How to Reduce Pool Heating Costs

Save Money by Saving Energy

Swimming pools all require maintenance now and then and can be an expensive project since it consumes a lot of energy, but we can help you find ways to increase your swimming pools energy efficiency.

Upgrade Your Heater

Upgrade to a heat pump or solar heating system.  Pool heat pumps and solar heating systems are more cost efficient to operate long term.  Replacing an older model with a high efficiency heat pump can significantly lower your monthly heating bill.

Energy Efficient Pool Heaters

Are there alternatives to heat pumps and pool heaters?

Yes! As an alternative to pool heat pumps, you can considerably reduce costs by installing a Solar Heating System.  Solar panels do not require a lot of maintenance and have the lowest annual operating costs compared to other methods of heating.  It is the most efficient, economical and environmentally friendly method to heat your pool.

Pool Maintenance

Be consistent with maintenance. A well maintained heater, pump and filter will work more efficiently, reducing monthly operating costs.

Clean the pool filter.  Debris clogged in the filter adds extra load on the pump, causing it to work harder than necessary and using excess energy.  If you have an older filter, replace it.  

*Lower pump filtration time to six hours per day.  On average, this can save you 60% of your electricity bill. Increase filtration time by 30 minute increments until you are happy with the cleanliness of your pool water.

Learn more maintenance tips..

Pool Pump Efficiency

Size the Pump

Use the smallest size pump possible.  The larger the pump, the higher the maintenance costs.  You can lower costs by installing the smallest pool pump for your swimming pool and run it less each day.

As long as the pool water is circulated while chemicals are added, they will remain mixed and it is not needed to continuously run the pool pump in order to circulate chemicals and remove debris.  It is recommended that you run the filtration at least once a day, but the pump does not need to stay running.

*Control when the pump cycles by installing a timer that will run the pump for short period throughout the day.

Lower Water Temperature

Does water temperature affect operating costs?

Turn down the temperature.  Always choose the lowest setting on your thermostat which remains comfortable.  Maintaining a constant temperature, without overheating, can reduce the monthly heating cost.  When your pool will not be in use for over 3 days, lower your thermostat setting.  Completely turn off the heater if it will not be in use for longer periods of time, to lower monthly heating bills.

• The pool water temperature will have an impact on the size of the heater as well as operating costs.
• Determine the ideal temperature for your pool.  Most pools are considered comfortable at 78-82 Degrees.  Each degree temperature rise will cost around 10-30% in energy costs depending on where you live.
• Lower the temperature of the water or turn off the pool heater when you don’t intend to use your pool for more than one day.

How to Reduce Pool Heat Loss

What causes pool heat loss?  Heat loss from swimming pools is primarily caused by evaporation and is responsible for about 50-70% of heat lost from both indoor and outdoor pools.  Learn more.

How to Conserve Pool Water

More Benefits of Solar Covers

Use a pool cover when your pool is not in use to reduce water loss through evaporation and save up to 50%–70% on your pool heating costs.  Not only will a swimming pool solar cover help to conserve water, but it will also keep out debris, decreasing the amount of time needed to run a pool cleaner or manually clean your pool.

Add Wind Breaks to Your Pool

Wind at the surface of a pool can increase energy consumption by 300%

Minimize water evaporation by creating wind blocks near the perimeter of your pool with trees, shrubs or fence.  Remember to place wind breaks high enough and near the pool so that they can decrease the amount of wind that passes over the pool.  Also take care not to shade the pool from the sun, which will help heat the water.

Turn Off the Heater

If you do not plan on using your heater more than once a week, turn it off.  This will save you money!

Many homeowners invest $20,000 to $30,000 or more in their backyard swimming pools and find that the water is comfortable for only one month out of the year in most parts of the country; 6 months out of the year in the south. For an investment of approximately 10% of the swimming pool price, you can multiply your enjoyment of the pool by as much as 600% in most of the country and 100% in the south.