Using Seawater to Reduce the Environmental Impact of Swimming Pools
摘要
Water scarcity is a growing concern due to climate change and increased water consumption. It is therefore imperative to consider alternative and sustainable measures for water use. One approach to reduce pressure on freshwater resources involves substituting drinking water with seawater in swimming pools. This strategy not only conserves potable water but also ensures continued pool operation during drought periods. In this context, the POOLWISE project—led by Cristal Construções, the University of Algarve and Itecons, in collaboration with Saint-Gobain Portugal and Águas do Algarve S.A.—aims to develop practical solutions for managing and regulating swimming pool equipment that uses seawater, while ensuring user comfort. The system under investigation is designed to: (1) curtail the use of drinking water by partially or fully replacing pool water with seawater; (2) define efficient management and control solutions for swimming pool equipment; (3) explore methods for moderating seawater salinity; (4) reduce water consumption and CO₂ emissions during the construction phase by creating more efficient waterproofing and bonding mortars and (5) achieve energy gains by devising integrated management systems for adjacent buildings. Ultimately, the project aspires to deliver viable, innovative solutions demonstrating the advantages of employing seawater in swimming pools.