ENERGY USE
Six surprising ways to make your pool more energy efficient.
There’s no denying having a swimming pool makes life a bit sweeter, yet if not maintained or optimised, it can lead to extra unwanted costs. When you want to do your bit for the environment and lower your energy expenditure, these handy tips will help you make your pool ultra-energy efficient.
- Use a pool cover when not in use.
When your pool is left uncovered it results in water evaporation and heat loss. Covering your pool whenever it’s not in use can lessen water evaporation by an incredible 95%. Since heat will be trapped in too, this will save energy and reduce the need for heating. Covering your pool will also keep out pesky leaves, branches and other unwanted debris.
- Upgrade to an energy efficient smart pump.
Designed to optimise efficiency and energy consumption, a variable speed pool pump uses advanced technology to adjust the pump's speed and flow rate based on the pool's current needs.
To save money, you can adjust its variable speed motor to run at a slower speed or even overnight when energy prices are lower. It's estimated that running a pool pump in low-demand periods can save you up to as much as 83%. Given that the average pool accounts for 18% of household energy consumption in Australia, that can be some sizable savings.
According to Astral Pools, owners who switch to variable-speed pool pumps see a return on investment in as little as two years.
- Install solar panels or a solar pool heater.
To really make savings and lower your home’s CO2 footprint, solar panels that run on renewable energy are a brilliant idea. Using the sun’s thermal energy, the solar heaters will warm your pool without the need for electricity or gas. You could even have your pool pump run from your home solar system as well.
- Carry out regular pool maintenance.
To run optimally, your pool needs regular care. Weekly pool maintenance, including cleaning and chemical balancing, can help keep your pool operating efficiently and reduce energy consumption. Monitor your chlorine levels regularly too to reduce the need to add infrequent high doses.
- Install energy-efficient pool lighting
Consider upgrading your pool lighting to LEDs. Energy-efficient LED lights use significantly less energy compared to traditional incandescent or halogen lights.
Traditional pool lights can generate a lot of heat, which can affect the temperature of the pool water and increase the load on the pool's cooling system. LED lights generate very little heat, thus reducing the load on the pool's cooling system and potentially lowering energy consumption. What’s more, LEDs are often customisable so you can have colour changing or brightening effects to suit the mood of your pool area.
- Invest in a pool automation system.
To really streamline your pool management, invest in a pool automation system. This can take care of pool heating, lighting and cleaning to reduce your power consumption and save on energy costs.
Summary
- Covering your pool whenever it’s not in use can lessen water evaporation by 95%.
- An energy efficient smart pump will enable to you to lower its speed, and program it to come on at night during cheaper off-peak pricing times.
- Solar panels can warm your pool without the need for electricity or gas and run your pool pump.
- Carry out weekly pool maintenance to help keep your pool operating efficiently and reduce energy consumption.
- Upgrade your pool lighting to LEDs which are customisable and emit less heat.
- A pool automation system can take care of pool heating, lighting and cleaning
ActewAGL's energy saving tips are designed to help you take control of your energy use, while reducing your bills and environmental impact. Save with great value energy plans backed by our sustainability promise, supported by 100% local, award-winning service.
For more information about how you can transition to an energy-efficient home visit the SolarHub & ActewAGL Smart Energy Hub today.
Sources
https://www.epa.gov/watersense/pool-water-efficiency
https://www.astralpool.com.au/pool-and-spa-guides/5-reasons-why-you-should-upgrade-to-a-variable-speed-pump
Disclaimer: These Energy Savings tips and articles are for information purposes only. Please ensure you are aware of any safety precautions before operating appliances or products.
