Pool energy use can be a factor in higher monthly costs. Studies show that homes with a backyard pool use almost 50 percent more electricity than a similar house without a pool during summer. Annually, the energy component of pool expenses can add up to over $500. However, the good news is, this figure can definitely be reduced by adopting new technology and changing some operating procedures to support greater energy efficiency. Here are some ideas to cut pool energy use:
- Upgrade to a variable speed pump.The average in-ground residential pool holds about 20,000 gallons of water that is filtered and circulated by the pump. Old-school one-speed pumps use a lot of electricity to get the job done. Newer variable-speed pumps can cut electricity expenses for pool filtration and circulation by up to 75 percent.
- Put the pump on a timer.Avoid running the pump longer than is actually required to keep the pool filtered. A plumber or pool professional can calculate the optimum hours of circulation per day based on the pool volume in gallons and the pump capacity. Set a timer to operate for that time span only and save on reduced electrical costs without sacrificing water quality or clarity.
- Change to LED lights.Keeping the pool lit at night is the third largest expense in pool ownership after electrical consumption of the pump and heating the pool in winter. Standard incandescent pool light bulbs are outdated and consume unnecessary electricity. LED pool lamps use one-tenth as much electricity and last more than 20 times longer.
- Use a pool cover.No, pool covers arenandrsquo;t only to hold in heat during winter. In summer, a pool cover also keeps out dust, dirt and debris that clouds the water and causes the pool owner to run the pump more hours per day, increasing electricity costs.
For more advice on creative ways to cut pool energy use and enhance pool enjoyment, in the South Bay Peninsula and Santa Cruz ask the professionals at Valley Heating, Cooling, Electrical.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in the South Bay Peninsula and Santa Cruz areas of California about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).