Summer hits, and suddenly your pool’s the star of the show—kids splashing, friends floating, and those long, sunny days begging for a dip. But with all that fun comes a sneaky downside: energy bills that creep up faster than the thermometer. Pumps humming, heaters chugging, lights glowing—it adds up. However, you can keep your pool sparkling and your wallet happy with some smart moves. Here’s how to cut costs this month without skimping on a good summer.
1. Get Smart with Your Pump
Your pool pump is like the heart of the system, but it can guzzle electricity if you’re not careful. Here’s how to tame it:
- Try a Variable-Speed Pump: Unlike old-school pumps that blast full-speed, these adjust to what’s needed—filtering, cleaning, or heating—slashing energy use by up to 80%.
- Run It When Rates Are Low: Electricity’s often cheaper early morning or late evening. Set your pump to hum during those hours for extra savings.
- Split the Schedule: In July’s heat, 8–12 hours of pump time keeps water clear, but breaking it into two chunks—morning and night—works just as well with less strain.
2. Keep the Filter Happy
A clean filter’s your pool’s best friend, and it saves energy, too:
- Clean It Regularly: A clogged filter makes the pump work overtime. You can check the cartridge filter every couple of weeks in summer—takes five minutes and keeps things flowing.
- Scoop Debris Daily: Skimming leaves and emptying baskets stops blockages.
- Brush and Vacuum Weekly: Brushing the pool walls and vacuuming the floor isn’t just for looks—it eases the filter’s job, so your pump doesn’t sweat.
3. Balance the Water Right
Good water chemistry saves energy by cutting down on extra filtering or chemical fixes:
- Test Often: With July’s heavy pool use, it is best to test the pH, chlorine, and alkalinity three times a week. It’s quick and keeps things safe.
- Use a Stabilizer: A bit of cyanuric acid makes chlorine last longer in the blazing sun.
- Don’t Overdo It: Add chemicals carefully—too much messes things up, and fixing it means more pump time.
4. Keep Heat in Check
Heating your pool can eat energy, but a few tricks keep costs down:
- Get a Solar Cover: Traps heat overnight and cuts evaporation. In super-hot areas, a reflective one stops the water from cooking.
- Time Solar Panels Smartly: If you’ve got solar heating, run it midday when the sun’s strongest.
- Ease the Thermostat: Dropping the temp a degree or two saves energy without making you shiver.
5. Upgrade to Smarter Gear
New equipment might cost upfront, but it pays off:
- Efficient Heaters: Modern heat pumps use way less energy than an old clunker does. Worth a look if yours is ancient.
- LED Lights: You can swap to LEDs for nighttime swims—brighter, cheaper to run, and they last forever.
- Smart Timers: A timer for pumps and lights stops them running when nobody’s around.
6. Dial Back the Extras
Love your waterfall or jets? They’re fun but can bump up costs:
- Use Them Sparingly: Turn on the fountain just for evening gatherings—it’s enough to wow guests without wasting power.
- Lower the Flow: Tweak features to use less water. You still get the look with less pump effort.
7. Stay on Top of Maintenance
Monthly checks keep everything running smoothly:
- Hunt for Leaks: A tiny drip wastes water and energy. You can walk around to check the pipes every few weeks.
- Inspect Connections: Tight fittings mean less strain on the system
- Listen to Your Pool: If it’s louder or sluggish, something’s off. Call a pro before it’s a crisis.
Make July Your Month to Save
July’s pool parties don’t have to break the bank. With these tips—smarter pumps, clean filters, balanced water, and a few upgrades—you’ll keep your pool inviting and your energy bills tame.
If your setup’s struggling, the folks at Westrock Pools can check your gear and suggest fixes to save energy and extend its life. Reach out and make this summer both fun and frugal!