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Saving Energy with Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs by Nikki Willhite Maintaining pools and spas takes a lot of time, attention and money. The water has to be consistently treated to maintain the correct ph levels, and to keep it clear and free from harmful bacteria. It also costs money to heat and cool the water. If you live in a warm state, like Arizona, you may be using energy to try and cool your pool water.  We have very few swimming pools here in the Northwest, but the ones we do have definitely need to have water-heating systems. Hot tubs are very popular here in the Northwest. Most people run them year round. They come with insulated covers, but it can cost a lot of money for chemicals and to heat the water Also, a lot of water is lost through evaporation. This runs up the cost of heating, as the water is very cold that comes out of the hose to replace it.  Then it must be treated with more chemicals. No matter where you live, there are some things you can do to reduce the cost of maintaining these items. Here are some tips. - Always keep your hot tub covered when not in use to minimize the loss of water. Pool covers are also a good investment. They keep debris out of the water and protect the filters, as well as reducing energy costs. - Do not turn the temperature on  your hot tub higher than 105 degrees. Less is better. Keep a thermometer in the water to make sure your system is functioning correctly. - Ideally pool water should be around 78 degrees. - Maintain you equipment so that it will run efficiently. Routinely clean filters and do all the maintenance suggested in your owner’s manual. - Consider solar heat for a swimming pool. - If your hot tub is old, look into replacing the motor with a newer, energy efficient model. - Use landscaping to achieve energy savings. In hot climates, deciduous trees placed on the southern side of the property will provide shade and cool the water. In northern climates, trees placed on the north side of the property act as a wind barrier and warm the air. - Don’t splash water unnecessarily out of the spa or pool. New replacement water will cost more to heat and you will need more chemicals. - If you are leaving town, adjust the temperature of your pool or spa to save energy while you are gone. About the Author: Nikki Willhite, mother of 3 and an interior design graduate, has been writing and publishing articles on the topic of frugal living for over a decade. Visit her at www.frugalhappyfamilies.com - where you will find hundreds of frugal living tips and articles. Frugal Happy Families- more than just money!  Article first published at www.allthingsfrugal.com

 

 

 

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