IntroductionIt is not always implied that when you purchase a home

swimming pool you aren’t just getting the pool, but all the

baggage that comes with it. Pumps, filter systems, heaters and

scheduled maintenance all contribute to higher utility bills

and put a strain on water and energy usage. These days it is

important to live an environmentally friendly lifestyle, so if you

haven’t already looked into a pool conservation program, you’ll

want to hear this! A reduction in the use of water and energy

consumed by your pool helps the environment and saves you a

considerable amount of money on your utility bills. With proper

conservation you can finally join the “going green” movement

and save money at the same time!

Check with your swimming pool contractor for more specific

ways to upgrade your pool, save money and help the

environment.

Filter PumpsDo you pump for the right amount of time?

Clearly, a pool filter pump is a major consumer of electricity in your home. By reducing the time that the

filter pump runs, you save both electricity and money. Older pool pumps are far less efficient than new ones.

In fact, many utility companies offer cash rebates to homeowners who replace an inefficient pool filter and

pump with a qualified money-saving pump. Check with your

pool contractor to learn more.

Time requirements for how long a pool filter should run are

different for each home as each has a different pool water

volume and pumping equipment. Generally, pool experts feel

that one complete water turnover every 24 hours provides the

correct amount of filtering for a normal family pool that is not

solar heated.

The California Swimming Pool Industry Conservation Task Force makes the following recommendations:

“Reduce filter operating times to no less than 4 to 5 hours per day during the summer and 2 to 3 hours per

day during the winter period. This will reduce annual electrical consumption by 40 to 50 percent. Normal

and heavier swimming use may require as much as eight or more hours of filtration per day. Should water

clarity or chemical imbalance indicate inadequate filtration, immediately operate the filter until acceptable

water clarity has again been established. If additional filtration is still indicated, increase filter operating time

in one-half hour increments until the water remains clear and properly balanced chemically. When the pool

is being heavily used, it is recommended that the pool be operated manually and that the filtration system

be run under such conditions. Under no circumstances should the water quality of any swimming pool be so

poor that the main drain cover is not clearly visible from the deck.”

Time of Filter UsePool owners can reduce the demand for community electricity by operating pool pumps during off-peak

hours when demand for electricity is at its highest. Generally, peak hours are from late morning to early

evening. By keeping pool pumps off during these hours, pool owners can participate in reducing the

demand from the local electric utility. Decreased demand may help to delay the need for construction of

additional power plants and save the utility and the ratepayers money – a benefit for everyone.

New pool pumps that can be installed by pool contractors, are usually at least two speeds, but can have

as many as four speeds. They also have timers built into them and are very cost -effective. Many utility

companies offer rebates on high-efficiency pool pumps. Older pumps use more electricity than all your

other appliances combined.

Moreover, if your utility charges higher rates during peak demand, keeping your filter off during these hours

can lower your utility charges.

Pool HeatingChances are that if you have a swimming pool you get plenty of sun; so much that you could benefit from

a solar heating system for your pool. Not only will a heater extend your swimming pool season, but it will

also save you money. Normal pool heaters use a great deal of energy. The technology for solar pool heating

is very advanced but will relieve you of the constant expense of an electric or gas bill. Check with your pool

contractor to see if solar heating or a heater upgrade is right for you.

Using Time ClocksYou will need a time clock to accurately measure the time-of-use of your pool filter in order to conserve

energy and money. Time clocks allow you to set your pool filter pump to operate during off-peak hours for

the correct length of time. If you do not have a time clock, they are inexpensive and easy to install. Also, a

time clock will pay for itself in no time and generate savings forever. Just be sure to check it every month or

so to make sure the trippers are correctly set and locked in place.

Pool Water ConservationConserving pool water helps homeowners save on water utility costs and the costs associated with the

chemical treatment of water.

One way to conserve water, that also helps to keep the pool warm, is the installation of an evaporative pool

cover. Homeowners who keep their pools covered when not in use save hundreds of gallons of water per

month. Pool covers also reduce pool-heating costs as they inhibit night heat loss. Also, since you add far

less water to your pool each month, you have less need to add more chemicals thus lowering your monthly

pool maintenance costs. There are many types of pool covers at all sorts of price points. It makes sense to

talk with your pool builder about installing the type of pool cover for your needs. Since pool covers are

your primary defense against water and heat loss, an experienced pool contractor will make sure that it fits

properly.

Reduce SplashingFolks with home pools know that water fights and other pool games can be lots of fun, but they can also be

a major source of water loss. Let swimmers know that splashing is fine as long as it is confined to the water

area of the pool. Splashing water onto pool decks and surrounding lawns is a waste of water.

CleaningUsing a hose when cleaning the deck and other areas around the pool wastes water and dirties the pool

causing your filter and cleaners to work harder. Using a broom is the best way to clean these areas. Just be

sure to sweep away from and not towards the swimming pool.

LightingNo one can argue that a sparkling pool with nice lighting is a pretty sight. However, if you are not swimming,

keeping pool lights on for ambiance wastes money in several ways:

1. Lighting an unused pool area increases electricity costs.

2. If the pool is not in use it should be covered. Without a cover it allows water and heat to escape.

3. Bright lighting attracts bugs. Bugs drown in pools creating more time that you have to run your pool

cleaning equipment.

Opt for more cost-effective lighting options for your pool and deck. LED lighting is a long-lasting type of

bulb that is very energy-efficient. The bulbs come in different colors to enhance mood lighting. Some bulbs

even change colors! LED lighting is a fantastic way to upgrade your pool while conserving energy. Contact

your pool contractor about installing these lights and the benefits you will enjoy from them.

Call Your Pool ContractorHomeowners who are lucky enough to have a swimming pool should call their trusted pool contractor to

learn more about ways to conserve money and energy while enjoying their pool to the fullest. A contractor

is the best source of information for pool upgrades and energy efficiency.Those planning to build a

swimming pool should talk to their builder about incorporating as many energy-saving items in the initial

design as possible. Your pool will be less of a burden and more of a joy to your family by using proper energy

conservation. Keep utility costs down and play a part in making your neighborhood

environmentally-friendly!