When most folks hear the phrase “green pool” they naturally think algae. But there’s another type of green pool that every pool-owning homeowner should aspire to have: that’s the pool that doesn’t waste energy. While most homes today consume far less energy than their predecessors of just a generation ago, that conservation mindset hasn’t always extended to the pool. But by using energy efficient machinery and developing good operational habits you can cut your pool related energy bills by up to 50%. In this post we’ll provide you some tips on how to do that.
Energy Efficiency Tips From Pool Installation Experts
Once the pool installation is complete keeping operational costs down is 9/10 common sense and 1/10 technology. If you take an active role in the maintenance of your pool it will make an enormous difference. Here are a few things you can do to increase the energy efficiency of your pool.
- Engage in regular pool maintenance – Maintenance begins the day the pool installation is complete. Whether you do it or you hire someone to do it the pool should be cleaned and inspected on a regularly scheduled basis. By vacuuming regularly, cleaning the filter and removing debris from the strainers the pump will work more effectively and efficiently.
- Keep an eye on the pool temperature – Many Toronto pools have heaters and many folks will keep the water temperature at 84 degrees (Fahrenheit) or slightly higher, even if the pool is not in use. If you only use the pool on the weekend save a ton of money by setting the temperature to 74 or 76 during the week, then ratchet it back up on Friday evening.
- Buy an energy efficient pump – If your pump is an older model consider replacing it. Today’s energy efficient pool pumps use only about ⅓ the electricity of their predecessors. These variable speed pumps will wind up saving you hundreds of dollars a year by allowing you to adapt the pump speed to the situation; fast when the pool is in use, slow when it’s idle.
- Choose energy efficient lighting – Today’s LED lights can slash the cost of illuminating your pool area by 75% and will last 20 times longer than conventional bulbs. They also produce more attractive light that’s free of glare and can create unparalleled atmosphere. In addition, LED lights contain no hazardous materials and are eco-friendly throughout their lifecycle.
- Cover the pool when it’s not in use – Evaporation is a huge waste of money. Think about it. You pay for the pool installation, pay to have the water filtered, heated and pumped back into the pool… and it evaporates. Eventually you need to top up the pool and that water has to be filtered and heated too. Put a cap on waste by covering your pool when no one is using it.
- Turn off the waterfall(s) – Question: If there’s no one around to appreciate your beautiful water features are they still beautiful? Answer: Maybe. But why are you running them when no one is around to see them? There’s no point in having those beautiful sheets of water or that ginormous rocky waterfall running all the time. If no one is using the pool turn them off and save a bundle on your electric bill.
If you’re ready to convert your energy wasting pool into an efficient, affordable ‘green pool’ or if you’d like to discuss a pool installation in your Toronto yard call the fiberglass pool experts at M.E. Contracting. We’ll help ensure that operating your pool won’t cost a cent more than it needs to.