3 ways to reduce pool energy and heating costs

If you have a pool in a location like San Diego, the thought of installing a heating system might not have crossed your mind. However, many people have heaters in their pools because temperatures can dip, even in cities like Phoenix, which is situated around a desert. The elements can also play a role in how warm a pool stays throughout the year – rain can quickly cool down a pool and make it less comfortable for swimming.

Heaters can solve this problem, but what happens when they start to put a damper on your finances? Leaving them on throughout the day can quickly cause your monthly expenses to rise. While you might have an ideal pool for swimming, your bank account may be suffering. Here are some tips for reducing your regular pool heating costs, your energy consumption and your carbon footprint.

1. Get a pool cover
If you don’t already have one, you may want to invest in a pool cover, which can be adequate when it comes to keeping out debris and standing up to the elements. A cover can be a solution if you’re looking to reduce heat loss, according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. These products are thick and efficient at absorbing heat from the sun. Additionally, they can help you keep your pool water warm for longer. Another alternative you can consider for similar results is a bubble cover, but keep in mind that these items tend to have a shorter lifespan than traditional vinyl options.

2. Turn off your heater
The simplest, most obvious way to maintain your finances when it comes to pool warmth is to turn off your heater, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. This means switching off the heater when you know that you won’t be using your pool for days at a time to reduce operational costs.

3. Find the right heater for your pool
The size of your pool will directly impact the type of heater you bring into the water. For instance, larger pools will obviously need a bigger, more efficient heater to keep all of the water comfortable for swimming. On this note, using an oversized, unnecessary heater in a small pool can be resulting in a loss of funds. Take the measurements of your pool into consideration if you notice an increase in the amount of money you’re spending on heating.