Swimming Pool Energy Analysis

Swimming Pool Pumps

• Swimming pool pumps account for a large amount of the energy used by pools. Water is circulated out of the pool and through a filtration system, as well as through heating elements located in the deck or beneath the pool. This process is crucial for removing contaminants from the water, and keeping sanitizers such as chlorine equally distributed throughout the entire pool. When left running 24 hours a day, a swimming pool pump can be one of the biggest consumers of energy in the home. Generally, pool water should be circulated through the filtration system once every 24 hours, so depending on the size of the pool it usually isn't necessary to keep the pump running all the time.

Water Heaters

• Water heaters are the other main source of energy use in swimming pools. Most of the energy usage comes when heat needs to be replaced after being lost to evaporation and other forms of water loss. To raise 1 lb. of water a single degree, it takes about one BTU worth of energy. When that 1 lb. of water is lost to evaporation or splashing, this removes more than 1,000 BTUs worth of energy from the pool. This energy, pumped into the water over time, means that controlling water and heat loss is an important part of keeping energy costs down.

Energy-saving Devices

• Installing some energy-saving devices in and around the pool can make a big difference in cutting back on costs. Since pumps are one of the largest consumers of energy, set the pump on a timer that will run the device just long enough to completely circulate the pool water through the filtration system. Setting the timer to make the pump run at night will avoid accumulating energy charges during the day when usage is at a maximum and rates are at their highest. For most pools, running the pumps only about four to five hours a day will provide more than enough circulation to keep the water in a healthy condition. A pool cover will also make a big difference when it comes to energy usage; a solar cover will not only help capture the sun's heat and raise the temperature of the pool, but it will also help cut down on heat loss and evaporation.

Energy-saving Maintenance

• When looking at the energy analysis of a swimming pool, it's important to take into consideration some of the factors around the pool as well. Cutting back overhanging branches will allow the sunlight to hit the surface of the pool, raising the temperature and cutting back on the need to operate heating units. This will also help keep leaves and other debris from falling into the pool, reducing the amount of time the pump needs to run. Keeping the pool covered will trap heat, and it will also help keep foreign objects out of the pool. When the pump and filtration systems capture dirt, grass and other debris, it can make the entire system work harder and drain more energy.