How to Create and Manage an Energy Efficient Pool
When many people think of summer fun, the thought often turns to a nice dip in the pool or a cooling swim when things get too hot. The pool is not only a great family bonding tool, but also an entertainer and consistent source of fun. Many people who own pools will complain that the amount of money they spend on powering and maintaining their pools often outweighs the pros. However, there are many ways that you can effectively manage and maintain an energy efficient pool in order to save you both the time and money you need in different parts of your life.
An energy efficient pool is also a great way to contribute towards a more healthy and active environment, for not only yourself but also your children and the generations to come. It’s easy, simple and often overlooked – but you can be managing and maintaining an energy efficient pool in no time at all.
Solar Pool Heater
Many people heat and power their pools through the use of their current energy provider. However, what if you could power your pool through the simple art of solar technology? Unlike many solar panels that cost thousands of dollars upon your initial investment, solar powering technologies for pools are not as costly. Some of these unique tools are available at almost any pool store you go to and are often encouraged for sale by employees. These tools include (but are in no way limited to):
- Solar panel covers for capturing the sun and heating the pool effectively.
- Panels that can cover the lamps surrounding your pool for visibility.
- Other panels which are used to power the motor and filter; these panels can be directly attached to the components or can be bought as a separate model, it’s all up to your discretion. Sometimes buying the individual unit with the solar panel attached can end up costing you a little bit more, so consider your budget.
- Using energy-efficient technologies to clean your pool.
Pool water is pumped up to solar panels where it is circulated through a series of tubes. The heated water then returns back to the pool. While the cost of heating the pool is totally free, the only upfront cost is the installation of solar panels.
By talking with your local pool expert and weighing the options, you may be able to make an environmentally friendly pool, which only powers itself through the use of solar technologies. This is especially useful in the summer, when the sun is at its peak and you’re able to reap the full benefits of this technology.
Solar heating systems are silent and renewable but various factors like amount of sunlight received, distance between solar panels and pool, weak pump can limit the amount of heating that is needed for your pool.
Heat Pump Pool Heaters
A heat pump doesn’t generate heat. It uses electricity to take outside air, then warms it by means of a compressor and then transfers the heat to the water as it circulates through the tubes. You need to consider size, efficiency and cost while purchasing a heap pump pool heater. Heat pump pool heaters are more energy efficient than most other types of heating systems.
They perform efficiently as long as temperature remains above the 45ºF–50ºF range. They consume more energy, if the air they draw in is cooler.
Gas Pool Heaters
Gas pool heaters use either natural gas or propane to heat the water. The pump draws the water from the pool and the water passes through a filter and then to the heater. The heat generated by burning natural gas or propane is transferred to the water which then returns back to the pool. Size, efficiency and costs are 3 parameters that needs to be considered while buying a gas pool heater.
Using Environmentally Friendly Cleaners To Save Energy
A lot of cleaners for pools are in no way environmentally friendly. Although they clean and chlorinate the water you’ll be swimming in, they can have bad impacts on wherever you dump them afterwards. One major misstep that people take when they assess the needs of their pool energy is the amount of energy the pool itself takes to process chemicals. Pumps may need to be on all night in order to effectively disperse chemicals. By investing in environmentally friendly cleaners, which are certified by your government, you can make a significant dent in the energy your pool uses.
Other Ways You Can Help Create An Energy Efficient Pool
Some of the other steps you can take in order to create an energy efficient pool are easy and often overlooked because they are so simple. The following list is different ways that you and your family can ensure that your pool doesn’t eat up too much energy when it isn’t needed.
- Decommissioning your pool earlier on will help you save some serious change, especially near the end of the summer when energy costs are at their highest.
- Covering up the pool in the late evening with a solar panel cover will help bring more heat into the water, therefore heating it much more effectively.
- Trying to limit your use of the pool is very important as well. Even though it’s exciting to have a pool that you can use throughout the summer, by limiting the amount of time you spend in it during the high-energy cost months, you can effectively add more money to your wallet.
Do research into your pools unique energy features and try to find alternate means of power.
