Creating Sustainable Water Features in Coastal Resorts

Oct 9

From man-made lagoons to spacious infinity pools and impressive fountains, water features can quickly become a stand-out feature for any resort. Not only do they deliver spectacular views but they’re a spot for relaxation, recreation, and additional revenue-adding services.

However, from an eco-perspective, are they the best choice? The good news is that with the right design, it doesn’t have to be one or the other—you can drive increased business to your venue while still keeping your resort sustainably-focused.

The blueprint for sustainable water features

Water conservation

Water conservation is the foundation of any sustainable water feature, whether it’s rainwater harvesting to collect rainfall to replenish pools and irrigation systems, or pool covers that prevent evaporation and maintain water temperature. Modern harvesting systems include filtration and storage components that ensure collected water meets quality standards for recreational use.

Greywater recycling is another option, and one of the more innovative approaches to water conservation in a resort setting. Treating and reusing water from sinks, laundry facilities, and showers can dramatically reduce freshwater consumption and provide nutrient-rich irrigation for surrounding landscapes. Advanced greywater systems can process hundreds of thousands of litres daily, transforming what was once waste into a valuable resource that supports lush tropical landscaping without depleting local water supplies.

Energy efficiency

Energy efficiency has been revolutionised through advances in technology and renewable energy. High-efficiency pumps and filtration systems consume significantly less power, while variable-speed pumps are able to adjust their operation to actual demand rather than running at full capacity continuously, resulting in substantial energy savings and reduced wear on equipment.

Solar power is another option, with dedicated photovoltaic arrays capable of powering entire water feature systems during peak daylight hours and storing excess energy for evening and cloudy-day operation.

Eco-friendly materials

Eco-friendly materials that encompass the entire lifecycle of water feature construction and operation help make commercial water features more eco-friendly. Non-toxic construction materials prevent harmful chemicals from leaching into surrounding ecosystems, while recycled materials reduce the environmental impact of extracting new resources from the landscape. Natural stone, recycled glass tiles, and sustainably sourced timber all create stunning visual effects while maintaining ecological integrity.

The design and build process

Sustainability needs to be considered at the earliest stage, long before the feature is installed. A holistic design will consider every aspect of the feature's lifecycle, from initial planning through long-term maintenance and eventual decommissioning. This comprehensive perspective ensures that environmental benefits are maximised while operational costs are minimised over time.

Expert consultation and planning will prove invaluable when navigating the complex technical and regulatory requirements of sustainable development. Environmental engineers, marine biologists, and sustainable design specialists are just some of the experts who bring critical knowledge to projects, helping identify potential ecological risks and designing mitigation strategies from the outset.

When it comes to building or renovating a sustainable swimming pool, working with an experienced firm is key. The complexity of integrating multiple sustainable technologies while meeting safety and aesthetic standards requires specialised knowledge and experience. Companies such as ProMas Building have specialist knowledge of luxury pool construction but can also create bespoke designs that work for your resort and sustainability goals.

The collaborative nature of sustainable water features should include ongoing partnerships with local communities and environmental organisations too. These relationships provide valuable insights into local ecosystem dynamics and can help ensure your resort contributes positively to broader conservation efforts in the local area. Many successful projects also incorporate monitoring and research that generates valuable data for marine and coastal ecosystem management while demonstrating your resort's commitment to environmental stewardship.

Protecting coastal ecosystems

Traditional pools and water features pose several threats to marine and coastal ecosystems, from chemical runoff, such as chlorine, pH adjusters, and algaecides that devastate coral reefs and marine organisms even in small concentrations, to the excessive water consumption that can lower groundwater levels and reduce freshwater flow to coastal wetlands and estuaries.

How water features are constructed and operated also plays a role. Conventional features often involve disruption through dredging, modification to the environment, and introducing non-native species in the form of decorative landscaping. This can destabilise coastal erosion patterns, destroy seagrass beds and mangrove systems, and create conditions that favour invasive species over native marine life.

Sustainable water feature designs directly address these challenges with innovative filtration and treatment technologies that eliminate the need for harmful chemicals. Natural swimming pools, for example, utilise biological filtration systems that rely on beneficial bacteria and aquatic plants to maintain water quality. Specially cultivated moss species are another example, which are used to remove nutrients and contaminants from water. This creates an environment that supports, rather than harms, local biodiversity.

These innovative approaches enable coastal tourist resorts to lead the transformation towards regenerative practices that leave destinations more beautiful and ecologically vibrant than they found them.

Sea Going Green is a sustainable tourism consultancy that works together with hotels, resorts and tourism operators to support resource conservation efforts and wider sustainability goals. Want to know more? Get in touch.