Ways to Make Your Swimming Pool Energy-Efficient & Eco-Friendly

Having a pool in the San Diego area doesn’t have to be a drain on the planet’s resources. In fact, there are many smart and cost-effective ways to make your swimming pool more eco-friendly and energy-efficient. Doing so means you’ll be rewarded with the knowledge that you’re reducing your carbon footprint—and you’ll enjoy some extra savings at the same time. Here’s our list of suggestions to get you started.

Use a Solar Pool Heater

Solar power is about as eco-friendly as you can get. Plus, there’s the potential for impressive long-term savings when you use a solar pool heater. Annual operating costs are also low, especially when you consider San Diego averages nearly 150 sunny days a year.

Upgrade to Energy Star–Certified Pool Equipment

If it’s been a while since you updated your pool’s pump or other equipment that keeps your pool clean and comfortable, consider some eco-friendly and energy-efficient upgrades. Start by looking for pool-related equipment with an Energy Star certification. Energy Star is an EPA program that awards certification to products that use less energy and operate efficiently. Also, check specifications to determine average energy usage before purchasing any new equipment.

Go LED with Your Pool’s Lighting Features

Another way to make your pool more efficient and environmentally friendly is to switch to LED pool lights, which can actually produce greater illumination than typical incandescent lights while using much less energy. They also last longer, generate less heat, and give you a dazzling array of options with colors and configurations.

Switch to a Variable Speed Pool Pump

Pool pumps can be a big drain on your energy usage. Make your pool’s pump even more efficient by choosing one with a variable speed motor. Pumps that operate this way adjust motor input frequency and voltage to reduce energy consumption.

Use a Pool Cover

The Department of Energy estimates an outdoor pool absorbs about 75–80 percent of the sun’s solar energy. What a pool cover does is reduce solar gain. A durable and properly sized cover also minimizes pool water heat loss and keeps pool water levels consistent—which also helps your pool’s equipment work more efficiently.

Look for Signs of a Leak

One of the top sources of wasted pool water is an undetected leak. Even smaller leaks can result in multiple gallons of water loss over time. Get into the habit of regularly looking for signs of a pool leak, such as:

• Water level changes
• Unexplained utility bill spikes
• Wet spots around your pool
• Dirt or air blowing into your pool
• Algae growth even when using your normal pool chemicals
• Water under your pool’s equipment

Fine-Tune the Landscape Near Your Pool

The landscape elements around your pool can also have an impact on your energy and water usage. For instance, placing bushes or trees that decrease natural sunlight exposure during the hotter times of the day can make it easier to maintain consistent pool water quality. Trees and shrubs can also be used as natural windbreaks to achieve the same goal. Also, look for low-maintenance, drought-resistant plants that won’t require a lot of extra water during the warmer months in San Diego.

If you need advice on making your pool more energy-efficient and eco-friendly, reach out to the experts at San Diego Pools, the pros with decades of experience. We’re the San Diego swimming pool contractor families have trusted for more than forty years to turn their dreams into reality. Give us a call today at 888-707-7786 to learn about our high-quality services.