Swimming pools are an expensive luxury that require a basic maintenance routine to keep them looking good and safe for swimming. If you are adding more chemicals and operating the pump longer read this article to find out how to reduce your swimming pool operating costs.
1. Frequently Check the Pool Chemistry
The most important component to every pool care routine is to frequently check the water chemistry. I recommend using pool test strips as they are easy to use and provide a highly accurate result.
As soon as you detect an element of the water chemistry out of balance you need to act fast to rebalance the water chemistry. If not corrected your pool can quickly deteriorate into an algae and bacterial infested swamp.
The cost of preventing a problem is always less than fixing a problem. Following a good pool care plan will reduce your swimming pool operating costs.
2. Clean the Filter Regularly
Swimming pool filters become dirty quickly especially in the summer season when the pool is in use. A dirty filter will reduce the water flow through the filtration system requiring the pump to work harder than normal.
Clean your filter every week to improve filtration, keep your pool water clean and reduce your swimming pool operating costs.
3. Add Pool Chemicals at Night
Pool chemicals, particularly chlorine, are damaged by the sun’s heat and UV light. Smart pool owners only add chemicals to the water in the evening after the sun has set. This gives the chemicals all night to do their work without being burned off by the sun. Make sure you run the pump at night for at least a few hours to mix in and circulate the chemicals around the pool.
4. Run the Filter in Off Peak Periods
I recommend all swimming pool pumps be connected to a separate electricity meter to use off-peak electricity. Generally, off-peak power is outside the peak hours of 6am to 9am and 4pm to 9pm. The use of off-peak electricity will save you hundreds of dollars every year.
5. Install a Variable Speed Pool Pump
Swimming pool pump technology has improved with the development of variable speed pumps. These pumps automatically vary their operating speed to match the workload required to run the filter. When the filter is clean the water flow is high and the pressure is low. The pump requires less power to push water through the filtration system. When the workload increases the pump increases speed and power output to match the workload. A variable speed pump will reduce your swimming pool operating costs by saving considerable electricity.
6. Install a Pool Cover
Pool covers are not just for keeping leaves and other debris out of the pool. A cover will reduce water evaporation, preserve your pool chemicals and keep the water warmer by preventing heat loss. These items will reduce your swimming pool operating costs by saving water, chemicals and electricity.
7. Cover your Spa Pool or Hot Tub
Spa pools and hot tubs cost money to heat the water. Ensure the heat is retained by covering the pool with a good quality cover. Moving the water heater to off-peak electricity also reduce your spa operating costs.
8. Install a Glass Pool Fence
Glass swimming pool fences not only prevent young children from entering the pool but they have many other benefits. These pool fences give people unobstructed views of the backyard. Parents can more easily watch children in the pool.
Glass panels help screen the pool from wind that can cool the surface water. These types of fences also stop leaves and other debris blowing into the pool saving your filtration system.
Most people who have installed glass pool fences love the stylish and modern look of glass. These fences can really make a backyard landscape more attractive and add value to the property.
9. Install a LED Lighting
Modern LED lights consume 80% less power than old fashioned incandescent light bulbs reducing your electricity bill. LEDs have many other benefits such as emitting better quality light that is easier on the eyes, producing less heat, the bulbs are smaller and easier to fit and the bulbs have a very long lifespan.
10. Install a Swimming Pool Enclosure
Swimming pool enclosures are becoming more popular as pool owners recognize the benefits. As pool fences have become compulsory for most backyard pools some home owners have decided to go the extra mile and install a fully enclosed pool structure. These structures keep out insects, birds, other wildlife, children and adults. Pool enclosures also keep the pool cleaner by protecting it from the weather. There is no need for a pool fence and pool cover. Filtration times can be reduced to save power.
Source by R Grant