It seems kind of obvious: Your pool uses water and electricity. But, have you factored in how that affects your monthly energy bills? If you don’t take the proper steps to limit energy use, your pool could cost you more than you originally anticipated. Luckily, Bruce Wetterer, the owner of Imperial Pool and Spa Services, knows how you can increase your pools efficiency and keep your bills under control as well.
- Use a solar cover: When your pool is not in use, a solar cover keeps heat from escaping the water and lowers the amount of time you need to use the pool heater. On average, it can make your pool 10 degrees warmer. And, as an added bonus, the cover also keeps the water from evaporating, so you’ll need to fill your pool less too.
- Set it to 78 degrees: The American Red Cross recommends that your pool temperature remain at a constant 78 degrees because it is safest for swimmers.
- Circulation: Check with manufacturers to determine how many hours the water in your pool should be circulated to keep it clean. In most cases, there is no need to run the filtration system all day. For most pools, eight hours will be sufficient.
- Clean the filter: Your filter most likely comes with a pressure gauge, so keep an eye on it. If you backwash your filter before it actually needs to be cleaned, you are wasting a lot of energy and water.
- Correct leaks: Putting off repairing a leak in your pool will only make it worse. Addressing the problem as soon as it occurs saves you from having to constantly refill your pool.
- Don’t drain: Only drain your pool when absolutely necessary. Draining and refilling your pool consumes hundreds of gallons of water.
- Windbreaks: Putting a solid fence or wall around your pool keeps the wind from evaporating the water and making it colder.
So, whether you implement all these tips or just a few, you should see a change in your bills as soon as the following month. Also, talk to the company who services your pool and inquire about the steps they take to be energy-conscious.
