13 Aug Tips for a More Energy-Efficient Swimming Pool

You’ve probably given some thought to reducing energy usage around the house and with your vehicle, but have you ever considered having an energy-efficient swimming pool? It’s good for the environment and your wallet. Creating an energy-efficient swimming pool is surprisingly easy. Get your feet wet with these seven tips.

1. Keep up with regularly scheduled pool maintenance.
Dirty filters, clogged intakes and blocked drains make your pool’s pump work harder. Simply cleaning your pool and removing leaves and other debris will reduce the strain on your pump and allow it to operate more effectively, saving energy.

2. Make sure that you have the right pump for your pool.
When it comes to pool pumps, bigger isn’t necessarily better. In fact, the size of the pump directly correlates with the amount of energy it uses. Larger pool pumps use more energy, so you’ll want to use the smallest pump that is appropriate for your pool’s size. How big a difference can this make? In a study of 120 pools conducted by Florida Atlantic University’s Center for Energy Conservation, some pool owners found that downsizing their pumps creates a more energy-efficient swimming pool usage by 40 percent.

3. Run your pump appropriately.
How long does your pool pump run each day? Not sure? You’re in luck. American Pools & Spas carries SuperFlo® VS Variable Speed Pumps. These VS pumps have the uncanny ability to run only as needed as well as using variable speeds which is higher for your pool and then lower for your spa.

4. Set your pool heater for the perfect temperature.
What is the perfect temperature? The American Red Cross recommends 78 degrees as a healthy temperature for swimming. If you normally keep your pool water warmer, setting your thermostat back a few degrees could help you save on your swimming pool costs. For those unwilling to consider a slightly cooler swim, a solar heater is a great way to take advantage of our sunny skies and reduce energy usage.

5. Consider your pool lighting.
Pool lighting extends swim time and provides another opportunity to increase your pool area’s energy efficiency. Using LED and other energy-saving forms of lighting allows you to enjoy your evening dip without running up your electric bill.

6. Let your landscaping do double-duty.
Experts often suggest cutting your home’s energy costs by installing shrubs, trees and other landscaping as a windbreak. These features can serve the same function for your pool. Blocking the wind can decrease heat loss, which means your pool heater will run less.

7. Cut back when your pool’s not in use.
Why pay for something that you aren’t using? If you only use your pool on weekends, lower the thermostat on your pool heater and turn off any special water features during the week.

If you’d like assistance in increasing in creating a more energy-efficient swimming pool, call American Pools and Spas today at 407-847-9322. We’re ready to provide you with the information, services and supplies that you need to get the most out of your pool.