It takes a great deal of energy to heat pool water, but traditional heating systems are largely inefficient. However, you can reduce your running costs by making simple changes in routine maintenance. Plus, by effectively using devices that pump water and harnessing solar energy to heat it, you can further reduce your annual running costs.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Managing the Water Temperature
Step 1. Use a pool cover
Water evaporation is the main cause of energy waste when owning a swimming pool. You can hinder it by using a cover when you are not using the tub and, in this way, you will drastically reduce this phenomenon. It is the most effective way to reduce heating costs (up to 50-70%). There are various types of covers available on the market, from manual to semi-automatic and automatic ones.
- The price range is very wide. Many such solutions have other features that allow you to save even more energy.
- Technically, even a large tarp or piece of plastic lying on the tub can serve as a useful cover for your purpose. However, it is much more effective to use a product designed specifically for these needs.
Step 2. Reduce the use of heating when you are not using the pool
Turn it on according to usage. Just turn it off when not needed. The gas boiler is able to heat water relatively quickly. Depending on how often you use it, it can be much more efficient to turn it on as needed.
- For example, if you only swim on Saturdays and Sundays, there is no need to keep the pool heating running all week.
- Turn on the heating system on a Friday evening and, depending on its power, on Saturday morning you will have nice hot water.
- Turn it off again on Sunday night to drastically reduce your gas costs.
Step 3. Perform proper maintenance
Make sure the drain system is clean so that the water can flow unobstructed. Only remove the pool filter when absolutely necessary, as this process wastes water and energy if done too often. Only circulate the water through the filter once a day and keep it at the right temperature when you need to dive (25 ° C for swimming and 25-30 ° C for recreational use).
- Use a swimming pool thermometer to keep the water within optimal thermal conditions.
- Use an LED or solar-powered lighting system, as it is the most energy efficient.
Step 4. Consider a pool heat pump
If you have a gas pump, you may want to upgrade to a swimming pool heat pump. This device uses the same mechanism as air conditioners, except that the process is reversed and the heat taken from the outside environment is used to heat the pool water. The power supply is electric.
- Pool heat pumps cost more than gas boilers, but due to their high efficiency, the annual running costs are lower than those of gas heating systems.
- Also, if proper maintenance is observed, they tend to last longer than gas boilers.
Part 2 of 3: Using Solar Energy
Step 1. Use a thermal pool cover
The "thermal covers", like the normal ones, minimize the evaporation of the water. Since they isolate the tank on the surface, they also allow a partial passage of solar energy, transforming it into heat. In this way, they heat the water and, consequently, allow the boiler to be used less frequently and for short periods of time. Thermal covers are a more effective and efficient way to keep your pool warm.
- Thermal covers can extend the bathing season and reduce water refills by 30-50%.
- In addition, they can decrease chemical use by 35-60% and prevent dirt and debris from settling to the bottom, shortening cleaning times.
Step 2. Install solar panels to heat the pool
Thermal solar panels allow you to collect the sun's heat and heat the water. Once assembled, they involve no operating costs, are very simple to install, even for the home owner, and are generally very durable in any type of climate. The only downside is that if the sun isn't shining, the pool won't heat up.
Thermal solar panels are an excellent solution for those who live in the hottest locations, kissed by the sun all year round
Step 3. Invest in a solar-powered heating system
The price is around that of gas boilers and heat pumps. The running costs are relatively low, so for those who live in warm and sunny climates they are the most economical choice. These systems consist of 4 main parts: a solar collector, a filter, a pump and a flow control valve.
- The pump sends the water through the filter and then through the solar collector, which heats it and returns it to the pool.
- If you live in a warm place, the solar collector can help you cool the water during the summer months by filtering it overnight.
Part 3 of 3: Using the Pump Efficiently
Step 1. Get a small but highly efficient pump
This appliance uses about 30-45% less energy than a normal pump and can actually be used less frequently. Likewise, you can adjust the speed, so you can keep it low most days and increase it when you need to do a more thorough cleaning.
- In addition, high-efficiency pumps are able to circulate water better than normal ones.
- This way, you can save even more. In fact, when the water circulates correctly, the filter is not subjected to continuous efforts.
Step 2. Filter the water for 6 hours a day
The pump does not need to run any longer, otherwise it will only waste energy. If the water doesn't look clean enough, increase the time in half-hour intervals until you achieve the desired results.
- In a recent study in Florida, some swimming pool owners reduced the pump run time to less than 3 hours per day and most of them found that the water quality was still satisfactory.
- In this way, it was possible to obtain an average saving of 60% on the bill.
Step 3. Use a timer to control the pump
You can save a considerable amount of energy by installing a timer to regulate the daily operation of the pump. Program it to turn it on for multiple short cycles during the day rather than long periods of time. This way, the pool will actually be cleaner, especially if the water is prone to getting dirty.
- If the cycles are shorter and more frequent, debris will be filtered out faster because it won't build up easily.
- In addition, the filter will not be subjected to continuous strain.
