Heating can greatly enhance the swimming experience and it allows you to use your pool throughout winter, but the added cost can be off-putting for some. The good news is pool technology has come a long way over the years, and it may not be as expensive as you think. We have compiled a list of ways you can save money on your swimming pool heating.
Choose solar heating
Solar heating systems are extremely popular and they work by using natural energy sourced from the sun, whereas other systems use expensive resources such as electricity and gas. To operate, a solar heating system uses a minuscule amount of electricity, around 1kW or less. Coldwater from your pool is pumped through a series of solar absorber capillary tubes which are normally installed on your hot roof or mounted on the ground. The water is heated as it circulates through these and then returned to the pool at an elevated temperature. Solar heating works to its full potential on days with a lot of sun and can heat the pool by up to 10 degrees. Solar maintains the pool water at a consistent temperature.
So, how much is a solar heating system?
It depends on which type of solar heating you choose but to give you a rough idea, they start at around $3000 and upwards. While it is an initial outlay the amount of money you save compared to other systems is unmatched not only that, but they are also gentler on the environment.
How much does it cost to run?
The cost of heating a pool via solar depends on how big your pool is, the bigger the pool is the more expensive it is likely to be. For an averaged sized pool though it costs around $250 a year.
Use a pool cover
Pool covers are probably on the most underused yet effective ways to reduce your pool’s heating costs. Evaporation is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to heat loss. When the water is warm, and the wind hits the surface, it causes the water to evaporate a much faster rate. A pool cover retains heat in the water by preventing it from escaping and can reduce the rate of evaporation by up to 70%. Because the water temperature is maintained, your heating system doesn’t have to work for as long to get the water to the desired temperature, this, in turn, saves you money.
There are a huge variety of pool cover options on the market and if you want to save on your heating costs further, it pays to use a solar pool cover. Solar pool covers work by harnessing heat from the sun and transferring it into the pool water. Using a solar cover alone can heat your pool by up to 10 degrees and apart from the initial cost to purchase it, it does not cost you anything to use it, so you are heating your pool for free.
Using a cover in conjunction with heating means you won’t have to use your heating as much to keep the pool warm. They start at around $200 and the savings you recoup from using a cover makes them a worthwhile purchase.
Turn down the heat
You can save a lot of money on your heating bill by turning the temperature down. Did you know that by turning it up by only a few degrees can cost up to 30% more? If you’re not using your pool very much in the winter, consider turning the temperature down, or off altogether if you know you are not going to be using it over the week. It pays to be mindful of your pool use when your heating is on to ensure you are not wasting energy.
If you are using your pool a lot, rather than switching it on and off every day, turn the temperature down. Many systems come with timers which can reduce your heating costs further.
Opt for a variable speed pump
Your pool pump is the powerhouse of the circulation system but it also is the biggest energy consumer of all your equipment. To save money, choose a heat pump that allows you to change the speed, some options include variable, multi or dual pumps. You can alter the speed of your pump rather than just having it running on maximum speed all day. The higher the speed, the more energy it will consume. While they may be more expensive to purchase the savings you can make over the lifetime of the pool means you will quickly recoup your investment.
Choose fibreglass
If you haven’t already purchased a pool, you should consider fibreglass if you want to save money on heating and upkeep in general. Fibreglass pools heat up faster and more effectively than other types such as concrete and they naturally insulate heat, so the water stays warm for longer.
Choose a smaller pool
As mentioned earlier, the bigger the pool the more money it will cost to heat. If you are in the market for a pool and you know you want to heat it, choosing a smaller pool variety can save you a considerable amount on your heating costs. Modest pools heat quickly and usually require less energy to do so. A smaller pool heating system can be used and a smaller cover too, both will be less expensive than larger varieties.
The location of your pool
Positioning your pool in a spot that receives full sun for most of the day can help to warm your pool water up to 4 degrees. If your pool is in full shade, it will take longer to heat than a pool in the sun. A solar pool cover will also work better if plenty of sun is reaching it throughout the day.
Many can benefit from having heating for their pool and by implementing some simple measures, you can reduce your running costs significantly. If you have any questions about pool heating or pools in general, get in contact with our friendly crew here at BarrierReef PoolsQueensland, with more than 30 years in the industry they are a wealth of knowledge and would love to help if they can.
