A pool is a great addition to any home. Not only is it a great way to cool off on a hot day, but it can also provide an excellent source of exercise. However, pools can also be expensive to maintain. One way to reduce the cost of owning a pool is to make it more energy-efficient. By installing a solar cover and using a variable-speed pump, you can significantly reduce the amount of energy required to heat and circulate the water. In addition, regular maintenance such as vacuuming and skimming will help to keep the water clean and reduce the need for chemicals. As a result, an energy-efficient pool can save you money while also providing a healthier swimming environment.
An Energy-Efficient Pool – Reduce Cost and Swim Healthier
Adding a luxury swimming pool to your backyard living space creates a retreat, a destination, and a place to play and relax with friends and family. But as you consider the project budget, keep in mind the cost of operating a pool and spa, from routine maintenance to energy expenses associated with lighting, heating, pumps, filters, and water.
Operating a pool doesn’t have to add a burden to your electric and water bill if you plan an energy-efficient pool with an experienced pool design and construction firm that offers innovative features like high-efficiency heat pumps, and salt-chlorine generators that reduce the need for chemicals. But the key is to discuss features like energy-efficient pumps and energy-efficient pool heaters as you plan the project. You also can renovate your pool to include energy-efficient pool mechanicals.
The pool industry has introduced a range of technologies during the last several years that allow you to use fewer chemicals and less electricity. Basically, you can reduce the carbon footprint of owning and operating a pool at your New York or Connecticut home.
At Neave Pools, our certified pool technicians and designers stay up on the latest energy-efficient pool innovations so we can deliver cutting-edge designs that stand out aesthetically and sustainably. When you’re working with a pool company on a new pool or pool renovation, find out if the provider offers these features that will cut down on the cost of owning a pool in the short and long term.
Variable Speed Pumps
Regulations are phasing out standard pool pumps for energy-efficient variable speed pumps, also referred to as VS pumps. They are quieter, offer better filtration and you can save 50% to 80% on energy costs by running the pump for longer at lower speeds. What we also love about variable speed pumps is how you can program them based on your pool design and features.
High-Efficiency Heat Pumps
Unlike gas heaters, high-efficiency heat pumps are emissions-free and use very little electricity, costing 50% to 75% percent less to operate. Electricity powers a fan and compressor, which absorbs solar heat and transfers it to the pool water. High-efficiency heat pumps are generally low-maintenance, so you’ll avoid costly pool repairs for antiquated gas heaters that are more expensive to run and troubleshoot.
Automatic Pool Covers
Far beyond the convenience of a pool cover that you can operate with an app or click of a remote, auto pool covers offer a range of energy efficiency and eco-friendly benefits. Because most automatic pool covers seal tightly up against the water’s surface (roughly 85% resting on top), water evaporation is minimal. Evaporation can result in needing to add more chemicals that dissipate into the air, so you’ll save on water and pool products. Plus, the covers keep debris out of the pool—and because they’re easy to use, you’re more likely to cover the pool than to “deal with it later” with a manual cover. This benefits your filtration system because it won’t work as hard, saving electricity.
Salt Chlorine Generators
Salt chlorine generators use electrolysis to break down salt into sodium hypochlorite and hypochlorous acid—the same chemicals used in traditional chlorine pools. Because of the way these generators work, rather than measuring and dumping chemicals into your pool, the equipment transforms the necessary amount of salt into chlorine based on the water chemistry. So, it only generates the chlorine that water needs to stay in balance.
Ozone and Ultraviolet Light
Another way to reduce chlorine and related costs is through ultraviolet, ozone pool systems. UV inactivates microorganisms and ozone keeps your pool in ongoing “shock” mode. Together, UV and ozone form hydroxyl radicals, which is an oxidizers. These systems are even more effective than chlorine because they knock out crypto, giardia, and algae.
Go Big—Pipe Size
If you think about it, forcing water through a thinner pipe requires more velocity and, therefore, more energy. Your pump has to work harder to push water through so there’s more friction, which can also result in more wear and tear. Larger piping improves flow because of reduced friction, so you’ll save energy while not overstressing your pool pump.
Save Energy and Swim Safely
Not only do features like auto pool covers, salt chlorine generators, and ozone/UV systems reduce energy costs, they enhance the health and safety of your pool. When you can use fewer chemicals, that’s a budget bonus and a benefit for those with sensitive skin. And auto pool covers are simply a good idea to prevent accidental slips, trips, and falls into the pool that can be devastating.
