November 2011
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Changing Your Hot Tub Water in 4 Simple Steps
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How to Choose the Right In-ground Pool for You
in Maintenance
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One perk of owning a pool is the chance to relax outdoors and get closer to nature. But maintaining your swimming pool can have an impact on the environment. Jeff Farlow, program manager of energy initiatives at Pentair Water Pool & Spa, says we typically overlook the pool when looking for ways to make our homes greener. But a 2008 report from the Natural Resources Defense Council found that pool owners could reduce carbon emissions by 3 million tons if every residential pool consumed just one-third less energy. And while you’re helping save the planet, you can save on utility bills, too. “Energy savings can pay for the upgrade in a single pool season,” Farlow says.
He suggests several options for a more energy-efficient and cost-effective pool:
Switch to a variable-speed pool pump.
If you make just one upgrade, start with your pump, Farlow says. Single-speed pumps drain the most energy because they’re made unnecessarily powerful. Variable-speed pumps can be dialed down to run longer, slower and more efficiently.
Purchase an energy-efficient heater or heat pump.
New gas- or solar-powered heaters have higher efficiency ratings and lower operating costs than older models. Heat pumps actually draw warmth from the air, recycling natural summer heat back into your pool.
Cover your pool when it’s not in use.
Leaving your pool uncovered causes water to be wasted through evaporation, which takes most of your pool’s heat with it. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates a pool cover alone can save 50 to 70 percent in heating costs.
Choose cartridge filters over sand filters.
Pumps don’t have to work as hard to pull water through cartridge filters, Farlow says, and they can be cleaned less frequently, conserving water.
Add an automated control system.
Automated systems operate everything from pumps and heaters to pool sweeps and lighting. Besides offering convenience, they reduce waste and can be programmed to run during off-peak hours when utility rates are cheapest. Options range from simple time clocks to Internet-based systems you can monitor and control away from home.
Replace your pool lights with LEDs.
LED lights consume 75 percent less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last 25 times as long. And because LEDs distribute light more evenly, they lend the perfect poolside ambiance.
| Incentives for Energy-Efficient Pools | |
|---|---|
| Many utilities and state governments offer incentives to pool owners who incorporate energy-efficient upgrades. Here’s a sample of what pool owners across the country can save: | |
| State | Incentive |
| Arizona | A solar heater nets a $1,000 personal tax credit. |
| California | Pacific Gas and Electric customers receive a $100 rebate for new. |
| Florida | Your Own Utilities customers can collect a $450 rebate for installing gas-powered pool or spa heaters. |
| Louisiana | Pool owners can claim a personal tax credit up to $12,500 for a solar pool heater, plus a 100 percent property tax exemption. |
| Nevada | NV Energy offers up to $400 in rebates for pool covers and efficient pumps. |
Check with your local utility company to find out what incentives it may offer.
