Elevate Your Outdoor Living with Eco-Friendly Systems
As more homeowners prioritize sustainability in their living spaces, the demand for eco-friendly and energy-efficient outdoor designs is also rising. Outdoor spaces like pools, patios, and gardens are not just luxury spaces but extensions of our homes that reflect our values. Sustainable practices in these spaces help the environment and enhance the beauty, comfort, and long-term functionality of outdoor living experiences.
What Does "Sustainable" and "Eco-Friendly" Mean for Outdoor Living?
“Sustainable" and "eco-friendly" are more than catchy buzzwords—they are the cornerstones of responsible living. Sustainable outdoor living designs maintain spaces in a way that minimizes environmental impact. Together, these practices reduce your carbon footprint, enhance energy efficiency, conserve water, and even support local wildlife. Whether it’s choosing native plants that require less water or opting for solar heating systems, every eco-conscious decision helps.
Inspiration for Outdoor Living Eco-Friendly Features
At Watermark Pools & Outdoor Living, a premier pool builder in Nashville, we are committed to integrating eco-conscious choices into our designs, providing homeowners with innovative options that blend luxury and sustainability. Here are some ways we can help you create an eco-friendly outdoor living space while reducing your environmental footprint.
Photo Credit: Watermark Pool & Outdoor Living
1. Energy-Efficient Pool Pumps
Older pool pumps are notorious for being energy hogs. Upgrading to a variable-speed pool pump is one of the most effective ways to make your outdoor living space more energy-efficient. These pumps adjust their speed based on the pool's needs, reducing energy consumption and, as a bonus, extending the life of the pump. Many modern energy-efficient systems meet or exceed government efficiency standards, making them a solid long-term investment.
2. Chlorine-Free Pools
Another growing trend in sustainable outdoor living is using natural pool filtration systems. Unlike traditional chlorine-based systems, natural pools use plants and biological filtration methods to keep water clean. These systems, often called "living pools" or "bio-pools," create a mini-ecosystem in your backyard that cleans the water and adds a stunning natural aesthetic.
3. Eco-friendly Landscaping
Sustainable outdoor living doesn’t stop at the pool—your entire outdoor space can reflect your eco-conscious values. Consider xeriscaping, a landscaping method that reduces the need for irrigation by using drought-tolerant plants. Native plants require less water and maintenance, making them a sustainable choice for garden areas around your pool or patio.
Or consider using artificial turf or synthetic grass options from Goat Turf, the exclusive SYNLawn™ artificial grass distributor for Tennessee, Mississippi, and the Florida panhandle. This isn’t your parents’ fake grass—this is an innovative low-maintenance lawn alternative. There are no plastics in this product, so it’s good for the environment and great for people!
Using permeable pavers is another way to make your outdoor living space more sustainable. These pavers allow rainwater to seep back into the ground, reducing stormwater runoff and replenishing groundwater supplies. These small yet impactful choices create a cohesive, sustainable outdoor space that thrives year-round.
You can also design your outdoor space to help support local wildlife, which can promote biodiversity and create a thriving ecosystem in your backyard by using native plants. These species are naturally adapted to the local climate, requiring less water and fewer chemicals to thrive. Native plants also support local wildlife by providing food and shelter for insects, birds, and other animals.
4. Smart Irrigation Systems
Another step toward eco-friendly outdoor living is the installation of smart irrigation systems. These systems use sensors and weather data to optimize watering schedules, ensuring your garden receives the right amount of water without waste. By reducing overwatering, smart irrigation systems save water and keep plants healthier and more resilient.
Or you can consider rainwater collection systems that capture rain that falls on your roof and store it for later use. This water can then be used to irrigate gardens or fill decorative water features. With simple systems like rain barrels or more complex cisterns, rainwater harvesting helps conserve potable water and ensures plants get naturally soft, chlorine-free hydration.
5. Eco-Friendly Building Materials for Outdoor Spaces
One of the biggest trends in sustainable outdoor living is using eco-friendly building materials. These materials are often recycled, renewable, or sourced responsibly, reducing the environmental toll of construction and maintenance.
Composite decking, for example, is often made from recycled plastics and wood fibers, making it durable, low-maintenance, and environmentally responsible. Recycled stone or concrete pavers are another excellent choice for walkways or patios. If you love the look of natural wood, sustainable options like FSC-certified lumber or bamboo are ideal. FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood comes from forests that are responsibly managed to prevent deforestation, while bamboo grows quickly and regenerates without the need for replanting, making it a renewable resource.
Photo Credit: Watermark Pool & Outdoor Living
6. Properly Designed Hydraulic Systems
Properly sizing PCP pipes in pool plumbing is crucial for maintaining efficient water flow and system performance. Undersized pipes can restrict water circulation, leading to higher pressure on the pump, reduced filtration, and increased energy costs. On the other hand, oversized pipes may lead to inefficient water movement and potential chemical imbalance. Ensuring the right pipe size helps optimize the overall efficiency and longevity of your pool system.
Designing for a Greener Future
Creating an eco-friendly outdoor living space is more than a trend—it expresses a homeowner’s value system and commitment to sustainable living. With the right design elements, such as solar heating, energy-efficient systems, and eco-conscious landscaping, your backyard can become a model of sustainable living while still offering the comfort and luxury you deserve.
As a premier pool builder in Nashville, we’re here to help you transform your outdoor living space into a sustainable haven. Whether you're looking to install a new energy-efficient pool system or revamp your landscape with eco-friendly designs, we have the expertise to guide you on this green journey.
