How to save energy and water with your swimming pool

Call Spring & Summer Activities to help you make informed choices on all aspects of your pool or spa operation. Better filtration, energy-efficient pumps and responsible choices for pool heating all add up to huge savings – both in your utility bill and your carbon footprint!  We are constantly updating available options, we work with several great solar companies and more… please call us at 631-728-1929 today. 
View a recent story on News 12 featuring Sheryl Heather on "Going Green" here.

Use a cover. Covers reduce temperature loss during non-use times. They keep the pool cleaner and cut back on water lost from evaporation. Solar covers can add up to 10ºF. taking some of the load off conventional heaters. If the solar cover is put on a month early, the sun alone may heat the water 20ºF. You may want to consider a cover with a reel system. It makes it easier and more convenient to take the cover off and on - prolonging the life of the cover and saving energy.

Add a safety covers. Safety covers reduce energy costs and add a protection barrier for small children, non-swimmers, pets, or uninvited guests.

Set pool temperature to 78ºF.. The Red Cross recommends 78ºF. for swimmers. Each rise of one degree significantly increases energy costs. If you want higher temperatures, then consider alternative forms of heat such as solar covers and solar systems. Service your heaters annually to ensure they function at top efficiency. Or, replace older heaters with newer more energy efficient units.

Follow the recommended circulation times for your filter

Circulation times can vary - follow your manufacturer or builder's recommendations. The basic rule for a residential pool is to circulate water as needed. Eight hours a day may be enough - adjusting circulation up or down as necessary - to keep the water clean, clear, and safe.

Clean filters only when necessary. For sand filters make sure the sand bed is fresh to lengthen the time between backwashing. By changing the sand or at least running a chemical cleaner through the sand you also help reduce the need to backwash. If you backwash sand filters too early, you waste both water and power, and reduce efficient operation. For cartridge filters be sure to size the filters properly - you'll save time and money by lengthening the time between cleanings.

Watch your pressure gauges and look for an 8–10 psi increase before cleaning.

Install energy efficient motors or a smaller pump or motor

Add a time clock. Use a programmable timer to automatically regulate the hours of operation. You can limit the total number of hours that the pump will operate and you can also set it to run during off-peak hours 10 am to 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 6 am.

Correct any leaks or service problems as they occur. Delays waste water, chemicals and electricity!

Inspect automatic pool cleaners to make sure they are in peak operating condition
Use automatic pool cleaners to maintain the cleanliness of your pool, but not for major clean-ups. Leaf rakes and leaf eaters do a better job of removing large loads then any automatic cleaner. Consider changing to a cleaner that can operate separately from the rest of the system.

Create windbreaks around the pool or hot tub. Cutting wind exposure can reduce loss of both heat and water. Privacy panels, landscaping, or fencing can all be effective windbreaks.

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US Department of Energy pool heating tips:

Town of Southampton “Green” Committee