Buying a home with a pool

During a hot Texas summer, nothing refreshes like a dip in the swimming pool. Asking the following questions—and implementing what you learn—can help you keep that cool when your utility bill arrives.

 

• How long should I run my pool filter each day? You want to have one complete water change every 24 hours. If you have an average-sized pool, filter it four to six hours per day in the summer and three to four hours per day in the winter.
• Gas or electric? If you’re faced with the choice between a gas-powered swimming pool and a pool that runs on electricity, going with gas will generally cost you about 75 percent less.
• Should I use an automatic timer? Automatic timers help regulate the hours that your pool’s filter and heater run, meaning you won’t have to pay for gas or electricity you really don’t need.
• Do I really need a pool cover? According to the U.S. Department of Energy (USDE), using a pool cover can result in substantial cost savings when heating your pool, as the cover reduces evaporation.
• Should I turn off the heater when no one will be swimming for a while or just maintain a consistent pool temperature? The USDE says you’ll save more energy by turning off the heater when no one will be using the pool for an extended period of time.
• What’s the cheapest way to heat my pool? You’ll save money by installing an energy-efficient gas, heat pump or solar pool heater. Research your options to see which method is right for you.

   

  Other factors that can help you reduce your pool’s energy usage include limiting the amount of time you run your automatic pool sweep to three or four hours a day, inspecting and maintaining your pool equipment regularly and ensuring that your pool thermostat is accurate.