Contact Us

    7 Ways to Reduce Your Pool’s Energy Use

    Pools Use a Lot of Energy

    Most homeowners dream of one day owning a swimming pool. Not only are swimming pools perfect for entertaining guests, but they give you a place to relax after a long day or cool off in the summer heat. On top of all of that, they transform the look of your backyard into something luxurious.

    However, many current or potential pool owners don’t think about the amount of energy swimming pools use. Energy conservation is a popular trend across the country, as more and more people are trying to be as environmentally friendly as possible. Plus, reducing your pool’s energy use also helps you save money.

    Even though pools consume large amounts of energy, there is still plenty you can do to reduce your pool’s energy use. When it comes to energy consumption, your pool pump uses more than most other appliances, except your air conditioner. So, one way you can limit your pool’s energy consumption is by running your pump less.

    If you’re a pool owner who’s looking to be more environmentally friendly, there are plenty of ways you can reduce your pool’s energy use. Mid City Custom Pools has watched as swimming pools have evolved over the years, so we have also picked up more than a few tips and tricks.

    1.) Run Your Pool Pump Less/Replace Your Pump

    Most pool owners have quickly come to the realization that running your pool filter pump 24/7 is unnecessary and wasteful. There is no need to run your pump all the time. You can run your pump far less (especially in the cooler months) without hurting the water quality or increasing your chemical usage.

    Running your pump for six hours a day should result in water that is clean and safe to use but try running it for less than that to see how little you can use your pump while still keeping your water clear and clean.

    Additionally, you can also replace your pump. One of the most popular options is a variable-speed pump. You can program these pumps to run at the minimum speed to keep your pool clean. These pumps will adjust their energy consumption to match your pool’s needs at different moments in the maintenance cycle.

    2.) Invest in a Pool Cover

    A pool cover is one of the best investments any pool owner can make. Pool covers keep out any unwanted debris and contaminants that could disrupt your water chemistry. Additionally, they also keep your pool safe, preventing any accidental fall ins. However, did you know that pool covers can help you save energy?

    Pool covers prevent water loss by eliminating the rate at which the water evaporates. On top of that, they also trap heat in your pool, meaning you won’t need to use your pool heater as much to heat the water.

    3.) Turn Your Heater Down

    Turning down the temperature of your pool heater can help you reduce your pool’s energy use. You should continue to maintain a comfortable temperature for swimmers without overheating the water. The Red Cross recommends a temperature of 78 degrees F for competitive swimming and 81 degrees F for recreational swimming. However, many people keep their pools much warmer, which costs them more energy and money.

    While keeping your pool warm might be convenient, raising the pool’s temperature by even one degree can cost 10-30% more in energy costs. No one wants to swim in cold water (nor is it safe). But if you aren’t using your pool much, turn down your heater, then turn it up when you plan on using it more often.

    Additionally, since the pool cover already traps heat, the heater won’t have to work nearly as hard to warm up the rest of the pool. So, consider pairing your heater with a pool cover to save even more energy.

    4.) Install LED Lights

    For years, most swimming pools have had single spotlights along wall surfaces. While useful, these lights don’t illuminate the entire pool. However, in recent years, more and more pool owners have been switching to LED lights for several reasons.

    For one, these lights last much longer than others and are much more durable. However, arguably the number one benefit of LED lights is how much energy they save. According to Energy.gov, residential LED lights use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lights. Replacing your lights is a simple way to reduce the energy your swimming pool uses.

    5.) Install Windbreaks

    Pool owners should also consider the benefits of installing windbreaks when building their swimming pool. These windbreaks not only improve the aesthetics of your backyard but also help in reducing energy use. Some such as berms, walls, fences, or hedges can prove useful in reducing energy consumption.

    The goal of these windbreaks is to limit the amount of wind that hits your pool surface. Even a 7 mph gust of wind across the surface of your pool can increase energy consumption by nearly 300%. These windbreaks need to be close to your pool and tall enough to limit the turbulence over the pool surface. They can reduce water loss, heat loss, and much more.

    6.) Use Larger Pool Filters

    Your filter is one of the most crucial parts of your swimming pool. It helps maintain and keep your pool clean for swimmers. However, you can also utilize your filter to help you cut energy consumption by investing in larger pool filters. These filters have a larger surface area, which allows for more water to flow through them. That means that your pool pump won’t have to work nearly as hard to circulate water.

    Not only will this help you reduce energy consumption, but it can also help extend the life of your pool pump.

    7.) Rethink Your Cleaning Methods

    Automatic pool cleaners are extremely convenient. They help you keep your pool clean without you having to do much work. However, this convenience comes with a price. Many of these cleaners use a lot of energy. Tools such as suction-side cleaners that attach to the suction line of your pool’s plumbing system and pressure-side cleaners that connect to your pool pump may clean your pool efficiently, but they consume a lot of energy.

    Fortunately, there are plenty of options to help you reduce the energy your cleaning method uses. Robotic cleaners typically operate on a self-contained filtration system and use low-voltage electricity. These cleaners use far less energy than other cleaners, which can save you hundreds of dollars every year. While the upfront cost is more, they will help you save in the long run.

    You can also clean your pool the old-fashioned way, with a brush and vacuum hose. While not as convenient, if saving energy is the goal, there’s no better option.

    Contact Mid City Custom Pools

    Owning a swimming pool is the dream for many homeowners. It provides you with hours of entertainment, an opportunity to exercise, and a place to relax. While these amenities offer many benefits, they also use a lot of energy. If you are a pool owner and you’re looking to be more cost-efficient and environmentally friendly, there are many things you can do to reduce your pool’s energy use.

    If you are a homeowner who is ready to get started on your dream pool, give Mid City Custom Pools a call today. We will work with you to build an energy-efficient pool that matches your expectations.