Saving Energy with
Swimming Pool and Hot Tubs
by Nikki Willhite
www.allthingsfrugal.com
Maintaining pools and spas takes a lot of time, attention and
money. The water has to be consistently treated to maintain the correct ph
levels, and to keep it clear and free from harmful bacteria.
It also costs money to heat and cool the water. If you live in a
warm state, like Arizona, you will expend energy to cool the water. We have very
few swimming pools here in the Northwest, but the ones we do have definitely
need to have water-heating systems.
Hot tubs are very popular here in the Northwest. Most people run
them year round. They come with insulated covers, but the cost of heating the
water and the chemicals amounts to a goodly sum each month.
You also have to replenish the water that is lost through
evaporation. This runs up the cost of heating, as the water is very cold that
comes out of our hoses, and new chemicals must be added to the water.
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No matter where you live, there are some things you
can do to reduce the cost of maintaining these items. Here are
some tips.
*Always keep your spa covered when not in use to minimize the
loss of water. Pool covers are also a good investment. They keep debris out of
the water and protect the filters, as well as reducing energy costs.
*Do not turn the temperature for your hot tub higher than 105
degrees. Less is better. Keep a thermometer in the water to make sure your
system is functioning correctly.
*Ideally pool water should be around 78 degrees.
*Maintain you equipment so that it will run efficiently.
Routinely clean filters and do all the maintenance suggested in your owner’s
manual.
*Consider solar heat for a swimming pool.
*If your hot tub is old, look into replacing the motor with a
newer, energy efficient model.
*Use landscaping to achieve energy savings. In hot climates,
deciduous trees placed on the Southern side of the property will provide shade
and cool the water. In Northern climates, trees placed on the Northern side of
the property act as a wind barrier and warm the air.
*Don’t splash water unnecessarily out of the spa or pool. New
replacement water will cost more to heat and you will need more chemicals.
*If you are leaving town, adjust the temperature of your pool or
spa to save energy while you are gone.