How to keep your pool costs down this summer

Get a pool cover!

A pool cover is the most cost-effective thing you can add to your pool to save money.

Over spring and summer an 8x4 metre pool will lose around 10,000 litres of water to evaporation. that's a lot of topping up and extra water you're paying for. Pool covers reduce evaporation by around 97%.

Change your routine

Adding chemicals into your pool late afternoon or at night instead of during the day can drastically reduce your chemical costs because you'll need less. Chlorine is degraded by ultraviolet light and the sunlight will immediately start to destroy the chlorine when you add it during the day.  

Avoid over-chlorination

Using too much chlorine could damage your pool equipment and you'll be spending more on chemicals. Test your water regularly and only add chlorine when needed. It's an easy way to cut costs while keeping your pool safe.
How to save money on your summer power bill

Run the filter at night

If you're adding your chemicals at night, you'll also have to run your filter at night, but this will take advantage of off-peak electricity costs. 

Solar power

But if you have solar power, run your pool during the day, to take advantage of free energy from the sun. Depending on the size of your solar system and what else is running on electricity during the day, it is possible to run your pool pump for free.

Clean the filter regularly

A clogged filter means that your pump must work harder and use more energy. The same goes for the skimmer basket.  

Choose your plants wisely

Keep plants and shrubs that drop leaves away from your pool area. Leaves and debris make the pump and filter system work harder and affect the water quality of the pool (more chemicals required!).  

Energy-efficient equipment

If it's time to replace your pump, opt for an energy-efficient one as they can use up to 70% less energy than older models. It's a savvy investment now which will lead to future savings.

Prevention is cheaper than cure!

It's much easier, and much less expensive, to keep algae out of your pool than it is to get rid of it. Maintaining your pool correctly will avoid the costs associated with dealing with unwanted problems.

Tip

Throw a couple of tennis balls into the pool. The fluffy surface of the tennis balls soaks up sunscreen and oil. You can wash the tennis balls in hot water after they've done their job.