Money Saver Tips
SAVE ENERGY, SAVE MONEY
11 April 2012
Everyone knows that electricity costs are going through the roof – and that obviously includes the cost of running a pool. But there are many things you can do to reduce this cost and save yourself hundreds of dollars a year.
Clever tips to make your pool more energy efficient (and eco-friendly)
A top tip is to replace your single speed pump with a multi (or variable) speed pump. They've been engineered to significantly reduce high electricity consumption and CO2 emissions.
The 6-star rated Hydrostorm Eco, available from Swimart, has a three speed motor which allows pool owners to set the pump at a low, energy saving flow rate. And the pump uses almost 70% less energy than when operating at a standard high flow rate speed.
Simply put, by setting the pump on the lowest speed setting and operating it during off peak periods, this simple change alone will save you a whopping $428 a year. So, at a cost of around $1,399 for the pump, it won't take long before it well and truly pays for itself.
Waterco's Bryan Goh explains: "Effective pool filtration does not need to be set at a pump's maximum water flow rate. In fact, your pool's filtration efficiency improves at lower flow rates. Not only that, running a pump at a low flow rate reduces water flow resistance in pool equipment and plumbing and even enhances the clarity of the swimming pool water.
"As a pool's filtration cycle occupies 99% of the run time of a pool pump, you can operate the Hydrostorm Eco on its low speed setting for the majority of its running time."
Other tips to save money and achieve an energy efficient and eco-friendly pool include:
- Replace halogen lights with LED pool lights: LEDs use 85% less power and have an impressive life span of over 70,000 hours
- Use a pool cover: This will reduce water loss by up to 97% and save up to 50% on heating costs
- Use a pool pump timer and reduce run times in winter and colder months: When it's cooler there's less chemical demand so less chlorination is required
- Use a robotic cleaner in combination with a multi-speed pump: Robotic cleaners are self powered and unlike suction cleaners, do not require the suction power of the filtration pump allowing the pool skimmer to concentrate on skimming the surface of the pool while the robotic cleaner gets to work on the bottom of the pool
- Ensure your skimmer and filter are kept clean: It means your pool can effectively filter and sanitise the water without straining the pump
- If having a new pool built, make sure your builder understands hydraulics: Properly sized piping efficiently circulates water in a way that reduces wear and tear on the pump
So you don't have to resort to living by candlelight and eating baked beans to pay your electricity bills. Employ these solutions and relax and enjoy your pool without having to worry about your back pocket.