Practice green swimming pool policies

In the hospitality industry, practicing environmentally sensitive policies in the running and maintenance of swimming pools and spas is two-fold: it is socially responsible and makes smart business sense, too.

Green solutions available in the maintenance of pools and spas reduces costs from the moment installation is complete, and many of these solutions cost no more than less-efficient versions yet do not compromise quality. Green solutions, which are defined as saving water by the reduction of evaporation, energy savings, and reduction of pollutants, are all also environmentally helpful goals.

While there may be an initial investment to upgrade or add equipment, some initiatives, such as solar heating, can reduce energy bills significantly and can enjoy a return on investment in as fast as one to two years.

If marketed correctly, an additional advantage to those who switch to green products will distinguish themselves from the competition—consumers have great brand loyalty for businesses that champion environmental causes.

Here are some examples of how the hotel industry can achieve both goals—reduce expenses and improve the environment:

Reduce heat loss: There is a huge impact in the reduction of heating expense. Without undermining comfort, hotel or motel owners can dramatically save money. Start with simple measures like improved fencing, hedges, landscaping and cabanas that can shelter a pool from prevailing winds, thus decreasing heat loss. These actions have the added benefit of further beautifying the area.
Also, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, pool covers can offer 50 to 70 percent lower heating costs, as well as dramatically reduce water evaporation, meaning more savings.

Check water temperature: The National Swimming Pool Institute and the American Red Cross both reported the most healthful swimming temperature is 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Reducing a heater or heat pump thermostat to that temperature is an easy means of conserving energy.

Pool heaters: The industry has developed much more efficient heaters than those available even just a few years ago. Have pool remodeling experts do an analysis on your equipment.

Solar heaters: Solar heaters represent the most dramatic savings possible. They will work effectively for about nine months of the year depending on weather conditions. The panels can be discreetly hidden and deliver upwards of 90-degree temperatures to spas and above 80 degrees in pools. The panels must be about 80 percent of the surface area and be placed to receive optimal sun. This results in very low maintenance yet tremendous savings.

Pool pumps: While you may elect not to heat a pool, you have no choice to run the pool pump for several hours a day. If a pool pump is inefficient or not used correctly, the costs can mount quickly. You do not need to turn over the water in a pool more than once a day. Many pool operators run their pumps much too long—a professional can help you calculate how long to run a pump.

Pool lights: Changing pool and spa lights can provide big savings. Automated color-changing pool and spa lights use 75 percent less energy yet create the same output.

Salt water: Salt chlorinators, which convert salt into chlorine, offer large savings to pool owners. Chlorine is expensive and, while you still need to add some chlorine, the savings pay for the system very quickly. The swimming experience is vastly improved for the guests and, again, offers a nice marketing opportunity.

The pool industry is now at the very center of promoting environmentally sound policies that also strengthen the financial health of hoteliers nationwide. Led by trained professionals, we seek to make these practices efficient, affordable and easy to implement. In the process, hotel and motel owners can take pride in being green by making green. Now, that's a winning combination.

Scott McKenna is president of Gardner Pool Plastering (www.gardnerpoolplastering.com), a swimming pool remodeling business with three branches in Southern California.