A Low-Energy Pool; How?

A Eco-Friendly Pool

Make Your Pool Green! Pool owners should aspire to have an eco-friendly pool in their backyards.

Reduce Costs

Energy-efficient pool appliances always pay for themselves in reduced electric bills, and then continue to save money for years to come. By choosing pool equipment such as Silensor Pro variable speed pump or pool cover, and by establishing good habits like lowering the pool heater when not in use and proper preventative maintenance, costs to a pool owner can be greatly decreased.

Cuts down on energy waste and saves water

About 95% of a pool’s heat loss occurs at the surface. By using a pool cover to prevent heat and water loss, the amount of chemical water treatment will also be reduced. A multispeed or energy efficient pool pump can also significantly reduce the power consumption of a swimming pool by over 65%.

Energy Efficiency – How?

Pump Efficiency

You can save energy and maintain a comfortable swimming pool temperature by using a smaller, higher efficiency pump and by operating it less. On average, an energy efficient pump will use 30-45% less energy than that of a standard pump. The difference over a season can be huge. Pumps now come in variable-speed models, so you can turn the speed down for regular daily use saving a lot of energy, and use higher settings for more thorough, less frequent cleanings. New energy-efficient pumps also move the water more efficiently for further savings. Since pumps circulate the water to keep it clean, the better they work, the less a filter has to work.

Solar Covers

A solar swimming pool cover, also known as a "solar blanket" or "pool blanket," does more than a standard pool cover. Not only does it keep evaporation to a minimum, keep out debris, and reduce chemical consumption; it also helps heat the water of your pool. You can swim in warmer water and extend your swimming season if you use a solar pool cover. Solar pool covers can reduce pool heating costs 50 to 70%.

Bubblefloat and Solar Geo Bubble solar covers are specifically designed to extend your swimming season while retaining heat. They are available in multiple shapes and sizes to fit every type of swimming pool.

Water temperature efficiency

In addition to a pool cover, there are other ways to help keep the cost of heating your pool to a minimum while you still enjoy a comfortable water temperature. Make use of solar energy by locating your pool in the sunniest part of your yard. If possible, screen it from the cooling, prevailing wind with existing structures such as the house or garage, or add a solidly built fence as a windbreak. The water temperature you desire for your swimming pool not only affects the size of the pool's heater, but also your heating costs. Heating your pool with solar energy is by far the most energy-efficient method.

Preventative Maintenance

Maintain efficient daily operations. Turn down the pool heater when the pool is not in use and maintain appropriate water temperatures when in use. Keep a thermometer in the pool to help determine the temperature that is best for your pool and mark the "comfort settings" on the thermostat dial to avoid accidental overheating. Backwash the pool filter only as much as necessary to avoid wasting water and energy and be sure to keep drain systems clear to allow the free flow of water. By far, the most energy efficient lights you can get for the pool are LED or solar powered.

Energy Efficiency Quick Tips

To support your efforts to make your pool as economical and eco-friendly as possible, below are some changes you can make that help conserve energy and water while reducing your operating costs.

• Reduce heat loss by using a pool cover. Your energy savings can be 50-70%
• Fencing, hedges and landscaping that shelter your pool from prevailing winds will further reduce heat loss
• If you use your pool only on weekends, reduce your heater or heat pump thermostat settings
• When leaving for vacation for more than a week, unless freezing temperatures are expected, turn off the pool heat pump
• Reduce pump speed to reduce energy use. A slower pump reduces power consumption
• For good water maintenance, circulate water through a filter only once per day. Additional cycles tend to waste energy
• Run your pool’s filtration system during off-peak hours when electricity demand is lower – generally between 8pm and 10am
• Keep intake grates clear of debris. Clogged drains require the pump to work harder
• To obtain maximum filtration and energy efficiency, clean your filter regularly