Having a private pool can be a great investment not only for making the most of hot summer days but also adding value to your home. But there’s more think about when it comes to getting a pool than merely having it built. There’s lots to think about like heating and maintenance.
Apart from the initial cost of building a swimming pool, there will be other expenses, like increased electricity consumption. This can start to become a burden on your bank accounts. Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do to save extra money when it comes to looking after and using your pool.
Use a pool cover
A pool cover has three advantages when it comes to saving money. Firstly, a pool cover will limit how much debris can get into your pool, cutting down on the need to use a filter and clean the pool.
Secondly, a pool cover can reduce water evaporation by more than 90%. You won’t need to fill up your pool as often, saving you money.
Finally, a pool cover can also be used to heat your pool. The sun warms the pool cover which warms the water beneath. This process can be made even more effective by getting a solar pool cover, which makes better use of the sun’s rays.
Minimise filter use
By reducing how often you use your pool filter, you can save on energy bills. Most pool systems are set to run the filter 24/7. But you don’t actually need to have the filter running constantly.
Instead, work out when your pool is most frequently used and switch the filter on a few hours beforehand. If possible, try and run it during the off-peak hours to get extra savings. Remember though, you should run your filter at least once a day to keep your pool clean.
Switch to a solar heater
Using a solar pool heating system is another way to reduce expenses, while also being eco-friendly. Solar heaters (especially in summer and spring months) keep your pool at the right temperature, just like gas and electric heaters. These heaters harness solar energy though, considerably reducing your electricity bills.
Solar pool heaters can also be cheaper to install than gas or electric heaters.
Conserve pool water
Avoid wasting pool water when possible. Like using a pool cover, find ways to limit how often you need to clean your pool and top it up. Simple measures can save you a lot of money over the course of a year.
Check regularly for leaks or other issues that could mean you need to more regularly top the pool up.
And as fun as it may be, set a ‘no splashing’ rule to keep water inside the pool where possible.
Be smart when using pool chemicals
Most pools require a mix of chemicals to keep them crystal clear and free of algae. Typically, you’ll use a combination of pH increaser and reducer (hydrochloric acid), and an alkalinity increaser. You’ll also sanitise the pool using chlorine.
These chemicals can quickly become expensive, so buying them in bulk can be a sensible way to save some money. Just make sure that they are still pure and you won’t need more of them to get the same job done.
Additionally, chlorine should only be added to your pool at night. This is because chlorine is less effective when exposed to sunlight.
You should also have a regular schedule for checking and maintaining the chemical balances in your pool. This way, you won’t need to buy extra of a chemical unexpectedly or deal with other problems caused by poor maintenance.
Install a variable speed pump
Using a variable speed pump is a great way to cut energy costs. This type of pump is more efficient than traditional pumps and can reduce your electricity bills.
These pumps allow you to optimise the speed according to your pool’s needs. For instance, running a filter does not require all of the energy a single-speed pump puts out. By using a variable speed pump, you can use the appropriate amount of energy for a job with minimal wastage. This will help you save money.
Do not over clean
As important as it is to clean your pool and keep the water maintained, over cleaning can just waste your money. Use an automatic cleaner only as needed and top up chemicals only when necessary. You may need to do both these tasks more frequently when the pool is being used more often.
Maintain the environment around your pool
Create an environment that limits what can get into your pool while maximising natural heating. For instance, keep nearby trees and shrubs trimmed so that leaves cannot drop in to the water. If possible, remove trees from around the pool so there is less shade to cool the water.
Install LED lighting
LED lighting may initially cost you more than traditional pool lighting, but there are plenty of savings to be made in daily use. LED lights can be as much as 80% more energy efficient than conventional lighting, saving you money.
The final word
A pool is a great addition to your home and a great way to get through long hot summer days. However, to make your pool cost effective, it’s important to be energy efficient and to keep your pool well maintained. Follow the advice above to see a reduction in your pool bills.
Apart from the initial cost of building a swimming pool, there will be other expenses, like increased electricity consumption. This can start to become a burden on your bank accounts. Fortunately, there are some simple things you can do to save extra money when it comes to looking after and using your pool.
Use a pool cover
A pool cover has three advantages when it comes to saving money. Firstly, a pool cover will limit how much debris can get into your pool, cutting down on the need to use a filter and clean the pool.
Secondly, a pool cover can reduce water evaporation by more than 90%. You won’t need to fill up your pool as often, saving you money.
Finally, a pool cover can also be used to heat your pool. The sun warms the pool cover which warms the water beneath. This process can be made even more effective by getting a solar pool cover, which makes better use of the sun’s rays.
Minimise filter use
By reducing how often you use your pool filter, you can save on energy bills. Most pool systems are set to run the filter 24/7. But you don’t actually need to have the filter running constantly.
Instead, work out when your pool is most frequently used and switch the filter on a few hours beforehand. If possible, try and run it during the off-peak hours to get extra savings. Remember though, you should run your filter at least once a day to keep your pool clean.
Switch to a solar heater
Using a solar pool heating system is another way to reduce expenses, while also being eco-friendly. Solar heaters (especially in summer and spring months) keep your pool at the right temperature, just like gas and electric heaters. These heaters harness solar energy though, considerably reducing your electricity bills.
Solar pool heaters can also be cheaper to install than gas or electric heaters.
Conserve pool water
Avoid wasting pool water when possible. Like using a pool cover, find ways to limit how often you need to clean your pool and top it up. Simple measures can save you a lot of money over the course of a year.
Check regularly for leaks or other issues that could mean you need to more regularly top the pool up.
And as fun as it may be, set a ‘no splashing’ rule to keep water inside the pool where possible.
Be smart when using pool chemicals
Most pools require a mix of chemicals to keep them crystal clear and free of algae. Typically, you’ll use a combination of pH increaser and reducer (hydrochloric acid), and an alkalinity increaser. You’ll also sanitise the pool using chlorine.
These chemicals can quickly become expensive, so buying them in bulk can be a sensible way to save some money. Just make sure that they are still pure and you won’t need more of them to get the same job done.
Additionally, chlorine should only be added to your pool at night. This is because chlorine is less effective when exposed to sunlight.
You should also have a regular schedule for checking and maintaining the chemical balances in your pool. This way, you won’t need to buy extra of a chemical unexpectedly or deal with other problems caused by poor maintenance.
Install a variable speed pump
Using a variable speed pump is a great way to cut energy costs. This type of pump is more efficient than traditional pumps and can reduce your electricity bills.
These pumps allow you to optimise the speed according to your pool’s needs. For instance, running a filter does not require all of the energy a single-speed pump puts out. By using a variable speed pump, you can use the appropriate amount of energy for a job with minimal wastage. This will help you save money.
Do not over clean
As important as it is to clean your pool and keep the water maintained, over cleaning can just waste your money. Use an automatic cleaner only as needed and top up chemicals only when necessary. You may need to do both these tasks more frequently when the pool is being used more often.
Maintain the environment around your pool
Create an environment that limits what can get into your pool while maximising natural heating. For instance, keep nearby trees and shrubs trimmed so that leaves cannot drop in to the water. If possible, remove trees from around the pool so there is less shade to cool the water.
Install LED lighting
LED lighting may initially cost you more than traditional pool lighting, but there are plenty of savings to be made in daily use. LED lights can be as much as 80% more energy efficient than conventional lighting, saving you money.
The final word
A pool is a great addition to your home and a great way to get through long hot summer days. However, to make your pool cost effective, it’s important to be energy efficient and to keep your pool well maintained. Follow the advice above to see a reduction in your pool bills.
Erika Rhein, the contributing author and the professional blogger by profession. With years of experience, I now focus on writing blogs on varied niches. Being a research enthusiast, I like to provide my readers with the useful and informative articles on the different topics they are looking for. I aim to create a difference through my writing.
