Ways to Make Your Pool More Energy Efficient

Owning a swimming pool is a wonderful luxury, but it can also be a substantial drain on energy resources and your wallet. Energy-hungry pumps, heaters, and lighting systems can quickly lead to high utility bills and have a negative impact on the environment. However, with some thoughtful planning and a few strategic changes, pool owners can significantly improve their pool’s energy efficiency while still enjoying all the benefits of a sparkling oasis in their backyard. In this article, we’ll explore some effective ways to make your pool more energy efficient. 

What Is an Energy-Efficient Pool?

It goes without saying that one of the biggest expenses for pool owners is energy. In fact, one study found that homes with pools use about 49% more electricity per year. At its core, having an energy-efficient pool simply means that it generates the lowest possible energy bill every month.

All it takes is a few adjustments to reduce these costs dramatically for you and your home. When it comes to energy efficiency, a little change goes a long way. 

Upgrade to a Variable Speed Pump

Your pool pump is often the biggest energy user. Switching from a single-speed pump to a variable speed pump is one of the fastest ways to cut costs.

• Variable speed pumps let you run at lower speeds most of the time instead of full power.
• Many pool owners see up to 90% energy savings on pump operation, depending on pool size, climate, and run time.
• Most modern pumps are now variable speed to meet Department of Energy efficiency standards.
• Many utility companies offer rebates for qualifying energy-efficient equipment.

By running longer at lower speeds, you maintain clean, healthy water while dramatically improving energy efficiency.

BONUS TIP: Buying a variable speed pump may also qualify you for incentives, such as utility rebates. Power companies sometimes offer rebates to entice you to reduce your power consumption by using energy-efficient appliances. This enables utility providers to meet their legal obligations to reduce energy use. 

Use a Robotic Pool Cleaner

Robotic pool cleaners clean your pool independently, without relying on your main circulation system. That means less strain on your pump and lower power use overall.

• Robotic cleaners plug into a low-voltage power source instead of your pump.
• Many models use around 180 watts, which is far less than a pressure-side cleaner with a booster pump that may use 1,000+ watts.
• Typical operating cost is only a few cents per hour.

Because the cleaner does the heavy lifting, your variable speed pump can stay at a lower flow rate longer, delivering extra energy savings while keeping your pool spotless.

Switch to LED Pool Lighting

Lighting is another easy win for energy efficiency. LED pool lights deliver more brightness with far less power than older incandescent or halogen bulbs.

• A 55-watt LED can provide similar light output to a 300–500 watt incandescent.
• LEDs last much longer — often 25,000–50,000 hours or more — reducing replacement costs.
• New efficiency standards mean many traditional incandescent pool and spa lights can no longer be manufactured, making LED the go-to option.

Upgrading to LED helps you enjoy a beautifully lit pool while cutting electricity use and improving overall energy efficiency.

BONUS TIP: How much do LED pool lights save per month? Learn just how much money you can save by converting your pool to LED lighting! Just check out our LED pool light savings calculator.

Add a Solar Cover

If your pool is heated, evaporation is your biggest source of heat loss — and wasted energy. A solar cover is a simple, powerful way to create a more energy efficient pool.

Some big benefits of solar covers include:

• Trap heat from the sun and help warm the water by up to about 15°F.
• Dramatically reduce evaporation, keeping heat in the pool longer.
• Can deliver 50–70% energy savings on heating costs during cooler months.

Solar pool covers not only help extend the swimming season by keeping the water comfortably warm, but also reduce the overall carbon footprint associated with pool heating, making them an eco-friendly choice for pool owners. As an added bonus, they can save you quite a bit of money on water and chemicals, too!

Use Cartridge Filters

Your filter doesn’t use electricity directly, but it affects how hard your pump has to work. A more efficient filter setup can support better energy efficiency overall.

Compared to sand or D.E. filters, cartridge filters:

• Operate efficiently at lower flow rates, which is ideal for variable speed pumps.
• Don’t require backwashing, so you save water as well as energy.
• Only need periodic rinsing with a garden hose.

By reducing resistance in the system, cartridge filters let your pump run at lower speeds and use less energy while still maintaining clear water.

Enable Pool Automation

Pool automation systems take the guesswork out of running your equipment efficiently. With an automation controller or smart pool system, you can:

• Schedule pumps, heaters, and lights to run only when needed.
• Take advantage of lower off-peak utility rates where available.
• Avoid accidentally leaving equipment on longer than necessary.

Fine-tuned run times and coordinated schedules help maximize energy savings without sacrificing comfort or water quality.

Build Good Energy-Saving Habits

Equipment upgrades are important, but your daily habits also impact your pool’s energy efficiency:

• Keep your filter and pump basket clean to reduce strain on the pump.
• Maintain proper water chemistry so your system works efficiently.
• Use a solar cover anytime the pool isn’t in use for extended periods.
• Reduce heater temperatures slightly to save on heating costs.

Small changes like these keep your energy efficient pool running its best!

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Transforming your pool into an energy-efficient oasis is not only good for your wallet, but also for the environment. By making smart choices and investing in energy-efficient equipment and practices, you can reduce your pool’s energy consumption while still enjoying the refreshing pleasures of your backyard retreat. Embrace these tips, and you’ll not only be making your pool more energy efficient, but also contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.

For more information or to get started with energy-efficient pool solutions, call or stop by your local Leslie’s. You can also browse our online selection of pool products that offer energy, water, and chemical savings, or check out our blog for more eco-friendly pool tips.