An energy-efficient pool can save you money on your electric bill while increasing your home’s value and fun factor! Although designing and installing energy-saving renovations for your pool may seem complex, it can be a straightforward process. Following simple tips, like heating your pool only when you’re ready to swim, can decrease the amount of energy it uses.
During the dog days of summer when the heat is almost too much for outdoor activities, there’s no need to use a heater. Plus the heat will evaporate the water decreasing the chlorine levels and increasing the costs and supplies needed to keep your pool in working condition. To reduce evaporation rates, a pool cover is a good investment. It will prevent most of the evaporation, and keep your pool free of debris while controlling the water temperature.
Cold Winters, Hot Summers
If the region where you live experiences all four seasons, a pool doesn’t have to be costly to maintain as long as you follow some simple energy-saving tips. The key to saving energy with a seasonal-use pool is to only keep the pool heated when you’re most likely to use it, which is the spring, summer, and early fall. Additionally, you can install a pool cover to keep in the heat provided by a pool heater, or paint the bottom of your pool a dark color to help it absorb and retain heat from the sun.
Combining a dark-bottom pool with a transparent pool cover maximizes the amount of sunlight your pool can absorb and retain. Installing a solar heating system for your pool is another option you can consider to make your pool more energy efficient.
Humid, Rainy Days
The most important factors to consider in when it comes to weather are how much your pool water is being diluted and what level of risk an overflowing pool may represent. If you experience severe rainfall where you live, you may have to drain your pool occasionally to prevent overflow. In addition to all that lost heat, you may also need to rebalance water and chlorine levels, which increases the amount of energy, resources, and money you need to maintain your pool. Depending on the severity of the weather, a pool cover may not be the best choice, as it can be damaged during frequent storms. Luckily, there are still some ways to maximize energy efficiency.
Consider installing a saltwater pool instead of a chlorine pool. Saltwater pools produce chlorine regularly, and other chemicals rarely need to be added. Hence, they make your pool more self-sufficient and cost less to maintain. In a rainy climate, a saltwater system will replenish the levels of chlorine over time, saving you from having to buy a chlorine refill. If you choose to install a saltwater pool, though, make sure to get an energy-efficient pool pump, as maintenance needs require that you run it several hours each day.
Choosing to make your pool more energy efficient reduces its environmental impact while saving you money, which you can use to tackle other home improvement projects. To maximize the benefits of your pool, consider the region you live in. A pool cover works great for hot, dry days, but may not be as helpful for humid, rainy weather. Following the tips above and considering what’s best for your backyard and budget can ensure that you are able to maximize your pool’s energy efficiency.