Green Energy in your Facilities

Is your pool sucking energy from your recreation facility? It is no secret that the environmental concern for our planet is the number one topic globally. As the pool operator, manager, or owner, your role can contribute to a better world and it starts with basic water chemistry.

Understanding your water chemistry is essential. If you know what is in the water, you can add chemicals correctly, drain the correct amount of water daily and optimize your system so that all the parts are working together.

There could be toxins lurking in your aged filter system that are actually contributing to the "bad air" in your pool system. With a proper analysis of your pool, you can find out if and what they are.

Reducing energy can include the addition of variable drives for the pool pump, HVAC and any other high electrical users of your pool filter room. It is essential we use these variable drives properly, rather than just run them as "we always have". True energy savings can be enhanced by proper installation of this equipment. It does not have to be an expensive install, but it MUST be correctly installed.

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Sand filters are the easiest and most common systems installed here in North America. The reason for their install? They are cheap and currently an industry standard. This is changing as pool professionals look to add a green perspective. A sand filter on a commercial pool will take thousands of gallons per backwash. This is heated, chemically treated water, being flushed down the drain, in addition to the the load you are putting on your downstream sewer system.

Thinking green means thinking about what is outside your space.

Dr James Ambergy, a noted filtration specialist, suggests maximum filter rate on a sand system at 10 gpm/ftsq of filter area to get optimal response from our sand filter. If we used this calculation, sand should be viewed differently. In the past, we were told we could "save money" by using the smallest filter that passes NSFI standard. We need to rethink our ideas on equipment. If our filter is too small, it adds to operator frustration, as the pool will never truly sparkle with improper filtration. Ultimately, this is not green thinking, this is a short sighted approach. An excellent alternative to sand is the Defender DE. It has a smaller footprint and a tremendous cost savings ability. With this you also reduce the load to your sewer system.

Cities now are setting carbon neutral standards. Pools use lots of energy so it makes sense to reduce where we can. Want to be part of it? Be informed and be able to provide information to ensure you have great equipment for your new or refurbished pool. Be the star at work for enhancing your energy program. Contact me to to visit your site and discuss optimization opportunities in your filter room.

Scott

scottbowron@clearaquatics.ca

226-448-4020