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Friday, July 19, 2013

Is Your Swimming Pool an Energy Hog?

It's no secret that swimming pools can be major energy guzzlers. But with a few simple steps, you can turn your pool in to an eco-friendly, energy-efficient oasis!

Don't let your swimming pool turn into an energy hog.
Follow our simple steps to transform
your pool from energy hog to eco-friendly oasis. 

Step 1: Replace your old, single-speed pool pump with an ultra-efficient variable speed pump. A pool pump can be the second largest electric user in your household, adding significantly to your monthly utility bills. But by replacing your old pool pump with a new variable speed pump, you could reduce your pool energy costs by as much as 80 percent!

These savings are so substantial that, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, switching to a variable speed pool pump can generate energy savings equal to or greater than than those achieved by updating an existing home to an ENERGY STAR-rated home. 

By taking advantage of utility company rebates for new pool pumps in Arizona and Nevada, homeowners can enjoy rapid payback and years of substantial savings.

Step 2: Use the power of the sun to heat your pool. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, solar pool heating is the most cost-effective use of solar energy in many climates. A Heliocol system can double your swim season using free solar energy year after year. Solar pool heating can save thousands of dollars annually in heating costs when compared to a gas heater and hundreds of dollars annually as compared to an electric heat pump.

Step 3: Save energy and water with a pool cover. Once your swimming pool is heated, you'll often lose heat and water through evaporation. A pool cover conserves both. You can also lower the water level in your pool to reduce loss from splashing.

Step 4: Install a salt water system and never buy chlorine again! Salt water systems produce a pure form of "free chlorine" that shocks chloramines out of the water. The result is a clean, thoroughly sanitized pool without the harsh side effects of traditional chlorine pools.

Step 5: Upgrade your pool light to an energy-efficient LED light. LED pool lights last three times as long as incandescent lights and use significantly less energy. Although an LED light is initially more expensive, you'll save money over its lifetime.

Step 6: Use a time clock for filtering and cleaning your pool. Run your system in off peak hours.

Step 7: Regular, preventive maintenance keeps your pool pump and filter operating at maximum efficiency, saving money and energy.