Prominent pool equipment manufacturer Waterco is advising pool owners to consider replacing their single-speed pumps with multi-speed (or variable) pumps to achieve substantial energy cost savings. These pumps are designed to significantly reduce both electricity consumption and CO2 emissions.
According to Waterco’s Bryan Goh, traditional fixed-speed pumps are typically set and sized to accommodate a pool’s maximum water flow requirements, whether for the sand filter’s backwash water flow or sufficient water flow to operate suction cleaners.
Goh emphasizes, “Effective pool filtration doesn’t necessitate a pump to operate at its maximum water flow rate. In fact, pool filtration efficiency improves at lower flow rates. Running a pump at a low flow rate not only reduces water flow resistance in pool equipment and plumbing but also enhances the clarity of the swimming pool water.”
Waterco’s Hydrostorm Eco, rated at 6 stars, features a three-speed motor, enabling pool owners to set the pump at a low, energy-saving flow rate for everyday filtration. In contrast, conventional pumps are limited to one set of high flow rate speeds. The Hydrostorm Eco consumes almost 70% less energy when operating at a standard high flow rate speed.
In practical terms, by setting the pump at the lowest speed setting and running it during off-peak periods, this simple adjustment alone can yield savings of up to $575 annually. This means that the pump will pay for itself in a relatively short period.
“As a pool’s filtration cycle constitutes 99% of the run time of a pool pump, you can operate the Hydrostorm Eco on its low-speed setting for the majority of its running time,” explains Goh.
Other tips to save money and achieve an energy-efficient and eco-friendly pool include:
- Switch to LED pool lights, replacing halogen lights, as they use 85% less power and boast a remarkable lifespan of over 70,000 hours.
- Opt for a pool cover to reduce water loss by up to 97%, leading to savings of up to 50% on heating costs.
- Employ a pool pump timer and decrease run times during winter and colder months, as lower temperatures result in reduced chemical demand and, consequently, less chlorination is needed.
- Combine a robotic cleaner with a multi-speed pump to enhance efficiency. Robotic cleaners, being self-powered, eliminate the need for suction power from the filtration pump. This allows the pool skimmer to focus on surface skimming, while the robotic cleaner addresses the pool bottom.
- Regularly clean the skimmer and filter to enable effective water filtration and sanitization without overtaxing the pump.
- When constructing a new pool, ensure your builder has a good understanding of hydraulics. Properly sized piping facilitates efficient water circulation, minimizing wear and tear on the pump.
- Opt for solar or heat pump heating options. Solar heating, harnessing the sun’s energy, is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to warm pool and spa water. Heat pumps, independent of weather conditions, operate throughout the year by extracting heat from the atmosphere and transferring it to the pool water.
Implement these solutions and savor your pool experience without concerns about your wallet.
Turn up the heat!
Installing the appropriate pool heater can significantly extend your swimming season by up to four months or more. Here are some options for heating your pool:
Certainly the most ecologically sound choice available, solar pool heating harnesses the sun’s energy to operate.
The underlying principles of solar pool heating are remarkably straightforward. Picture a garden hose left in the sun for an extended period. When you turn on the tap, hot water emerges. The sun’s energy has been absorbed by the hose and transmitted as heat to the water within it. Essentially, the hose serves as a solar collector, embodying the solar heating process.
In contrast to other pool heaters in the market, solar heating covers its costs within a few years. Post the initial setup expense, ongoing operational costs are minimal as the heat is sourced freely from the sun. This allows you to extend your pool usage without concern for escalating energy bills.
Solar systems offer an economical approach to pool heating, boasting virtually no operating costs aside from the electricity required to pump water through the solar absorber on the roof. Additionally, solar heating systems are straightforward to maintain.
The amount of heat absorbed and the subsequent temperature rise hinge on three crucial factors:
- The size or area allocated for the collector and the number of tubes per square meter
- The placement of the collector
- The quality of the collector system
Ultimately, sun exposure holds the greatest sway. This grants the system a notable advantage in terms of running costs. These savings can persist for the entire 20-year lifespan of a correctly installed solar system.
However, if you reside in an area with limited sunlight, your roof experiences significant shading, or you lack sufficient roof space, a solar system may not be a viable choice.
Heat Pumps
Dependable, exceptionally efficient, and cost-effective to operate, heat pumps draw heat from the air (similar to a reverse cycle air conditioner) and utilize it to generate hot water.
In comparison to gas and electric element heating, heat pumps consume only a fraction of the energy to achieve the same level of heat production.
The advantages of heat pumps encompass their elevated energy efficiency and reduced operational expenses. For reference, savings can reach up to 80% compared to LPG, 50% in comparison to natural gas-fueled heaters, and an impressive 500% over electric heaters.
A drawback of this system is that it may experience a slight reduction in energy efficiency once the weather significantly cools down. This is because the pump must work harder to heat the water against the external temperature. Nevertheless, unless you reside in an area with extremely low winter temperatures, this concern is typically negligible.
Gas
Gas heaters stand out as the quickest method to heat your pool, offering an instantly comfortable swimming temperature as needed. In essence, they have the potential to extend your swimming season throughout the entire year. Gas heating systems employ natural gas or LPG, passing pool water through a heating unit to elevate its temperature.
A notable advantage of gas heaters lies in their ability to heat pool water much faster than solar or heat pump systems can. These heaters can elevate the pool water temperature to 40°C, irrespective of how cold the climate is. Additionally, gas heaters can consistently maintain any desired temperature, unaffected by weather conditions.
Choosing the right heating system depends on factors like climate, sunlight exposure, and budget considerations. Each option has its advantages, and the best choice depends on your specific needs and circumstances.
About the author
With over two decades of expertise, Pools of Distinction boasts a wealth of knowledge in the pool construction industry. Their passion for crafting concrete pools is evident in their meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence. Having overseen countless projects, they have earned a reputation for delivering unparalleled craftsmanship and customer satisfaction. Their innovative designs and personalised approach ensure each client’s vision is brought to life with precision and care. As a trusted pool builder in Newcastle, they continue to set the standard for quality and professionalism, making them the go-to choice for discerning homeowners seeking to transform their outdoor spaces.