Pools bring endless enjoyment, but their upkeep can strain your budget. The good news? With the right strategies, you can significantly cut costs without sacrificing the fun. This guide covers practical tips to save on heating, maintenance, and energy, ensuring your pool stays affordable and efficient.
Key Insights
A quick recap of the main points to help you reduce your pool expenses while maintaining its functionality and enjoyment.
- Choose the Right Heating Option
- Upgrade Equipment for Efficiency
- Invest in Pool Covers
- Optimise Pump and Feature Usage
- Prioritise Regular Maintenance
- DIY When Possible
Table of Contents
An overview of pool heating options
The cheapest long-term solution is solar pool heating, which uses the sun’s energy to warm the water as it’s pulled through collector on the roof. Solar pool heating has similar upfront costs to an electric heat pump, and while it’s cheap to maintain long-term, it’s not as reliable as other options and may not work effectively in cooler climates.
The most economical way to heat your pool is an electric heat pump, which uses electricity to transfer heat from the surrounding air to the water. This system can be used to extend the swimming season or for year-round heating.
Lastly, you can use a gas heater; by far the most expensive to run as due to ever increasing gas prices. A gas heater may cost hundreds of dollars per months to run, depending on how much you use it, the size of the pool and the set temperature. It does however give you the option of rapid fast heating, sometimes in as little as a few hours.
Top 10 tips to save on your pool costs
Owning a pool can be a source of endless summer fun and relaxation, but it can also come with significant expenses. Fortunately, there are many ways to cut down on your pool expenses without sacrificing its quality or enjoyment. Here are 10 essential tips to save on your pool costs.
1. Upgrade to a Variable-Speed Pool Pump
One of the biggest contributors to high energy bills is your pool pump. Traditional single-speed pumps consume a lot of electricity, often more than necessary. Upgrading to a variable-speed pool pump allows you to control the flow rate, reducing energy usage while maintaining water circulation. Though the initial cost may be higher, the long-term savings on your energy bills can be substantial.
2. Use a Pool Cover or Liquid Pool Cover
A pool cover is one of the most effective tools for reducing pool-related expenses. Traditional pool covers help in several ways: they prevent water evaporation, reduce heat loss, and keep debris out of your pool. This means you’ll spend less on refilling water, heating the pool, and using chemicals to maintain water quality. A high-quality, properly fitted cover can pay for itself through these savings over time.
For those who find manual covers inconvenient or who want an additional layer of efficiency, a liquid pool cover is an excellent alternative. This innovative solution involves adding a biodegradable liquid to your pool that forms an invisible barrier on the surface. The barrier reduces water evaporation and heat loss, much like a physical cover, but without the hassle of manual application. It’s especially handy for irregularly shaped pools or those used frequently, as it allows for uninterrupted swimming while still offering cost-saving benefits.
3. Optimise Pump Operation
Your pool pump doesn’t need to run 24/7 to keep your water clean. Reducing the operating time of your pump can significantly cut energy costs. During cooler months, or when the pool is used less frequently, you can reduce the pumping hours. Running the pump during off-peak electricity hours can also help lower energy expenses, especially if you’re on a time-of-use electricity plan.
4. Regular Maintenance
Regular pool maintenance ensures that your equipment operates efficiently and prevents small issues from turning into costly repairs. Clean your filters regularly to maintain proper water flow, skim debris from the surface, and keep your pool chemistry balanced. Staying on top of these tasks can extend the life of your pool system and reduce unexpected expenses.
5. Install Energy-Efficient Lighting
If your pool features underwater lighting or nearby outdoor lights, switching to LED bulbs can drastically cut energy consumption. LEDs are not only more efficient than traditional incandescent lights but also last significantly longer, reducing replacement costs. Over time, this simple change can add up to noticeable savings on your electricity bill.
6. Utilise Solar Energy
Solar power is an eco-friendly way to offset your pool’s energy costs. If you already have solar panels, use them to run your pool pump or heating system during sunny hours. Solar pool heaters are another excellent investment, providing a cost-effective and sustainable way to keep your pool comfortable without relying heavily on electricity or gas.
7. Insulate Pool Equipment
Heat loss can significantly increase your pool heating costs, especially during cooler seasons. Insulating exposed pipes and other equipment, like your pool heater, helps retain heat and reduces the energy required to maintain the desired temperature. Simple insulation solutions can lead to noticeable cost reductions over time.
8. Limit Water Features
While fountains, waterfalls, and jets can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your pool, they also increase energy consumption and water evaporation. Limiting the use of these features, especially during periods of high energy prices or water restrictions, can help keep costs down. Use these features sparingly, or invest in energy-efficient designs to reduce their impact.
9. Monitor Chemical Levels
Pool chemicals can be a significant ongoing expense, especially if they’re overused. Regularly testing your pool’s water chemistry ensures that you’re adding only the necessary amount of chemicals to maintain safe and clean water. Avoiding chemical imbalances also protects your pool system from damage, reducing the need for costly repairs.
10. Consider DIY Maintenance
Hiring professionals for every pool-related task can add up quickly. Learning to handle basic maintenance tasks, such as cleaning the filter, backwashing, and testing water chemistry, can save you hundreds of dollars annually. Many of these tasks are simple and require minimal tools or expertise, making DIY maintenance an accessible way to reduce costs.
FAQs
1. How can I design my pool to save on operational and maintenance costs?
To minimise costs, opt for a smaller, simpler pool shape as larger pools require more energy, water, and chemicals. Use durable materials for pool finishes and surrounds to reduce long-term maintenance needs. Consider installing smart pool technology that automates water temperature control, chemical balancing, and cleaning schedules for increased efficiency and cost savings.
2. What are common mistakes that increase pool costs, and how can I avoid them?
- Over-Cleaning: Avoid running robotic cleaners too often or using excess chemicals. Stick to a regular but not excessive cleaning schedule.
- Ignoring Equipment Maintenance: Regularly service your pump, filters, and heaters to ensure they work efficiently. Ignoring them can lead to costly repairs or inefficiencies.
- Overheating: Keep your pool at a reasonable temperature to avoid skyrocketing energy bills. Use a pool cover to retain heat instead of over-relying on your heater.
3. What tasks should I handle myself, and when should I hire a professional for pool maintenance?
- DIY Tasks: Routine tasks such as skimming debris, cleaning filters, and testing chemical levels are straightforward and can be handled with basic tools.
- Hire a Professional: For complex repairs, advanced chemical balancing, or seasonal setup and closures, it’s best to hire a pool maintenance expert to ensure the job is done efficiently and correctly.
The final verdict
To explore the types of pool covers you can choose from, you can contact our team for help today, or view our options. We can also advise you on the best type of heater for your pool, and how you can set up your system to save money while you swim, longer.
