Swimming pools are great for summer fun, but maintaining them can be expensive. From chemicals to cleaning, the costs can quickly add up. Here are some tips to help you save money while keeping your swimming pool in great shape:
Use a Solar Cover
Using a solar cover is a great way to save money on pool maintenance. One of the main ways it can help you save money is by reducing water evaporation. Evaporation is a natural process that occurs when water is exposed to air. In hot and dry climates, the rate of evaporation can be quite high, with up to 1/4" of water loss per day. This may not sound like much, but over time it can add up to a significant cost.
The heat required to evaporate this water is also significant, and it can lead to a significant loss of energy from your pool. This loss can be especially pronounced at night when there is no sunlight to help offset the loss from evaporation. In addition to reducing evaporation, a solar cover can help to retain heat in the pool during the day, reducing the amount of energy required to heat the pool.
Lastly a solar cover can help you save money in other ways as well. Because you’re not having to add as much fresh water with no chemicals in it you’re going to reduce the amount of chemicals needed. This is especially true in areas where the total alkalinity and pH of the fill water tends to be high. Pools in these areas tend to need a large amount of acid to keep pH in check.
Stay on top of water chemistry
Maintaining proper water chemistry is crucial to the health and longevity of your pool. It's also expensive. To save money on chemicals, it's important to stay on top of your pool's water chemistry. Regularly test the water and adjust the chemicals as needed. By maintaining proper water chemistry, you'll reduce the need for expensive chemicals and keep your pool clean and clear. Neglecting the pool's chemistry can lead to a buildup of algae, which can be a costly and time-consuming problem to clean up.
Embrace a low Total Alkalinity Level
A very common expense pool owners face is having to purchase acid to lower their pH. This is especially true in new plaster pools or pools in the Southwest where fill water typically is high in Total Alkalinity (TA). To help save some money pool owners should embrace the idea of maintaining a lower TA level in their pool. Once a user reduces their alkalinity levels they’ll find their pH increase is slower thus the amount of muriatic acid they need to purchase is reduced.
Use a variable-speed pump and run it during off-peak hours
Running your pool pump can be a significant energy expense. To save money on electricity, consider using a variable-speed pump and running it during off-peak hours. Unlike traditional single-speed pumps, which run at a constant high speed, variable-speed pumps can adjust their speed based on the needs of your pool. This means they use less energy and can save you money on your electricity bill. Additionally, variable-speed pumps are quieter and last longer than single-speed pumps, which means you'll save money on maintenance and replacements in the long run. Many utility companies offer lower rates during off-peak hours, so you can save money by scheduling your pump to run during these times. Running your pump during off-peak hours can also help reduce strain on the electrical grid and lower your overall carbon footprint.
Stay on top of leaks
Leaks can be a costly problem for pool owners. Not only do they waste water, but they can also cause damage the equipment itself. To save money on repairs, it's important to stay on top of leaks. Regularly inspect your pool and equipment for signs of leaks and address them promptly. By staying on top of leaks, you'll avoid the need for costly repairs and keep your pool running smoothly.
While that small drip of water from the top of your pump doesn’t seem like much, that steady supply of water over time will cause damage to your pump. A steady flow of water causes the motor bearings to rust and eventually lead to a motor failure. So it is very important to catch a leak early before it can cause major damage.
