One of the biggest energy expenses for homes is heating the
pool. Using the power of the sun can keep you swimming in the
middle of winter.
If you have a pool, you know heating it can run your utility
bill through the roof. Fortunately, there are a number of
practical steps that can be taken to cut costs.
Many people who complain about the cost of heating their pools
fail to take common sense steps to cut the bill. One of the
unrealized costs is the power required to run the filter
circulation system. Spend the money on a high powered pump and
you will save money. The more you pump, the less time it will
need to be on.
Next, make absolutely sure you use a cover for the pool. Heat
escapes through uncovered surfaces. If you're not using the
pool, put a cover on it just like you would a hot tub. Try to
add a solar bubble cover, which will create a bit of water heat
by letting the sun in. Regardless, using a pool cover will make
a major difference in your utility bill. Don't be lazy! Make
sure you keep the cover on the pool.
Even pool covers can only do so much to keep a pool warm. For
some people, cutting the costs associated with warming a pool
means going to a solar system. Solar heating systems for pools
can be a very cost effective way to keep water warm throughout
much of the year without driving your utility bill through the
roof.
Solar platforms typically will heat a pool up to around 80
degrees, but not much more. The systems tend to be less
expensive than home heating systems because they are smaller and
need fewer components. You solar vendor can help you figure out
what you need for your particular situation, but the rule of
thumb is you need panels totaling half the size of the pool.
This can vary based on whether the pool has a dark bottom and is
isolated from the wind.
With utility bills soaring, many people are forgoing heating
their pools to save money. By taking practical steps and
possibly using a solar heating system, you'll have the glory of
swimming in January and not worrying about the utility bill.
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