Analysis of the sustainability of swimming pools: Water and energy cycles

Abstract

The objective of this article is to conduct a literature review aimed at analyzing recent research conducted between 2018 and March 2023 concerning the water and energy cycles in swimming pools. This review aims to provide updated information by considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sector. Additionally, it serves as a complementary review to a previous study that encompassed research up until 2018. Four challenges that the review seeks to analyze and investigate are identified: water balance, energy balance, chemical balance, water treatment, and diverse legislation. Regarding the water balance, the importance of reducing evaporation from swimming pools is highlighted, especially in Mediterranean climates with prolonged drought periods. Various solutions to improve the water balance are analyzed, such as the use of solar covers and the optimization of the water recirculation and filtration system. In relation to the energy balance, it is recognized that the use of pumps and filters consumes a lot of energy. The review emphasizes the importance of optimizing the water recirculation and filtration system, and various ways to improve the energy efficiency of pool heating and air conditioning are examined. In addition, the use of renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels, to reduce the energy demand of pools is considered. In summary, this review updates previous research on the water and energy cycles in swimming pools, with a focus on water and energy balance. The review identifies challenges and solutions to improve the sustainability of pools and highlights the importance of addressing the complexity of applicable legislation. The results of this review are expected to be useful for future research and to promote more sustainable management of swimming pools.