Why an indoor pool is more sustainable and how to achieve it

Content in collaboration with Bioscore, a sustainability consultancy for tourism companies.

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Swimming pools are an essential element of summer leisure, but they also imply an environmental cost that must be taken into account. Covers not only allow their enjoyment for a greater part of the year, but also have a series of advantages that make them a more efficient and sustainable option.

A cover is the best defense possible against evaporation. This is a natural phenomenon that takes place on any water surface and represents a constant loss of it. However, in a covered pool, the steam condenses on the lining and ends up being deposited back into the pool. This reduces water loss and, consequently, the consumption of this precious resource. In addition, in this type of pool, the water is heated naturally. Solar radiation passes through the cover and concentrates inside, generating an increase in temperature. Likewise, the cover allows to conserve the water temperature, so it will always be between 4 and 6 degrees Celsius above the outside temperature. Another benefit provided by a cover is the lower use of chemical products in water treatment. The cover protects against the entry of leaves, sand, insects or other sources of pollution that may adulterate the water quality. Thanks to this, it is not necessary to add so many chemical substances to keep the pool clean. Moreover, by reducing evaporation and preventing the entry of rainwater, the pH of the water remains stable, further reducing the use of chemicals.

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Finally, it is worth mentioning that the latest generation of motorized covers are autonomous in terms of energy consumption. The cover usually integrates a solar panel that provides the electricity necessary for its operation, avoiding the need to electrically connect the cover to a light point, while saving on its consumption.

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In relation to outdoor pools, covering them with a tarpaulin during the period of disuse can mean savings, both in environmental and economic terms. Using tarpaulins allows to preserve the water conditions without the need to carry out the same maintenance as during the period of use. It prevents the fall of materials that may affect the water quality, thus reducing the need to use chemical products. In addition, covering the pool prevents unwanted falls. However, attention should be paid to the type of material the canvas is made of. There are options made from recycled and recyclable plastics and textile materials, whose carbon footprint is much lower compared to tarpaulins made of virgin materials.

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Placing a cover on a pool not only makes its use more appealing, but also entails a lower impact on the environment. It is worth mentioning that the installation of a cover is a partially recoverable investment, since the lower consumption of water, chemical products and electricity (in the case that it is motorized or heated) translates into a lower economic cost. Finally, in the case of outdoor pools, the usefulness of using tarpaulins and the advantages they bring are highlighted.

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If you want more information on how you can better manage the sustainability of your accommodation, contact us at roiback@bioscore.info or through WhatsApp.

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