Swimming pools are an expensive luxury that require basic routine maintenance to keep them looking good and safe for swimming. If you’re adding more chemicals and running your pump longer, read this article to find out how to reduce your pool’s operating costs.
1. Check Pool Chemistry Frequently
The most important component of every pool care routine is checking the water chemistry frequently. I recommend using pool test strips as they are easy to use and give a very accurate result.
As soon as you detect an element of water chemistry out of balance, you must act quickly to rebalance the water chemistry. If left uncorrected, your pool can quickly deteriorate into a swamp infested with algae and bacteria.
The cost of preventing a problem is always less than fixing it. Following a good pool care plan will reduce your pool’s operating costs.
2. Clean the filter regularly
Pool filters get dirty quickly, especially in the summer season when the pool is in use. A dirty filter will reduce the flow of water through the filtration system, requiring the pump to work harder than normal.
Clean your filter every week to improve filtration, keep your pool water clean, and reduce your pool’s operating costs.
3. Add pool chemicals at night
Pool chemicals, particularly chlorine, are damaged by the sun’s heat and ultraviolet light. Smart pool owners only add chemicals to the water at night after the sun has set. This gives the chemicals all night to do their job without getting sunburned. Be sure to run the pump overnight for at least a few hours to mix and circulate the chemicals around the pool.
4. Run the filter in off-peak periods
I recommend that all pool pumps be connected to a separate electricity meter for off-peak electricity use. Off-peak power is typically off-peak from 6 am to 9 am and 4 pm to 9 pm Off-peak electricity use will save you hundreds of dollars each year.
5. Install a variable speed pool pump
Pool pump technology has improved with the development of variable speed pumps. These pumps automatically vary their operating speed to match the workload required to run the filter. When the filter is clean, the water flow is high and the pressure is low. The pump requires less energy to push the water through the filtration system. When the workload increases, the pump increases speed and power output to match the workload. A variable speed pump will reduce your pool’s operating costs by saving a considerable amount of electricity.
6. Install a pool cover
Pool covers aren’t just for keeping leaves and other debris out of the pool. A cover will reduce water evaporation, preserve your pool chemicals and keep the water warmer by preventing heat loss. These items will reduce your pool’s operating costs by saving water, chemicals, and electricity.
7. Cover your spa pool or hot tub
Spa pools and hot tubs cost money to heat the water. Make sure heat is retained by covering the pool with a good quality cover. Switching your hot water heater to electricity during off-peak hours also reduces your spa’s operating costs.
8. Install a glass pool fence
Glass pool fences not only prevent small children from entering the pool, they have many other benefits. These pool fences give people unobstructed views of the backyard. Parents can more easily see children in the pool.
The glass panels help protect the pool from wind that can cool the surface water. These types of fences also prevent leaves and other debris from entering the pool, saving your filtration system.
Most people who have installed glass pool fencing love the sleek, modern look of glass. These fences can really make the backyard landscape more attractive and add value to the property.
9. Install LED lighting
Modern LED lights use 80% less energy than older incandescent bulbs, lowering your electricity bill. LEDs have many other benefits, such as giving off better quality light that is easier on the eyes, producing less heat, the bulbs are smaller and easier to install, and the bulbs have a very long lifespan.
10. Install a pool cover
Pool enclosures are becoming more popular as pool owners recognize the benefits. As pool fences have become mandatory for most backyard pools, some homeowners have decided to go the extra mile and install a fully enclosed pool structure. These structures prevent the entrance of insects, birds, other wild animals, children and adults. Pool enclosures also keep the pool cleaner by protecting it from inclement weather. There is no need for a pool fence and pool cover. Filtration times can be reduced to save energy.
