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Be an energy-efficient pool owner and save on your monthly energy bills
Owning a pool is an ongoing investment. You are going to devote hours and dollars to help keep your pool in tip-top condition. However, by making small changes, you can save money, improve your overall pool experience and reduce your environmental footprint. How? Continue reading to learn how you can make smart energy- and money-saving choices for your pool.
Review your pool equipment
Your pool pump is the first product you should consider when looking to save energy and money. Pool pumps consume more energy than any other piece of pool equipment. Pool pumps with induction motors run at only one or two speeds, drawing more energy than is required to circulate pool water.
Pool Facts: Pool pumps can be the second most energy-consuming appliance in a home. Standard pool pumps can often cost more than $1,000/year.*
Switch from a single-speed pump to a variable speed and flow (VSF) pump, like Pentair’s IntelliFlo® and IntelliPro® Variable Speed and Flow Pool Pumps can cut energy use by up to 90%*. Variable speed and flow pool pumps adjust to deliver the correct water flow for each task they perform, such as suction-side pool cleaners, waterfalls or spa jets.
Pentair was named the ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year for the ninth consecutive year, a testament to our drive to provide customers with innovative, sustainable water solutions. Learn more about the ENERGY STAR program.
Additional Reading: Many single-speed pumps fell out of compliance starting in July 2021. Does your pool pump make the cut? Learn more about the new Department of Energy residential pool pump regulations.
You can achieve cost savings by switching to a more efficient pool pump. Other pool equipment components also play a role in energy consumption, including heaters, filters, and lighting.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how simple product upgrades can help to save you time, energy and money:
Filters
Filters are essential for pool maintenance. Cleaning your filters can have a significant strain on your water resources and dollars. Here is what to look for to find a water-efficient filter to help you to save money and time:
- Larger-capacity cartridges mean more dirt-trapping capacity and fewer cleanings.
- Rinsing cartridges rather than backwashing cartridges can help reduce water use per year.
TIP: Filters installed without a backwash valve can further grow hydraulic efficiency, increasing energy savings. - Opt for filters that may allow smaller pumps or lower pump speeds to minimize energy use.
Pool and Spa Lighting:
Lighting in and around your pool can set a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. With LED lights, you can have the added benefit of being energy efficient as well. LED lights are the most energy-efficient lighting options currently available. Additionally, they are more durable and can last longer than other light bulbs.
If you are looking to install LED lighting in your pool, one option to consider is Pentair’s IntelliBrite® Architectural Series Pool & Spa Lights. Unlike many LED pool lights, these lights stay on even if a single LED goes out, so a single LED bulb going out won’t dampen the mood during your nighttime swim.
Automation Possibilities are Endless
Another great way to save on energy costs is through pool automation. Pool automation has the power to make your pool more efficient and effectively tackle tasks like:
- Setting up and altering equipment schedules to account for changes in pool usage, weather and other factors that impact overall performance.
- Ensuring equipment isn’t accidentally left on for extended periods to help with cutting down on energy waste.
- Controlling systems to take advantage of off-peak, seasonable utility rates.
- Adjusting specific equipment through the power of wearables or smart devices.
Take the Next Step
If you want to learn more about how pool products and automation can help improve your overall pool experience, contact your dealer, who can answer all your questions and work with you to create your energy-efficient pool oasis.
* Savings based on variable speed pump compared to a single-speed pump running 12 hours per day at an average of $0.16 per kWh in a 20,000-gallon pool. Actual savings may vary based on local utility rates, pool size, pump run time, pump horsepower, pump rpm, plumbing size and length, pump model, service factor and other hydraulic factors.