In the heat of summer, there’s nothing like a refreshing dip in a cool swimming pool. Between the chemicals, energy-hogging electric filter, and the regular water refills it takes to keep evaporation at bay, sometimes pools can be more harmful to the environment than they are soothing to the soul.

Before you drain your pool and turn it into a sunken garden, here are five things to can do to lessen the impact it has on the environment without sacrificing your daily dip.

Harness the sun – Choosing solar panel heating equipment over an electric heater will save you bundles of money and cut down on the amount of energy it takes to maintain your pool. Solar paneling can carry a hefty up-front cost, but they quickly pay off with reduced energy costs and consumption. Toss a solar pool cover over the water when you’re not swimming for even greater savings.

Choose the right filter – One area of pool maintenance where you can’t skimp is the pool filter, unless you like swimming in green-tinted slimy water. A good pool filter cleans out the crud and keeps the water sparkling. Choose an eco-friendly model with large-capacity filters to cut down on how often they need to replaced or cleaned. Avoid sand-based filters that use a ton of water to get the job done and choose a cartridge model instead. Also, look for filters with low pump speeds to minimize energy use.

Cut the chemicals – The typical swimming pool is so chemical-laden you can often smell the chlorine before you even get in. New pool maintenance systems use ionization to keep the water clean and clear. Installation can run up to $5,000 in some cases, but it beats swimming in bleach water. Some folks swear by salt water pools but beware, you’re still exposing yourself to chlorine emitted by the salt system – just in lower quantities.

Go au natural – If you’re in the planning stages of investing in a new swimming pool, give some thought to building a natural pool in place of a traditional concrete model. Instead of cement, filters, and chemicals, natural pools are made of gravel or clay and stay clean thanks to the natural filtration power of strategically-placed plants. Besides being simply gorgeous, it’s a fairly self-maintaining ecosystem that costs a fraction of what it costs to build a standard pool.

Timing is everything – Make sure all your pool maintenance equipment is on timers so they run at maximum efficiency. Set your heater and filter to run overnight when the overall demand for energy isn’t as high. Timers are also important so your equipment will shut off after a period of time in case you get busy and forget to do it yourself.

Image: leozaza

The post It’s My Backyard and I’ll Splash If I Want to: Smart, Sustainable Pool Tips appeared first on EcoSalon.

I say throw in the towel, as long as it’s a softy and measures up when it comes to the green ABC’s of terrycloth: Absorbency, beauty and certified organic.

Here’s s an eco stack that will dry you off in comfort and style.

Schlossberg Sensitive Towels

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Not only are the colors yummier than Italian ices, the SENSITIVE towel by Schlossberg USA is the world’s first and only towel line to be certified “Cradle to Cradle”. Each towel is made from biodegradable ingredients (even the label, yarn and thread). Sold under the Bonjour label, you can buy these soaker-uppers from dealers nationwide in a variety of sizes (small to XXL) to suit your apres bath needs.

Tropical Punch Floral Fiber-Friendly Beach Towels

Personalize these PBteen flower-powered beach towels, $20, with the names of your surfer dudes or divas to keep them from getting lost in the pile. Great for poolside and summer camp, too. I have a friend who gave these as party favors, personalized with the names of each of the guests. It’s great to give a gift that keeps on giving…in terms of warmth.

Organic Cotton Spa Towels

From VivaTerra, this thick and super soft oversized towel indulges you like a day at the spa. Safely dyed without synthetic finishes, it features an airy waffle weave texture that keeps moisture off your body while wrapping you in comfort. Now 15% off the regular pricing of $9 to $44.

Under the Canopy Organic Towels

Pretty, soft and affordable ( $19.99 to $29.99) these bath towels from Target are part of the chain’s commitment to going green. You can qualify for free shipping when you spend at least $50 on a set.

Life is Good Round Beach Towel

A cotton invention you might call the lazy snoozin, you never have to get up to move into the sun, just roll around the round towel. $40 at Running Giraffe.

Organic Hooded Baby Towel for Post-Bath or Swim Snuggle

Handmade from Etsy with pretty blue grosgrain ribbon dragonfly border, this hooded towel for baby is fabricated in organic cotton for no harsh chemicals against tender skin, $35.

Bamboo Towels Keep it Fresh and Pure

These thirsty bamboo towels from Good Night Naturals are produced by combining 100% bamboo fiber with pure cotton making it exceptionally soft and absorbent. I love the soft shades created by using low-impact dyes. And really, what is better than bamboo for renewable resource? $18 to $59.

Plush Multi-Stripe Pool Towel

From Willow Natural Home, $56, this beautiful organic beach towel measures 35″ x 65″ for cozy coverage after a refreshing dip.

Coyuchi Organic Cotton Bath Towels

Any thicker and these luxurious towels in a gorgeous shade of juniper blue would be blankets! The twill weave is so comfy and I love how they wash. $26 to $42 at Are Naturals.

Bold and Beautiful Beach Wrappers

As cool as you can get for beach loafing, the Dream Sacks Lilypad towel, $29, is spun of 70% bamboo and 30% organic cotton. Soft and groovy, they also go great at pool side and picnics.

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