ENERGY SAVINGS

Three ways to use
your pool pump
more efficiently.

A backyard pool is one of life’s summer pleasures, however for the average Australian home, pool pumps can account for almost 18% of energy use according to energy.gov.au. When you want to save money and enjoy the benefits of a home swimming pool, using an energy-efficient pool pump can reduce your pool running costs.

Here are three ways you can use your pool pump more efficiently to make significant savings on your energy bill.

Reduce costs with an energy-efficient pool pump with a high star rating

When shopping around for a new pool pump, pay attention to the Energy Rating Label. This label can help you predict the pump’s annual running costs.The most energy efficient pool pumps will have a rating of up to eight stars but opt for a pump with a minimum rating of five stars.

The Energy Rating Label will also indicate the pump’s estimated annual energy consumption based on pumping 50,000 litres of water per day. The lower the number, the less energy the pump will use.

When considering the pump size, it should be based on the volume of your pool and the flow rate required to circulate water effectively. A pump that is too large will consume more energy than necessary. For instance, a 1500-watt pump with a five-star energy rating will use more energy than a 600-watt pump with a five-star rating.

Save up to 60% with a multi- or variable-speed pool pump

If pool pumps have a fixed high speed, this can lead to increased energy usage. By using a multi-speed or variable-speed pool pump when less water flow is required (such as during filtration or heating) running the pump at a lower speed for longer period scan save significant amounts of energy.

ACTSmart estimates this could be as much as 60%. Even if the speed is reduced by 25%, the power consumption could still drop by 60%. Naturally, how much you save will be determined by factors such as the size of your pool, how often you use it and the energy efficiency of your pump.

Running a pump at a lower speed can also help extend its life by reducing wear and tear on the motor and other components so you can expect fewer maintenance and replacement costs in the long run. In addition, variable-speed pumps typically operate at a lower noise level than single-speed pumps, so you’ll enjoy a quieter, more relaxing pool experience.

Use a pool pump timer to conserve energy

Running a pool pump continuously can be unnecessary and waste energy. By installing a pool pump timer, you can set the pump to operate only during certain times of the day or for a specified duration.

A pool pump run time can be as much as eight hours a day, however you can calculate the exact time by dividing your pool volume by your pump’s flow rate. Consider using the timer to set it on overnight when energy rates are lower. ACTSmart estimates doing so could reduce your pool running costs by 40%.

Running your pool pump at the right time can improve chemical efficiency as well. By setting the pump to run during daylight hours, you can improve the effectiveness of the chlorine in the pool by allowing it to react with sunlight. Limiting pool pump use will put less train on it as well.

Summary

• Invest in a pool pump with a minimum rating of five stars on its Energy Rating Label and a lower estimated annual energy consumption.
• By using a multi-speed pool pump and dropping your pump’s speed by 25%, you could expect to lower your pump’s power consumption by up to 60%.
• By using a timer with your pool pump, you could reduce your pool running costs by 40% when operating the pump overnight.
  
  

ActewAGL's energy saving tips are designed to help you take control of your energy use, while reducing your bills and environmental impact. Save with great value energy plans backed by our sustainability promise, supported by 100% local, award-winning service - so you can LIVE A Good Life now and into the future.

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Sources

https://www.energyrating.gov.au/consumer-information/products/pool-pumps
https://www.actsmart.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/697287/Actsmart-Household-Energy-Savings-Guide-June-2018-updates-FINAL.pdf

Disclaimer: These Energy Savings tips and articles are for information purposes only. Please ensure you are aware of any safety precautions before operating appliances or products.