May 2004

Splash Your Pool's Energy Bills

Summer is quickly approaching, the season when you can finally relax and enjoy your family and friends by the pool. But you cringe when you think about those high energy bills you'll pay from running your pool pump.

Summer is quickly approaching, the season when you can finally relax and enjoy your family and friends by the pool. But you cringe when you think about those high energy bills you'll pay from running your pool pump.

There are ways to decrease your energy usage by controlling your pool's pump. You can't go without running your pool's pump. Instead find ways to conserve energy and run your pool pump more efficiently.

The pump is necessary to keep the pool's water circulated, which affects the distribution of added chemicals. Not only does the pump evenly distribute the chemicals throughout the pool, but it helps your filter remove the debris.

Water circulation prevents bacteria and algae from setting in and growing. Your job is to ensure that your pool gets the adequate amount of circulation. The pump does the rest.

It's tempting to run your pump as little as possible to save on energy bills. Some people run their pumps 24 hours a day, while others may run their pump four hours during the day and four hours at night.

Every pool is different. Not only does every pool require different amounts of chemicals, but they also have specific amounts of time to run the pump.

Installing a timer will save you time and energy. You set the timer according to the time of day and the number of hours you want the pump to run. With a timer, you'll never forget to turn your pump on and off.

If you're wondering how long you need to run your pump, the answer depends on the needs of your pool. Consider the size of your pool and its shape. Larger pools will require more circulation time, as well as more chemicals.

"Chemicals are expensive," said Greg Brooks of Walton EMC. "Running your pump on a timer will make the most out of your chemicals."

"Bacteria and algae are less likely to grow when the chemicals are properly circulated," Brooks added.

Not only do chemicals maintain your pool's water balance, but they ensure a sanitary environment for swimming. Controlling the water balance includes the pH level, alkalinity, calcium, iron and copper.

Problems will occur when the pool water is not properly balanced, including damage to your pool equipment, the liner, filter or even the pump.

If you're in the market for a new motor for your pump, ask a local pool care representative about energy efficient motors. Look for high performance and energy efficiency models, so you can save on your energy bills without losing good performance.

If you're thinking about installing a pool, you may want to consider the energy costs to run the pool pump. Some consumers are shocked when they receive their first energy bill with the added costs from maintaining the pool.

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