For most of us in Northwest Connecticut, Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer and Swimming Pool Season! Owning a swimming pool – be it above ground or inground – can be expensive. Outside of purchasing the coolest pool floaties and all the chemicals there are some other “hidden expenses” that add up quickly and most center around how efficiently you are cooling, heating, and cleaning your pool. If you are new to the Pool ownership game – you can check out some estimated energy costs at Energy.gov.
Here are some tips to help you be more energy efficient this coming pool season:
- Use a Pool Cover
Covering up your pool with a solar cover (the most cost-effective) will help retain the heat that’s created by your electric or propane heater. Using a solar cover will also help reduce the evaporation of water in your pool, and if you pay for city water usage this will be a huge saving! During the dog days of summer when you want to keep your pool cooler – using a white cover will help reflect the sun rays keeping the temperature of your water cooler.
- Water Temp Consistency is key
Using a pool cover will help both retain heat in cooler temps and deflect heat in warmer temps – the magic in energy efficiency happens when you can keep the temperature of your pool water consistent – ideally around 78 degrees F.
- Update your Pump System
Like most “appliances” new is usually more efficient. If your electric bill is through the roof during pool season it might be time to evaluate the value of a new pump system.
- Use your Skimmer!
Using your skimmer at least daily to remove debris and bugs BEFORE they get into your filter system will save you money in the long term. The harder your system must work, the more energy it will use. Besides – no one loves to swim with bugs!
- Make the move to a Propane Water Heater
Propane water heaters will warm your pool water more quickly than electric heaters and they will maintain the heat better when the temperature dips done. They are by far the most energy efficient way to go.
If you are considering the switch to Propane for your swimming pool heater – give us a call at Baribault Fuel 860-274-3284. Our team will help you decide what is the best energy efficient way to heat your swimming pool this summer!
