A sponsored collaboration with Compass Pools, award-winning pool designers and installers with over 30 years’ experience in designing and building luxury swimming pools.
As environmental consciousness grows, swimming pools are increasingly scrutinised for their ecological footprint. Traditional pools have long been associated with significant environmental impacts, from excessive water consumption and energy-intensive heating systems to the use of harsh chemicals and non-sustainable materials. The construction process alone can generate substantial waste. Meanwhile, ongoing operation typically requires continuous chemical treatments, frequent water changes, and energy-intensive filtration and heating systems that can account for a substantial portion of a property’s overall energy consumption.
However, the tide is turning as architects, designers, and pool owners increasingly demand eco-conscious building practices that align with broader sustainability goals. Compass Pools believe in taking a holistic approach that considers the entire lifecycle of aquatic features, from initial construction through daily operation to eventual decommissioning, helping to minimise environmental impact yet still maintain functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Water conservation strategies
Water conservation is the cornerstone of sustainable pool design, addressing one of the most significant environmental concerns associated with traditional water features. Minimising evaporation is a highly impactful strategy, and one that’s often overlooked. Automatic pool covers and enclosures provide the most effective solution, reducing evaporation by up to 90%, while also maintaining water temperature and reducing chemical consumption.
Strategic landscaping and windbreaks can further enhance water conservation efforts by creating microclimates that reduce wind exposure and evaporation rates. Carefully positioned vegetation, pergolas, and even architectural features can reduce wind speed across the pool surface, resulting in a reduction in water loss.
Energy efficiency
Natural swimming pools and bio-filtration systems are the perfect option when it comes to helping rather than hindering the surrounding ecosystem. These pools integrate constructed wetlands and biological filters to naturally process contaminants, creating self-sustaining ecosystems that require minimal water replacement while providing exceptional water quality. Rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems can also provide sustainable sources for pool top-up, reducing your dependence on municipal water supplies.
Solar systems offer the most environmentally friendly approach to heating, using both passive and active collection methods to harness renewable energy. Passive solar design incorporates strategic pool positioning and thermal mass to maximise solar gain. Active solar systems employ collector panels and circulation systems to efficiently transfer solar energy to pool water. These can provide up to 80% of heating requirements in the right climate, dramatically reducing your reliance on conventional energy sources.
Air source and geothermal heat pumps are another highly efficient alternative to traditional heaters, delivering three to six times more energy than they consume. Geothermal systems may require a higher initial investment, but offer exceptional long-term efficiency by utilising stable ground temperatures to heat and cool pool water.
Sustainable materials
The materials your pool is made from are essential to reducing the environmental impact. Pool shell construction increasingly utilises recycled content concrete and steel, incorporating post-consumer and post-industrial materials that reduce demand for virgin resources yet still maintain structural integrity. Prefabricated panel systems offer significant advantages when it comes to reducing on-site waste, improving construction efficiency, and ensuring consistent quality all while minimising transportation impacts through optimised logistics.
Finishes and linings increasingly incorporate recycled glass tiles, which provide exceptional durability and aesthetic appeal and divert waste materials from landfills. Natural stone and locally sourced aggregates reduce transportation impacts, providing authentic regional character that enhances biophilic design principles, alongside low-VOC coatings and sealants that ensure healthy indoor air quality.
Around the pool, permeable paving systems can be incredibly effective for managing stormwater runoff, but can also reduce heat island effects and support healthy groundwater recharge. Look for sustainably sourced timber and reclaimed materials which will provide natural aesthetic appeal while supporting responsible forestry practices and reducing waste.
The integration of biophilic design principles with advanced sustainable technologies creates pool environments that minimise your ecological footprint and actively contribute to healthier environments through features like bio-filtration systems, water management, and habitat creation. Environmental responsibility and exceptional design quality aren’t competing priorities but can be complementary aspects when they’re planned correctly.