Homes are filled with hidden energy-wasters that drive up your utility bills, and one of these guzzlers is your swimming pool. A study conducted by Sense, a home energy monitor provider, revealed that pools are among the energy guzzlers homeowners should watch out for, since these contribute around $310 to $620 to their annual electricity expenses.
If you own a pool, look into how you can operate it more efficiently to minimize your energy spending. There are plenty of pool upgrades that, although they require some initial investment, help you save more in the long run.
Below are three upgrades that help make your pool more cost-efficient.
1. Muriatic acid alternatives
Muriatic acid is the most used pH reducer for pools. Although it’s relatively affordable, the cost compounds because of the amount of acid and the frequency you need to apply it to stabilize your pool pH level. For instance, an average-sized pool, which is around 15,000 gallons, would typically need ¼ gallon of muriatic acid.
Additionally, muriatic acid is a highly corrosive chemical. Adding too much of it can damage metal components in your pool, such as the ladder, railings, screws and bolts, and other important equipment.
Switching to an alternative acid for your swimming pool can lower your day-to-day maintenance costs. A carbon dioxide (CO2) pH management system, for instance, eliminates the need for added pool chemicals, including muriatic acid and chlorine. CO2 is also not corrosive, since it’s a naturally occurring substance. These benefits help lower your pool operating expenses.
2. Energy-efficient pool pumps
The pump is the most energy-hungry component of your pool, so you want it to function as efficiently as possible to make sure no energy is wasted.
ENERGY STAR urges pool owners to switch to pumps certified by the agency to ensure their energy efficiency. Certified in-ground pool pumps use up to 65 percent less energy than standard units, giving you over $450 energy savings each year.
You also want a pool pump that runs at varying speeds; they are more energy-efficient than those that run at only one speed. A variable-speed pool pump runs the pump slowly while filtering the pool and speeds up when necessary to consume less energy.
3. Pool covers
If your pool is heated, you need a cover to hold the heat in and reduce your energy consumption. Aside from preventing heat loss, pool covers also reduce the amount of make-up water needed by 30 to 50 percent, according to the Department of Energy.
We recommend investing in an automatic pool cover. A manual cover can be cumbersome because you need to roll it back at least twice a day to prevent algae from growing on it. Additionally, if you don’t fit the cover snugly on the pool, there could still be gaps around it that leak heat.
An automatic pool cover, on the other hand, lets you cover and uncover the pool at the push of a button. You’re also sure of their fit on your pool, since they’re often custom-made.
You can get a semi-automatic cover if you’re not ready to invest in an automatic one. These units are also motor-driven but require someone to pull on the cover when unrolling.
If you want to learn more about making your pool more cost-efficient, talk to a pool operator. They’ll give you recommendations based on the size of your pool, how often you use it, and your location.
Energy-Efficient Swimming Pools
Poolsmith Technologies offers a patented process for pool pH control using carbon dioxide, which helps owners operate their pools more safely and efficiently. Our organic pH control system lets you stabilize your pool without chemicals, making the water gentler on your skin while lowering your maintenance expenses.
Learn more about our CO2-based pool system here or fill out our online form for inquiries.
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