You can compost that! How to compost debris from Ariel.
The eco-friendly magic of our pool robot Ariel is that she harnesses energy from the sun to gobble up all varieties of debris from the surface of a swimming pool. What do you do with the debris when you are ready to empty the robot’s collection chamber? Pivot-Solar Breeze suggests that you start an inexpensive backyard compost bin to turn those pesky debris into potent soil fertilizer for a robust garden. Composting is the process of turning various decaying organic substances into a matter that can be used as remarkably rich soil. Your flowers, vegetables, plants and tree beds will thank you for the vital nutrients. Plus, you’ll cut back on household waste. In this blog we’ll cover where, what and how to compost using material that Ariel captures!
Where do I start a compost pile or bin?
One of the simplest places to start a compost pile is in your own backyard. You can create a pile that is a few feet in diameter and fence it in with wire or plastic, or you can choose from a wide variety of commercial compost bins. Or course, you can keep a compost bin in your kitchen, but this blog focuses on outdoor composting with limited food product.
What can I compost?
You decided to ditch the net, so you can easily start by adding all of the organic material that Ariel collects to your pile or bin! Simply remove the robot from the pool by hoisting her up from the non-slip handle. Then, reach under the front side of the robot to easily slide the debris tray out. The tray’s filter is 200 microns in size, so you may find pollen, insects, dust, and other fine particles in addition to large debris like leaves and flowers. Dump all debris into your compost. You can also add dead plants, fruit scraps, grass clippings, branches, stems and more. For outdoor composts, do not include too much food material unless you want to attract outdoor critters.
How do I care for my compost?
A few key notes:
- Compost requires balance of materials. Make sure your compost has a healthy variety of debris.
- Do not include pet manure in compost. (Ew. And, duh. Right?)
- Make sure the yard trimmings you add are free of pesticides.
- To create a rich fertilizer, keep the material moist (not drenched) and allow the sun to provide natural heat for the best decay process.
- Mix the compost up every now and then to aerate it. When you do this, also add more dry material.
- If the odor of your compost is too strong, it may have too much green material or water.
When is my compost ready to use?
The amount of time it takes for your compost to be ready to use depends on the environment, the size of your pile, the materials inside, etc. Smaller material provides more airflow and break down faster. The compost is ready when it looks like rich, dark topsoil with an earthy smell. The organic material should not be recognizable.
Have you created a homegrown compost pile using debris from Ariel? Share your stories with us in the comments!
