4 Steps to an Energy Efficient Pool

Let’s face it. Your inground pool can suck up a lot of energy. But there are a number of steps you can take to get a more energy efficient pool. You can take these steps during the actual pool installation, or make upgrades to an existing pool at any time.

After years as a pool contractor, Woodfield Outdoors has seen the industry make a lot of strides towards more energy efficient pools. Based on our experience, we’ve compiled a list of easy steps to an energy efficient pool:

Upgrade to an Energy Efficient Pool Pump

One of the biggest things you can do to make your pool more energy efficient is to upgrade to a variable speed pool pump. A variable speed pump can save you up to 80% of the electricity that an older single speed pump uses. Switching out pumps is a pretty quick and easy task for most pool contractors. And of course, if you are getting a new inground pool installed, get a variable speed pool pump from Pentair installed at the very beginning. An energy efficient pool pump could save you about $300 a year.

By the year 2021, the U.S. Department of Energy will require mandatory variable speed pumps for every pool owner.

Install an Energy Efficient Pool Heater

If you have a heated pool, this is another area where you can take steps to a more energy efficient pool. Consider installing a more energy efficient pool heater. Look for the Energy Star® label. Or, if you have the space, install solar panels to heat your pool. There is a lot of new technology out there for heating pool water.

Install an Automatic Pool Cover

Installing an automatic pool cover keeps children and pets safe, but it also prevents heat loss. And an automatic pool cover is easy to use, making you more likely to use it.

Install LED Pool Lighting

If you have old incandescent bulbs in your pool lighting, it’s time to switch out to energy efficient pool lighting with LED bulbs. LED lamps use 50-75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. We like Pentair LED pool lighting.

There are probably more things you can do to make your pool more energy efficient, but these are the big ones. Any good pool contractor should be able to help you make these upgrades, or plan to install your pool with energy efficiency in mind.