Swimming Pool Store

A swimming pool pump can be a real energy hog.  There are a number of things you can do to reduce the amount of energy needed to run the pump for your pool, but mostly it is a matter of two factors.  First is to go with a smaller pump in the first place.  The second main measure you can take is to run the pump for fewer hours per day.  In one study, homeowners who took both measures saved 75% on the energy needed for their pump.

First of all, downsize the pump.  Note that this does not mean that you need a smaller filter, just a smaller pump.  In fact, you might want a larger filter to do a better job with the decreased pressure from the pump.  Choose a filter that is rated 50% higher than the flow rate.  Another measure you can take to reduce the work the pump needs to do is to replace any pipes that make abrupt ninety degree angles on the way to the pump with flexible pipes, or pipes that make less abrupt angles.

Some energy conscious homeowners install solar pool heaters.  If this is your case, your pump will need to be large enough to pump the water through the heater as well as through the filter.  Solar pool heaters are a good idea, and are one of the most cost-effective ways to use the power of the sun to reduce energy costs, but they will require a little extra help from the pump.

Second, reduce the amount of time the pump runs.  In many cases, as little as three to six hours a day is enough to keep the chemicals circulated and the pool water clear.  It is better to run the pump in shorter sessions more frequently, though, than in one three to six hour session per day.  This is because you want to shorten the time between the pump sessions.  The longer the water sits unfiltered, the better chance algae has of developing.

Related to using the pump less is that you need to use the manual cleaning tools more.  In other words, energy to run the pump is being replaced with elbow grease energy.  Use the pool brush often and vacuum regularly.  Don't forget to skim off surface debris by hand frequently as well.  You may not save 75% on your energy by putting these practices into action, but you are sure to save quite a bit.