If you have a swimming pool or spa, then you'll have higher-than-average energy bills. That's because pools and spas cost a significant amount to operate. An electric spa will cost roughly $5.50 to warm up (from 70° F to 100° F) and roughly 40¢ an hour to heat thereafter. A gas spa will cost close to $1.55 to warm up, and then about 10¢ an hour to maintain the temperature. A swimming pool will cost about 30¢ per hour for the pump motor and another 15¢ an hour for the pool cleaner. A heated pool can cost an additional $3.40 per hour (gas) to maintain the temperature.
102° F or lower is a sufficient temperature for spas. Any higher can be a safety hazard as well as being expensive. For swimming pools, try 78° F to 82° F.
If you're thinking about purchasing a pool or spa, then think gas to save money in future operating costs. Also, consider three important factors before deciding: the weather (wind, temperatures and the sun), its size (the number of gallons you intend to heat) and its intended use (how warm you want it and how often).
Filtering is a major cost of owning a spa or swimming pool. The average spa requires an hour of filtering per day -- enough to maintain water clarity. An average swimming pool, on the other hand, requires roughly four to six hours of filtering per day in the summer months and three to four hours of filtering per day in the winter months.
Generally, one complete water turnover every 24 hours will provide adequate filtering. If you have a pool maintenance service, ask them about reducing the hours of filtration. In addition, for extra savings, when you replace your filter pump motor, consider purchasing an energy efficient one.
A time clock gives you day-to-day, automatic control over your filter's and heater's hours of operation.
Wind has the same effect on your pool or spa as blowing on hot soup. It'll cool it off and increase evaporation. But, well trimmed hedges, trees and shrubs, cabanas and fencing can all provide a nice windbreak.
You can save up to 90% of your summer pool heating costs by using a pool cover. Not only does it help minimize nighttime heat loss (up to 5 degrees), but will also prevent chemical loss and water evaporation (hundreds of gallons per month). When shopping for a cover, keep these features in mind: price, durability, warranty, transparency of material, insulation values and safety.
A temperature reduction of just 2 degrees (from 80° F to 78° F, for example) can save nearly 20% of your pool's heating costs.
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 payback time of less than or equal to the useful life of the equipment.
Reduce the lighting in and around the pool area when you're not using it. For safety and security purposes, however, maintain at least one light in the pool in the evening . Also, think about a photocell device -- it'll turn the lights on and off for you.
Check the accuracy of your pool or spa thermostat. An inaccurate thermostat can cost you hundreds of dollars a year in heating costs.
Follow a regular program of preventive maintenance. An annual inspection and deliming of the heat exchanger as necessary will help maintain heating efficiency. Backwash or clean the filter as recommended by the manufacturer or your pool maintenance company for maximum efficiency.
Generally, three to four hours of daily operation is sufficient. Remember to start the pool sweep one hour or more after the pump has started and stop the sweep one hour or more before shutting off the pump.
Your spa's aerator -- the device that adds bubbles to the water jets -- costs up to 15¢ an hour. Bubbles may be soothing, but they cool the water, making the heater run longer to keep the water warm.
Unless it's solar-heated, avoid filtering your pool from noon to 6:00 p.m., the period of highest electric demand. By filtering outside of this time you'll be helping the environment by lessening the amount of electricity that power plants must supply during peak times, which means they use less fuel.