Swimming pools are a great way to beat the heat, but traditional pool water systems often rely on harsh chemicals that can be harmful to both swimmers and the environment. Fortunately, there are many eco-friendly options available for maintaining clean and healthy pool water. From natural saltwater pools to UV systems and plants, this guide explores different options and provides tips for how to keep your natural saltwater pool water clean.
In this guide, we will cover several eco-friendly pool water solutions to help you maintain a healthy pool that’s safe for swimmers and kind to the environment. By exploring natural saltwater pools, UV systems, plants, and other eco-friendly pool solutions, you can create a natural pool water that’s healthy for both swimmers and the planet. So, keep reading to learn more about how to keep your pool clean and safe for swimming with these eco-friendly pool water solutions.
Natural saltwater pools
Natural saltwater pools are an excellent eco-friendly alternative to traditional pool water systems. By using a low level of salt in the water, these pools can generate small amounts of chlorine that purify the water naturally. The saline levels in natural saltwater pools are much lower than they are in the sea, so you don’t have to worry about that salty taste or stinging eyes or affecting any pool surfaces or equipment. Moreover, natural saltwater pools are also much softer on your hair, skin, and eyes than chlorine. Find out more about how to keep natural pool water clean and how natural saltwater pools work.
UV Systems
UV pool systems are another eco-friendly option for keeping your pool water clean and safe for swimming. By using a UV light to kill microorganisms in the water, these systems can purify your natural pool water without leaving behind any harmful chemical residues. A good UV pool system will cost around $500, although you will still need a primary pool sanitation source in order to provide oxidation and residual sanitation protection in the water, which is a requirement for any pool. Learn more about how to use UV systems and other natural pool water systems.
Plants
Plants are a natural and eco-friendly way to help keep your swimming pool clean and safe for swimming. By using the right balance of plants, you can keep pathogens in check and algae out of your natural pool water. Plants like pondweed and water lilies absorb nitrates and ammonium, while microorganisms can reduce algae and germs. You can also incorporate a gravel bed for more cleaning. The downside of these so-called natural pools, which only use plants and a biological filtration system to keep the pool water clean, is that they have a higher initial cost and take up more space. Not to mention that since the water isn’t actually being sanitized, the safety of swimmers isn’t guaranteed. Find out more about how to keep your natural pool water clean with plants.
Water Additives
Reducing the amount of chemical sanitation needed for your pool is possible by eliminating impurities that encourage the rapid growth and multiplication of algae. By slowing down algae growth, you will require fewer chemicals like chlorine or algaecide. One primary source of algae growth is phosphates, so using products like Natural Chemistry Phosfree or Orenda PR-10000 phosphate removers can significantly impact the health of your pool. These natural water additives will not harm the environment, making them an eco-friendly solution for maintaining crystal-clear natural pool water.
How to Lower the pH level in Natural Pool Water
Lowering the pH level in your natural pool water naturally is another eco-friendly solution for maintaining clean and healthy pool water. CO2 infusion systems and distilled water systems are two ways to balance and lower the pH levels of your natural pool water. You can also add borates to your natural saltwater pool to help stabilize pH levels and keep them in check.
CO2 Infusion
Installing a CO2 infusion system in your natural saltwater pool is an eco-friendly solution that naturally controls and maintains the pH level of your natural pool water. By infusing small amounts of CO2 into the water, the pH level can be lowered naturally without the need for harsh chemicals such as muriatic acid. This method is a great way to maintain a healthy pH level in your pool while also reducing the amount of traditional chemicals needed to sanitize your pool.
Distilled Water System
Using a distilled water system is an effective way to balance the pH of your natural pool water. Hard water that contains extra metals and minerals can lead to an unnatural increase in pH levels, but distilled water is almost pure and does not have these impurities. By testing your water supply with pH strips and using distilled water in your pool, you can maintain the proper pH level without the use of harmful chemicals. This is a natural and environmentally friendly solution that will keep your pool water clean and healthy for swimmers.
Heater
Using a heater in your natural pool is one way to lower the pH level of your natural saltwater pool. As the temperature of the water increases, its solubility improves, allowing it to dissolve natural substances such as calcium carbonate. This helps to bring down the pH level of your natural pool water without the use of harsh chemicals. It is important to consider the cost of heating versus the effect on the pH balance, but this can be an effective and natural method for maintaining a healthy pH level in your natural saltwater pool.
Change Natural Pool Water Less Frequently
Allowing naturally occurring alkaline compounds to develop over time can also help to lower the pH level of your natural saltwater pool. Testing your natural pool water with pH strips and changing the water only when the pH drops below 7.4 is a natural and eco-friendly way to maintain the proper pH level of your pool water. By reducing the frequency of water changes, you can save water and reduce the amount of chemicals needed to sanitize your natural saltwater pool.
Use Naturally Occurring Substances
Baking soda is a naturally occurring substance that can be used to raise the pH level of your natural pool water. By adding sodium bicarbonate to your pool water, you can balance the pH level without using harmful chemicals. Additionally, adding borates such as Borax to your natural saltwater pool acts as a buffer for the pH level and helps to stabilize it, reducing pH fluctuations and ensuring a natural and eco-friendly solution. These natural substances are a great way to maintain a healthy pH level in your natural saltwater pool while reducing the amount of chemicals needed to sanitize the water.
Other tips to keep your swimming pool water clean naturally
In addition to using natural pool water systems and lowering pH levels naturally, there are other steps you can take to keep your pool clean without chemicals.
- Showering before you get into the pool removes your body’s oils along with any moisturizer, aftershave, or perfume, and hair products that would otherwise contaminate your natural pool water.
- Throwing a few tennis balls in the water can help to mop up the natural oils that swimmers leave behind. The outer felt of a tennis ball absorbs the oils over time, one of the best kept secrets of how to keep your natural saltwater pool clean and fresh.
- A robotic pool cleaner may not be the first thing you consider when thinking how to keep pool water clean naturally, but it is a chemical-free way to remove debris from your pool while saving you time and effort.
- Your local pool store will be a great source of tips and information on solutions for how to soften your pool water naturally, how to lower the pH level in pool water naturally, and other eco-friendly pool solutions.
Founded in 1997, Discount Salt Pool is a trusted provider of saltwater pool solutions. We cater to homeowners, pool service professionals, and commercial pool operators across the USA and North America. Our offerings include salt pool conversion kits and a range of high-quality salt pool equipment. With our knowledgeable staff and competitive prices, we strive to make the transition to saltwater chlorination easy and affordable.