We are all doing our part to reduce our environmental impact. One area to consider is your swimming pool.
Pools require a large amount of energy in order to run their filtration, plumbing and heating systems, but there are a number of things you can do to improve your pool’s energy efficiency.
Making your swimming pool energy-efficient not only has less of an impact on the environment, it can also:
- Lower your energy bills
- Extend the life of your pool equipment
- Cut down your energy waste
- Conserve your water
Whether you are looking to design a new pool or update your current pool energy use, here are 9 simple tips that can make a big difference:
1. Use a pool cover
Using a pool cover can help you reduce chemical use, water evaporation and heat loss in your pool. This will in turn help you save energy, time and money.
Installing an automatic pool cover can also make the task of opening and closing it easier, which means it’s more likely to be used.
2. Use an energy-efficient pump, filter and heater
When you install an Energy Star variable speed pump, it only uses as much energy as needed to clean and filter your pool. Instead of running at full force 24/7 while the pump is filtering, it will use about half the energy of most non-Energy Star models.
A correctly sized pool filter will also ensure that your pump does not have to work extra hard. Choosing a high-efficiency heater will help you save substantially on your energy bills.
3. Install windbreaks around your pool
If your pool is outdoors, consider installing windbreaks as even modest winds increase evaporation rates and energy consumption.
The windbreaks you choose should be tall and close enough to the pool to limit airflow over the pool’s surface. A wall, a screen, a hedge, a solid fence, or a fence with plant cover should do the trick.
4. Heat your pool using the sun
Solar heaters allow you to harness the energy of the sun to heat your pool.
Solar heaters use energy collecting panels and are a great option to heat your pool if your backyard receives a lot of sunlight.
Solar blankets also use the power of the sun, but in this case, they use the trapped heat from the sun-warmed water to keep the water at the perfect temperature overnight. They are made with little thermal bubbles that capture UV rays of the sun and keep your water warm. Also, they’re good at retaining moisture from the water and assisting with evaporation control.
5. Choose a darker finish
If you are currently designing your pool or planning to renovate, opt for darker coloured tiles or liners to maximize heat absorption.
With more heat, you can enjoy your pool longer and reduce the need to use your heater.
6. Lower your pool temperature
Lowering your pool temperature by even a degree or two can help make a difference to the amount of energy used to maintain the temperature.
If you prefer to swim in warmer water, consider raising the temperature only slightly before swimming, and then promptly lowering the temperature once you are finished.
7. Upgrade to LED lights
Just like inside your house, switching to LED lights from incandescent light bulbs can make your pool more energy-efficient.
LED lights also last three times as long, reducing the need for maintenance.
8. Choose a Vancouver swimming pool contractor that prioritizes energy efficiency
Pools are natural solar energy collectors, converting 75-85% of the sun’s rays into heat. When designing your pool in Vancouver, choose a company that prioritizes energy efficiency.
A major factor in good pool design is selecting the right location for your pool. A qualified, professional swimming pool contractor, will be able to suggest a location with more sun exposure to make your pool more energy-efficient and enjoyable.
If you have any questions about building an energy-efficient swimming pool, please feel free to contact us today!