Eight eco-friendly pool tips for clients
For traditional chlorine pools, service companies can pass on the following tips to homeowners to help them make their pool more eco-friendly:
- Insist the client invests in a pool cover. Covering the pool lessens water evaporation and can cut down on energy use by conserving heat.
- Adjust the quantity of chemicals, particularly chlorine, the homeowner is adding to their pool water by using products such as ozone generators, bromine, and saltwater chlorine generators.
- Determine how long the customer’s pump runs each day. They can save energy and money by running the pump for about an hour. Further, by using a timer, the homeowner can save additional energy by only running their pump at certain times of the day.
- Identify and fix any pool leaks as soon as they are found. If not repaired, the client will see an increase in their water bill as they will have to constantly add more water to their pool.
- Do not drain the pool. An exception to this rule can be made if the homeowner has a severe algae problem, however. Draining the client’s pool is an unnecessary waste of resources and can cause liners and covers to dry out.
- Windbreaks should be installed in the backyard. Wind is responsible for speeding up water evaporation and cooling, making the client’s pool heater work harder. For example, installing a fence, screens, or shrubs around the pool can lessen the chances of this occurring.
- When it comes to backyard illumination, the benefits of light-emitting diode (LED) lights should be discussed with the client. This energy-efficient lighting is ideal as it uses less than half the energy of traditional incandescent, florescent, and halogen options. LED lights also have a greater lifespan by thousands of hours.
- Suggest the customer use a robotic pool cleaner. As previously mentioned, this equipment provides tremendous energy, labour, and cost-savings with fewer chemicals needed.
Greening a retail store
Specialty retailers that embrace sustainability in their stores can set their business apart from the rest, thereby motivating consumers to become customers and perhaps making it easier to attract potential employees. Although one may not feel like they have the budget or resources to go green, it can be quite easy and will pay off in the long run. For instance, specialty retailers can discover this difference by implementing the following tips:
- Replace single-use plastic bags and packaging with recyclable materials like paper and cardboard.
- Use energy-efficient equipment and lighting. When furnishing the store, look into electronics, appliances, office supplies, and lights that have been labelled as energy-efficient to reduce monthly energy costs.
- Rather than leaving computers, electronic devices, and small appliances on all day and night—even when not in use—be sure to unplug or turn off everything before closing the store.
- For those specialty retailers that have ample natural sunlight beaming into their store, the interior lights may not even need to be turned on, which can save a business significantly when it comes to energy costs. Further, if a retailer can control the landscaping around their store, planting trees can block winds and provide shade. Consequently, this will help to reduce heating and cooling costs for the business owner.
By building a sustainably focused business, one can streamline operations, conserve resources, cut costs, and increase profits. Engaging in eco-friendliness can lead to a culture of healthier, happier, and more productive employees.
In communities around the world, many people are working toward the common goal of protecting natural resources and maintaining a strong quality of life. That said, it is important to remember there are simple actions everyone can take in their everyday lives to reach this goal, including continuing to develop innovative solutions such as robotic pool cleaners that have a positive social, economic, and especially an environmental impact.
