If you're a vinyl pool owner who's felt the sting of high utility bills or worried about your environmental impact, you're not alone. Pools offer an incredible backyard escape — but they can also use a lot of energy and water if they’re not managed efficiently.
The good news? A few well-chosen upgrades can make a massive difference.
Whether you're looking to cut costs, reduce waste, or simply feel better about your pool’s footprint, there are practical ways to make your setup more sustainable. And you don’t have to overhaul your entire system to see results.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through four high-impact upgrades — energy-efficient pumps, pool covers, eco-conscious landscaping, and LED lighting — that help you enjoy your vinyl pool more while spending (and consuming) less.
The pump is your pool’s engine and often its biggest energy hog. If you’re still using an old single-speed model, upgrading to a variable-speed pump is one of the fastest ways to reduce energy consumption.
Here’s why it works so well:
You’ll notice the difference quickly — not just in your electric bill, but in how quietly and smoothly your system runs.
Bonus: less stress on the motor means longer equipment life and fewer maintenance headaches.
If you're building your pool now, it's worth including this upgrade from the start. And if your current system is older, a new pump often pays for itself within a few seasons. It's a smart move for both your wallet and the planet.
Want one of the simplest ways to save water, energy, and chemicals — all at once? Use a pool cover. Seriously.
Covering your pool when it's not in use is one of the most effective eco-friendly upgrades you can make, especially during the hot summer months when evaporation rates soar.
Here’s how it helps:
And let’s not forget the convenience. A covered pool stays cleaner, warms up faster, and maintains its chemical balance longer — all with minimal effort on your part.
Whether you choose a basic bubble-style solar cover or an automated option, the return on investment is real. You’ll lower your bills, reduce water use, and make everyday pool care easier. Win-win-win.
The area around your pool plays a bigger role in sustainability than most people realize. Thoughtful landscaping doesn’t just look good — it actively supports your pool’s efficiency and reduces its environmental footprint.
Here are four ways to make your yard work smarter, not harder:
Plants that naturally thrive in your region need less water, fewer fertilizers, and zero pesticides. That’s a triple win for your pool environment. You’ll conserve water, reduce chemical runoff, and create a low-maintenance landscape that still feels lush.
Strategic planting of trees or tall hedges offers two major benefits:
Shade helps cool the pool, reducing heat loss and evaporation
Windbreaks prevent breezes from whisking away water and warmth
You’ll lose less water, your heater won’t have to work as hard, and your swim sessions will feel more comfortable — especially on breezy days.
Choose pavers or decking materials that allow rainwater to soak back into the ground instead of running off into the pool. This reduces splashback, minimizes puddles, and keeps dirty runoff from your water.
It also helps support your garden by returning moisture to the soil instead of sending it down the drain.
If you irrigate garden beds near the pool, swap sprinklers for drip lines or soaker hoses. These systems deliver water to the roots with minimal waste and no overspray hitting your pool.
Even better? Set them to run in the early morning or evening when evaporation rates are lowest. Your plants will thank you.
These landscaping choices may seem small, but they create a more sustainable backyard environment and help reduce the effort and resources needed to keep your pool area pristine.
If your pool or backyard lighting setup still relies on halogen or incandescent bulbs, upgrading to LED is a no-brainer. Today’s LED lighting systems offer powerful brightness, colour flexibility, and long life — all while using a fraction of the electricity.
Here’s what you gain by making the switch:
Plus, many modern LED systems offer smart features like colour-changing modes, dimmers, timers, or remote controls — giving you more ambiance and control with less effort.
And it doesn’t stop at the water’s edge.
Pathway lights, accent lighting, and garden illumination can all benefit from efficient alternatives like solar-powered lights or low-voltage systems. Solar lights charge during the day and light your yard at night without using grid electricity at all. They’re perfect for walkways, deck borders, or soft poolside glow.
Switching to efficient lighting enhances safety, improves your pool’s nighttime appeal, and lowers your utility costs — all while reducing your carbon footprint.
Making your vinyl pool more eco-friendly doesn’t mean sacrificing fun or comfort. In fact, the upgrades we’ve outlined often improve your overall experience while reducing your utility bills and environmental impact.
Let’s recap the highlights:
Together, these changes form a more sustainable system that harmonizes with your lifestyle and the environment. You don’t need to do everything at once — even a single upgrade can make a noticeable difference.
At TLC Landscaping Design + Pools, we believe beautiful outdoor spaces and smart sustainability should go hand in hand. From energy-efficient equipment to eco-conscious landscaping, we help our clients design and upgrade their vinyl pools with long-term enjoyment and responsible living in mind.
We'd love to discuss whether you’re just starting or looking to enhance an existing setup.
Request a consultation to explore eco-friendly upgrades that work for your property, budget, and goals.
Let’s make your pool more efficient, beautiful, and much easier to love.