Clifton Crawford of C & J Contracting has seen an increase in requests for greener pool practices in recent years. “The less maintenance, energy and chemicals needed to maintain your pool, the greener it will be,” Crawford says. Here, he shares some ways to help make a new or existing pool a little greener.

Purify the water naturally.

New advances in technology have allowed for alternatives to chlorine and other chemicals.

Saltwater is a growing trend in Hawaii. A salt-chlorine generator uses saltwater in small proportions, breaking it down by electrolysis to create a natural, bacteria-killing, non-harmful form of chlorine. The chlorine reconverts into salt and the cycle continues for a self-cleaning form of water purification.

An ionic pool cleaner, or mineral sanitizer, uses copper and silver to inhibit bacteria and stop algae growth. It’s easy to install on most pool plumbing systems and reduces chlorine usage while improving water quality and feel.

Ultra-violet light and ozone-based filtration systems are two more natural methods for purifying pool water. During ozonization, ozone, a natural, highly activated form of oxygen, is injected into water to make it cleaner, clearer and odor-free. UV-light eliminates bacteria and other harmful things when water passes through it.

Choose energy-efficient pool appliances.

Pools require several energy-reliant appliances. Now, there are smarter options available for reduced energy usage:

• First, if possible, consider heating your pool with solar energy. Special rooftop panels for pools are available here in Hawaii. Consult your contractor to find out more.
• Use an energy-efficient cartridge filter that uses minimal water when cleaned.
• Replace an old, energy-sucking, single-speed pool pump with a new variable-speed pump, which Crawford says can reduce the pool’s energy consumption by 75 percent and uses the same type of motor as a hybrid car. “It costs more up front, but if you bite the bullet, it will pay for itself in energy savings in a year and a half,” he says.
• Finally, try automatic timers for both the filter and pump to save even more energy.