3 Ways to Lower the Cost of Operating Your Swimming Pool

Posted on by ubizzium

As energy costs have risen over the years, there has been a focus on lowering the cost to operate most appliances, and swimming pools are no exception.  Here are 3 ways to make enjoying your pool more affordable:

  1. Variable Speed Pumps:  an alternative to the single-speed pumps.  Variable speed pumps have permanent magnet motors (same technology found in today’s hybrid cars) that run cooler and produce less vibration, resulting in a quieter pump.  They also have a totally enclosed fan-cooled design that protects against the elements.  The Variable Speed pump motors run at slower speeds than the single-speed pumps.  The reduction in speed, results in a decrease in electrical cost, with an energy savings up to 90% versus traditional pumps.  The slower pump speed has other benefits than just lowering your utility bill.  The slower speed, allows pool water to move more slowly for longer periods, which helps reduce the formation of algae.  It also helps your filter work more effectively because it has more time to sift out particles and the particles aren’t pushed through the filter media at needlessly high pressure.
  2. LED Underwater Lights: The electric savings on an LED replacement light is around 80% versus an incandescent light.  In addition to the electric savings the bulb life on the LED lights is an estimated 50,000 hours; a huge benefit for public facilities that have to keep the lights on for much of the night or during the day.  The LED lights can also change colors and many have light shows built into them that can add excitement and ambience to an evening swim.
  3. Heat Pump Pool Heaters: Gas fired pool heaters are the most popular type of heater, but have an efficiency rating of 80-85% on standard units.  A heat pump operates to a 100% efficiency rating.  Heat pumps are commonly used in a “maintenance heating” fashion, meaning the heater is left on at all times and heats the water as needed.  While heat pumps tend to cost more initially, you can expect it to pay for itself in energy savings in 3 to 5 years versus a gas fired heater.