5 Ways to Make Your Pool Energy Efficient

This summer we are all spending more time with our families in the comfort of our own homes. Hopefully, you are making the most of your backyard oasis, spending time swimming, playing and dining in your outdoor spaces. However, with all the extra time spent at home in your backyard, you may notice that your energy bills are rising. Many homeowners are not aware that there are several easy steps to improve the energy efficiency of their pool. Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs carries all the swimming pool supplies you need this summer to make your pool more energy efficient. In this post, we have outlined five easy steps to help you and your family enjoy your pool all summer long, without the hefty energy bill.

Pool Finish

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that energy savings can start with the construction and design of their backyard pool. When considering the finishes for your pool, tiling or a vinyl liner, as well as the colour can affect your heating costs. Darker coloured tiles or vinyl liners will absorb more of the sun’s rays to help naturally heat your pool. In turn, this will help reduce your heating costs and make the water warm and inviting the entire family to enjoy this summer. 

Depending on the design of your pool, it is common to have lights placed throughout. LED lights are a preferred energy-saving source of light as they use less electricity while still lighting up your pool for those evening swims.

Landscaping

The landscaping surrounding your pool might not be your first thought when you think of saving energy. However, the natural landscape in your backyard can drastically change your outdoor living space. For example, by installing a privacy fence, hedge, berm, or other sturdy windbreaks, you can help reduce heat loss in your pool on windy days. This will help lower your energy costs by preserving the heat in your pool.

Clever landscaping can also affect the amount of sun to which your pool is exposed. Depending on the location of your home and the size of your backyard, you can plant trees and shrubs to maximize the afternoon sun hitting your pool. This will help the sun to naturally heat the water, reducing your heating costs. Just don’t forget sunscreen while swimming!

Variable Speed Pool Pump

An Energy Star certified pool pump can help you gain $300 or more in savings per year. At the Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs online pool supplies store, we carry four different models of variable speed pumps. This includes the Hayward TriStar 1.85 HP Variable Speed Pump, Hayward TriStar 900 Variable Speed Pump, TriStar 950 Variable Speed Pump, and the Hayward TriStar VS 2.7 HP Variable Speed Pump. These models can help you save money on your energy bill this summer while your pool is being used. In fact, if you have a single-speed pump for your pool, it is likely the third biggest consumer of energy in your home, following heating and air conditioning systems. With a variable speed pump, you will be able to minimize your energy consumption and reduce your overall energy use by up to 90%! Although variable speed pumps cost more than single speed pumps, these energy savings usually end up paying for themselves within two years.

Optimize Plumbing

Depending on your home and the plumbing system, your pump may be working harder than necessary. If pipes are too narrow or follow tight turns, your pump may need to work harder to pass water through the system and deliver it to your pool. Optimizing your plumbing system can help reduce the load on your pump and allow your pool to run more efficiently, saving you money on energy costs.

Heating

It is no secret that heating your pool can use a lot of energy. Thankfully, pool heating technologies are getting more advanced each year. You may want to consider upgrading to a heating system that utilizes advanced technology such as pool heating solar panels, or systems that heat “from the bottom up.” These technological advances help to optimize pool heating and can reduce your overall energy costs.

Another way to keep the pool’s heat in the pool is by purchasing a solar blanket. This blanket is like a pool cover that is placed over the entirety of the pool to keep heat in at night, on a cloudy day or during a rainstorm. There are even options now to purchase an automatic pool cover, which offers additional protection and reduces heat and water loss. These pool covers make it easy to protect your pool and keep in the heat, a great option for homeowners that may forget to put their solar blanket every night.

Another great way to save energy is by modifying your heating schedule based on the weather. If it is going to be hot and sunny for several days, you might choose to turn off your heating system and enjoy the cooler water as it naturally heats up with the sun. Alternatively, if the weather is going to be colder or overcast, you may want to heat on those days to keep your pool warm and inviting.

Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs Can Help Make Your Pool More Energy Efficient

At Seaway Pools & Hot Tubs, our online pool supplies store can help you find all the swimming pool supplies you need to make the most of this summer. Whether you are looking for accessories and games or repair parts, our online store can help make it easier than ever to upgrade your pool experience. With the extra time spent at home this summer, there is no better time to invest in your energy savings. With the help of our energy-saving tips, you and your family can enjoy your pool all summer long while reducing your energy consumption. For more information on any of Seaway’s products or services, contact our friendly team today at 905-853-8500 (Newmarket) or 905-294-8030 (Markham).