Heat Your Pool without Breaking the Bank

The days are getting longer and warmer and we are anticipating that first swim in the pool. However, for most of us, you know that heating your pool can send your energy bills towards the ceiling. Here are a few tips on heating your pool without making you cringe every time you open your utility bill.

It takes an enormous amount of energy to heat the water in a pool warm enough for all to enjoy it. However, there are some very simple and inexpensive steps including performing the required routine maintenance that will help reduce or at least keep down your energy bills.

The first step is to maintain the filtration system. A pools filtration system can account for more than half the cost of your pool’s maintenance, with the problem often being an inefficient pump. Pump that is not strong enough to handle the size of pool, or a pump that is simply worn out will increase your utility bill, for the simple reason that it has to work harder, drawing more energy. By changing out your old pump with one that is stronger and more energy efficient, you’ll be able to lower your energy cost. Many times by the end of the season, the amount you save on your energy bills will be more than double the cost of the new pump.

The next area you should look at is the amount of energy, which is wasted from the surface of the pool. Air currents across the surface of your pool act like a vacuum sucking the warmth from the water if the pool is uncovered. The simplest solution is to place a cover over your pool when it is not in use. This simple step will have a major impact on your utility bill.

Another fact to consider is wind chill. We hear this term very often during the winter, however we also have to deal with wind chill during the spring, summer, and fall. A cool blowing breeze can put an added strain on your pool heater especially if your pool is exposed to wind. The solution for this is to plant bushes or even a hedge around the outer edges of your yard to help reduce the amount of wind blowing across your pool. In addition, planting a lush green hedge will also provide you with added privacy.

By performing the proper maintenance on your pool, maintaining your pump and filtration system, covering your pool when not in use, and making a few landscaping changes to your pool area you will soon start enjoying your pool more and not dread opening your energy bills each month.