices is not only to enhance the quality and longevity of water, but also to prevent chemical overdoses, which often result in water being wasted. Having a poor chemical balance can cause algae or limescale problems, which require draining and refilling the pool.
Morana's advice 👇
Filtration systems with advanced technology
Sand filters should be replaced with advanced filtration systems, such as diatomaceous earth or cartridge filters, which provide finer filtration and reduce the frequency of water replacements. These advanced technologies ensure cleaner water, reducing water consumption.
Use of automated control systems
Automated control systems in pool maintenance offer several benefits. They not only monitor and adjust water levels, pH, and disinfectant levels, but they also provide real-time data and alerts, allowing for proactive maintenance and troubleshooting.
Construction of infinity pool is changing
Pool covers for saving water
Pool covers are another effective way of saving water in swimming pools. According to the “Institut National de l’Energie Solaire” in France, up to 70% of the water lost from an uncovered pool is due to evaporation. This occurs mainly at night, when the water temperature is warmer than the air. Innovations have therefore been developed to make pool covers more efficient and practical.
A solar cover or automatic cover with solar slats should only be used in temperate climates. Too warm water can pose a serious health risk. To ensure maximum safety and comfort, pool covers should be chosen according to the local climate and conditions.
Infinity Edge Pools And Deck-Level Pools
Architectural innovations such as infinity edge and zero-edge pools conserve water as well. Water overflows from one or more sides of the pool and is collected in a balancing tank before being reintroduced.Â
Aside from creating an attractive visual effect, this also ensures the water surface remains continuously clean. By doing this, the frequency of pool drainage is reduced as well as the amount of water consumed.
Saving Water By Collecting Rainwater
It is also possible to intelligently manage swimming pool water through rainwater harvesting systems. These systems collect and store rainwater that can be reused for filling swimming pools, irrigating gardens, or even for domestic purposes after being treated. As a result, the consumption of treated water from the public supply is reduced.
Generally, these systems consist of a storage tank and a filter; depending on the purpose of the water, a booster pump may be required. To function properly, they must be installed on level ground and connected to downspouts. As a result, they contribute to the conservation of water, which leads to substantial savings on water bills.
Saving Water When Cleaning Your Pool
As a final note, technology has also enabled the development of water-saving pool cleaning systems. Maintaining a pool traditionally consumes a lot of water, particularly if debris is swept up with a manual hoover. This is because the cleaning water is directly discharged into the sewer system. A net is used to remove leaves from the pool before they are drawn into the filtration system.
In contrast, autonomous robotic pool cleaners can perform their duties efficiently without wasting water. The battery-operated devices use a minimum amount of water to clean the bottom and sides of the pool. There are even models equipped with sensors that enable them to navigate around obstacles, ensuring efficient cleaning while conserving water.
Detect Leaks To Conserve Water
The detection of leaks is another crucial aspect of intelligent pool water management. A small leak can lead to a significant water loss over the long term. Fortunately, there is now equipment specially designed to detect leaks in swimming pools.
Sensors
Leak detection systems use sensors to detect changes in the pool’s water level, as well as any unusual water pressure or temperature changes. This helps to identify any problems quickly so that they can be fixed before the pool loses too much water.
Dyes
It’s important to note that early detection and repair of leaks is essential to conserving water. These innovative technologies therefore represent a wise investment for any pool owner concerned about the environment.
Ultrasound
There are also more advanced technologies that rely on ultrasound or thermography to detect leaks. Ultrasound can detect vibrations in the pool’s structure, while thermography can measure the temperature difference between the water and the air. This makes it easier to pinpoint the exact location of the leak.
Il est important de noter que la détection précoce et la réparation des fuites sont essentielles pour préserver l’eau. Ces technologies innovantes représentent donc un investissement judicieux pour tout propriétaire de piscine soucieux de l’environnement.
Conclusion
Ultimately, today’s technological innovations provide numerous options for intelligently managing your pool water and minimizing its environmental impact. The pool owner can contribute to the preservation of this precious resource by improving filtration systems, automating water quality control, using innovative pool covers, or adopting environmentally friendly pool designs.
Remember that water is a precious commodity and conservation is everyone’s concern. In an era of increasing water restrictions, it is our responsibility to investigate ways to reduce our consumption. As a result of these innovations, owning a swimming pool and respecting the environment are no longer mutually exclusive.
Not only does install water-saving equipment make environmental sense, but following the professional guidelines for building a pool can help ensure that no precious water is wasted in the future. Let’s put these rules into practice.
