How to Create a More Environmentally Friendly Pool

At AstralPool not only are we committed to providing products that make running the pool as efficient as possible, with less reliance on backwashing and minimising water wastage but we are committed to helping raise awareness on issues that surround water and sustainability. 

In Lieu of World Water Day, we’d like to discuss what this day means and this year’s theme of groundwater. 

What Is World Water Day? 

Every Year on the 22nd March, the UN aims to celebrate and raise awareness to the importance of freshwater. 

With over 2 billion people living without access to safe water, the aim of World water day is to take action to tackle our global water crisis. Over the years, they focus on a certain topic to help continue the support of Sustainable Development Goal 6: Water and sanitation for all by 2030. 

What is Groundwater?

Groundwater is water that can be sourced from below the earth’s surface. When the rain falls on the land, the excess water in the soil seeps down until it reaches a level where the spaces within the sediment and rocks are saturated with water, known as the water table. The water therefore that is in the saturated zone below the water table is the groundwater. 

The groundwater that’s sustainable to use is known as aquifers; these are geological formations made up of rock, sand and gravel that hold substantial quantities of water. The water in the aquifers can be collected by digging up a well or using a pump. 

Once collected, groundwater can be used for either human consumption, stock water supplies, irrigation or mining.

This finite resource of groundwater is crucial in arid/semi-arid areas where rainfall is infrequent and inadequate to meet the water needs as they depend entirely on it. Therefore taking care of this resource is imperative.

What are ways that I can be more environmentally conscious with my pool? 

Although you may not be living in an area where groundwater is not commonly used, there are ways that you can help minimise water wastage and reliance on backwashing.

At AstralPool, part of our product innovation process is ensuring that what we bring to market is environmentally conscious as well as effectively managing the pool ecosystem.

Many of our products can help reduce backwashing or can even reuse that backwash wastewater for irrigating your plants. Some of our mineral products combined with our glass media have proven to reduce backwashing when compared to traditional methods and, when added to a garden rainwater tank, can be reused in the yard. Our cartridge filters also ensure the minimisation of wastewater. 

Follow these quick tips on how you can help save water: 

• Use a pool cover to help reduce evaporation 
• Reduce backwash on your filter by keeping your skimmer box and basket clean
• Add sanitiser in the evening as the sun quickly dissipates chlorine
• Consider switching to a solar power heating system
• Repair leaks
• Don’t overfill your pool
• Be mindful of splashing & getting in and out of your pool.

If you are interested in making your pool more environmentally sensitive, speak with your pool builder or your trusted pool care professional.