Sustainability in the aquatics industry: Robotic cleaners play a key role in energy-efficient pools

by habiba_abudu | January 24, 2020 10:30 am

By Amy Shankar

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With climate change threatening every aspect of the planet’s survival, consumers are increasingly looking for a means of creating an eco-friendly home environment. The chemicals commonly used to treat pools unfortunately also adversely affect humans and the environment.

One cost-effective method of moving toward the goal of ‘greener’ pools is to invest in robotic pool cleaners. These game-changing gadgets not only provide cleaning convenience, but they also offer several key benefits such as lower energy costs, longer lifespan of the pool’s circulation system, time savings, less chemical usage, and less backwash water waste.

Why does energy consumption matter?

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Overusing energy increases one’s carbon footprint and, of course, raises a homeowner’s monthly electricity bill. In fact, according to the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE)—the Canadian and U.S. consortium of gas and electric efficiency program administrators—energy use by residential pool systems accounts for more than half of the energy consumption in the home.

For families and businesses, improving energy efficiency helps cut costs, improve productivity, and even eliminate pollution. Therefore, investing in innovative solutions, like robotic pool cleaners, is a step in the right direction.

Environmental benefits

Since robotic pool cleaners are the only equipment that run independently of the circulation system, the pool’s pump and filter is used less often to remove backwash and, as a result, saves water. This also prevents filter wear and tear, and since it will not have to work as hard, it also reduces the frequency of filter replacement.

Also, robotic pool cleaners efficiently eliminate debris and pollutants like algae and bacteria without generating much heat or producing harmful gases—using only as much energy as a standard light bulb, an average of 197 kWh per year.

In stark contrast, common booster-pump-powered cleaners and filter-pump-powered cleaners use 2989 kWh per year and 1675 kWh, respectively. These systems consume eight to 15 times more energy than robotic pool cleaners.

Why does sustainability matter?

Canada is fortunate to hold 20 per cent of the world’s freshwater, which, globally, is in limited supply. For this reason, it is vital to take action to protect this resource, paving the way for future generations.

Canadian businesses can continue to be leaders in the sustainable space by implementing practices based in energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction. These ideals are at the core of the design of robotic pool cleaners.

Global responsibility

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Across the world, various countries are also ramping up efforts in producing energy-efficient and cost-effective technology in a number of industries from lighting to heating, refrigeration to transportation, and computing. This has made it necessary (not optional) for Canada to continue to move forward in this regard as well.

That said, many manufacturers in the aquatics industry are on a mission to ensure every pool has the safest, healthiest, and cleanest water using the least amount of energy possible. In this regard, the simple and effective design of today’s robotic cleaners consists of only a few components, which makes repairs simple and, as a result, not only prevents entire units from ending up in landfills, but also saves pool owners a significant amount of money.

Further, if taken care of properly, robotic pool cleaners can last a long time. In fact, some homeowners have managed to keep their equipment in good working order for more than 12 years.

Today, as Canada moves towards eliminating single-use plastic—everything from straws to water bottles to packaging—the author’s company has set a goal to do the same by 2021 in regard to the packaging of its robotic pool cleaners.

Cost savings

Pool techs should not waste time and labour on replacing overworked pool filters or installing additional cleaning equipment. Instead, they can maximize their time by finding ways to make the customer’s pool more efficient and, as a result, increase the company’s revenues. For example, service professionals can drop a commercial robotic cleaner in the pool, while the team inspects the vessel for leaks and/or maintains other areas of the facility. In doing this, pool techs can offer an enhanced customer experience.

Using a robotic cleaner is as easy as plugging it into a standard outlet, turning on a power supply unit, and placing the robot into the pool.

Some robotic pool cleaners are even equipped with technology to calculate the optimal cleaning pattern and operation time to ensure maximum coverage. This feature allows pool owners to reduce the need for chemicals, resulting in a significantly safer swimming environment.

Time and again, studies have shown the lower upfront cost of suction and pressure pool cleaners is soon overcome by higher long-term operating costs due to energy use.

Building energy-efficient pools

It takes a lot of materials, water, and electricity to build and maintain a pool. However, it is quite possible to create a more eco-friendly swimming environment while saving the homeowner some money in the process. It does not matter whether one is building their first pool or renovating an existing one—there are several measures that can be taken to design and build a ‘green’ pool in the most meaningful and impactful way possible.

In terms of pool types and options, chlorine-treated pools, which use a separate filtration system and are built using steel, concrete, and/or fibreglass, are the most popular.

However, for homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint, builders should know about the following alternatives.

For instance, in recent times, natural swimming pools (NSPs), constructed using materials like gravel and clay, have increased in popularity across the globe.

These pools use plants—installed near the swimming area—as a natural filtration system, which makes the water safe without consuming energy or using chemicals.

Another eco-friendly alternative to a traditional chemically treated pool are those that use a salt chlorine generator to convert salt into chlorine. These pools are easy to maintain, cost less annually to operate, create lower chlorine levels, and reduce chemical needs.

Eight eco-friendly pool tips for clients

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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

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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.

 

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Supporting businesses and organizations built on the principles of environmental responsibility will inspire change for the better on a global scale. These roots for change begin at the local level—in the home, the community, and ecosystem.

It does not matter whether one is creating an eco-friendly backyard pool or streamlining a small business, every modification has value and contributes to the collective sustainability efforts. At the same time, one can feel a sense of pride in their work knowing they are making a difference, while saving money, time, and resources.

With a portion of Canada’s economy being resource-based, it is vital to make sustainability a priority and to set an example for other nations on how to tackle the challenges of environmental damage and make systematic changes. By doing so, people will be healthier and more productive, which will further encourage the creation of cutting-edge tools and technology.

 

[7]Amy Shankar is a content and social media marketing specialist for Maytronics, a manufacturer of robotic pool cleaners in Atlanta, Ga. She is experienced in social media and web content strategy and execution. Shankar also specializes in creative writing and design for traditional and digital media. She can be reached via e-mail at amys@maytronicsus.com.

Source URL: https://www.poolspamarketing.com/trade/features/sustainability-in-the-aquatics-industry-robotic-cleaners-play-a-key-role-in-energy-efficient-pools/

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