There are over 8.5 Million pools spread over the United States. Swimming pools require a lot of energy to power and maintain them. Fortunately, homeowners in Brisbane can take advantage of some tips for saving money on energy used to heat a pool.
The factors cut across reducing the amount of energy needed to heat a pool and reducing the amount of heat a pool loses. If a pool loses less heat, then you will need less energy to keep in warm. Here are energy-saving tips for your pool.
1. Insulate Your Pool
Pool insulation goes a long way in reducing heat loss. Consider installing rigid panel insulation around and under the structure to save on the energy needed to heat the pool.
2. Use A Smaller Energy Efficient Pump
The bigger the pump, the more energy it consumes in pool heating in Brisbane. Therefore, purchase the right size of pump for your pool to reduce energy costs. Generally, a 75-horsepower pump will work efficiently for a home’s pool. However, if your pool is a bit big, you can consider buying a bigger pump.
Additionally, minimizing the amount of time you operate the pump will help lower energy costs drastically. Filtrating the water six hours daily should give you clean water. You can start with a much lower time and increase the time by 30 minutes daily until you achieve the optimum time that results in clean water.
Ensure the intake gates are not clogged with debris because they make your pump work harder, hence consuming more energy.
3. Embrace Solar Technology
Use solar-powered pumps to heat your pool and solar blankets to reduce heat loss. Solar heaters contain energy collecting panels that absorb thermal energy from the sun to heat the pool’s water. Solar blankets, on the other hand, trap sun rays to keep the pool warm at night.
According to the US Department of Energy, solar blankets/ covers cuts heating cost by more than 50 percent.
4. Upgrade Pool’s Lighting
In the past few years, there has been a massive exodus from incandescent lights to LED lighting. Experts have it that LED lighting can last three times longer and save more than 80 percent energy over incandescent lights. Using LED lighting dramatically reduces energy costs and lasts longer, meaning fewer replacements.
5. Utilize Automatic Pool Cleaners
If you already have automatic pool cleaners, operate them two to three hours during winter and three to four hours during summer. It is recommended to start the sweep at least 15 minutes when the filter pump is still running and stop the process before filtration stops.
On dusty days, increase the sweep time until the pool is sparkling clean. Automating pool cleaning can help save on energy costs.
6. Install Wind Breakers
It is imperative for homeowners with outdoor swimming pools to install windbreakers. Windbreakers elevate energy consumption by eliminating air turbulence over the surface of the swimming pool.
Moreover, erecting a solid fence, wall, or screen can reduce the amount of heat lost to the atmosphere, thus lowering energy use.
7. Pick the Right Finish
Picking the right color finish can help save energy. Darker colors tend to absorb sun rays, helping to maintain the pool’s average temperature. This option is only for those who are big on conserving energy.
8. Prevent Water Evaporation
Research shows that water evaporation in pools is a culprit of energy overconsumption. A lot of heat is lost through surface evaporation. Besides, water evaporation not only leads to heat loss but also water loss. Preventing water evaporation is an effective way of making your swimming pool energy efficient.
9. Maintain Your Cleaning System
The cleaning system needs to be cleaned too. You can opt for pool installers or builders’ maintenance services, who will frequently check the system to ensure it is working efficiently. A well-maintained cleaning system means a clean swimming pool.
10. Be A Responsible Pool Owner
Everything narrows down to the pool owner, operator, or user. Switch off the heat pump when leaving for a vacation unless the weather is frigid. Additionally, cover your pool when not in use to lower the amount of dust and debris getting into it