If you have a swimming pool or spa, you'll
have higher than average energy bills. That's because pools and spas cost a
significant amount to operate. An electric spa can use approximately 90
kilowatt hours to warm up (from 70°F to 100°F) and almost 5 kilowatt
hours per hour to heat thereafter. Add 3 kilowatt hours per hour for the pump
motor and another 2 kilowatt hours per hour for the pool cleaner, and costs can
add up...especially if you have both.
Use The Optimal Temperature Settings
A sufficient temperature for spas is 102°F or lower.
Higher temperatures can be a safety hazard as well as costly to operate. Check
on the accuracy of your pool or spa thermostat. An inaccurate thermostat can
increase consumption needlessly.
Consider A Timer
A timer gives you day-to-day, automatic control of your
filter and heater reducing operating costs.
Do Not Over Filter
Filtering is a major cost of owning a pool or spa. The
average spa requires a minimum of one hour of filtering a day...just enough to
maintain water clarity. An average swimming pool often requires approximately 4
to 5 hours of filtering each day in the summer. Generally, one complete water
exchange every 24 hours will provide adequate filtering. If you use a pool
maintenance service ask about reducing the hours of filtration. For extra
savings, when you replace your filter pump motor consider purchasing an
energy-efficient model.
Protect Your Pool Or Spa
Wind has the same effect on your spa as blowing on hot
soup. It will cool it off and increase evaporation. Well-trimmed hedges, trees
and shrubs, gazebos and fencing can all provide a nice windbreak.
Invest In A Pool Or Spa Cover
You can save as much as 90% of your summer pool heating
costs by using a solar cover. Not only does it help minimize night time heat
loss (up to 5°F), but it will also prevent chemical loss and water
evaporation (hundreds of gallons per month). When shopping for a cover, keep
these features in mind: durability, price, warranty, transparency of material,
insulation values and safety.
Go Solar
Solar pool heating systems are especially effective during
the summer months and can back up a regular pool heater in the spring and the
fall. A solar pool heating system can be a significant investment, so make sure
the savings have a pay back period of less than or equal to the useful life of
the equipment.
Turn Off Those Bubbles
The device that adds bubbles to your spa uses up to 4
kilowatt hours per hour to operate. Bubbles may be soothing, but they cool down
the water, making the heater run longer to keep the water warm.
Help Us Help The Environment
Unless it's solar heated, avoid filtering your pool during
"on-peak" periods. You'll be helping everyone. When the demand for electricity
is at its highest level, we must use all of our capacity to meet that demand.
The less energy you use, the less energy we have to supply, which is a benefit
to all, including Mother Earth.
