You can reduce the cost of running your pool by implementing the following measures:
Install a variable speed pool pump
A variable speed pool pump gives you more control as it has a built in timer which allows you to customize a schedule and run the pump at different speeds throughout the day, compared to a single speed pool pump which runs at the same high speed throughout the entire day. You can program a variable speed pump to run at a lower speed during the day when electricity costs are the most expensive, thus, reducing your monthly electricity bill. The piece of pool equipment that will cost the most in energy is your pool pump, so you definitely want to consider purchasing a variable speed pool pump to achieve savings on your electricity bills!
Install LED Pool light bulbs
There are pool lights available on the market that are LED lighting, which are a lot more energy efficient and last longer than an incandescent or halogen bulb.
Use a solar blanket
When the pool is not in use, consider covering the pool with a solar blanket. A solar blanket will help to retain heat in the pool, keep debris out of the pool, and reduce the amount of water lost through evaporation. By reducing evaporation, you will save money by not having to supply fresh water, re-heat the water as well as add chemicals to balance the water.
Install a cartridge filter instead of a sand filter
The main difference between a cartridge filter and a sand filter is with a cartridge filter, there is no need to backwash. By eliminating the need to backwash, you will save money by not having to refill your pool with fresh water and add chemicals to balance the water.
Consider using a robotic pool cleaner to keep your pool clean
A robotic pool cleaner is an automatic cleaner that comes with a built in computer processor and its own built in filtration system. It does not use your existing pump and filtration system. Simply plug the cleaner into an electrical outlet close to your pool and it will go around and clean the entire pool on its own.
You will achieve energy savings by not having to use your pool pump or your booster pump (if you have a pressure side cleaner) to vacuum your pool.
Install an Ozone or UV system to help keep your pool clean
Chlorine is the popular choice amongst pool owners to disinfect your pool; however, chlorine is not safe for the environment and can be toxic. There are options available in the market that is more environmentally friendly than Chlorine such as Ozone and Ultraviolet (UV) systems. It’s important to note that both of these systems will significantly reduce the need for chlorine. However, you will still need to add a bit of chlorine to help maintain a residual in the pool.
Ozone – Ozone is a gas that is produced with an ozone generator. An ozone generator will use the oxygen in the air and convert this to an ozone gas, which is then used to disinfect the water.
Ultraviolet (UV) systems – UV systems use UV lamps to generate a UV radiation to disinfect water. Pool water passes through the UV system where it is exposed to UV radiation.
Solar heater
A solar heater is an excellent way to save on your gas bills as you are using the power of the sun to heat your pool. It utilizes solar panels to collect energy from the sun which then heats the water in your pool. Water is pumped to the solar panels to be heated and returned back to the pool.
Heat Pump Pool Heater
Heat Pumps have been around for quite some time now and are a popular form of heating. They are more energy efficient and environmentally friendlier than gas heaters. The way it works is pretty simple. It collects the free ambient heat in the air and transfers it into the pool water. Heat pumps require an electrical connection to allow it to collect the heat and transfer it into the water. The amount of energy that a Heat Pump uses is pretty low. Heat Pumps do have a higher upfront purchase cost, but over the long term, it is much cheaper in operating costs compared to gas heaters.
