Commercial indoor pools are expensive to maintain, especially if the facility is open year-round. Many of these costs stem from the sheer amount of electricity needed to run the site. There are filters, ventilators, heaters and other devices that require electrical power. Pool management is aware of the financial strain their pools may place on an organization. However, with some basic energy saving tips, managers can lower their expenses, increasing savings and efficiency.

Reevaluate your pool heating options

Heating is a necessary component for any indoor pool. There are options in providing this feature, ranging from propane- or national-gas fired boilers, solar panel systems, electric resistance, electric heat pumps and waste heat. According to the Illinois Smart Energy Design Assistance Center, the most expensive type of pool heating to run is the electrical resistance heater. If your facility doesn’t have the ability to run another type of heating, the organization advised purchasing only high-efficiency units. Though these may cost more upfront, their quality and efficiency will pay off in the long run for both pool managers and their organizations.

SEDAC also suggested that sites take solar thermal heating options into consideration, but pointed out that pool managers who choose to implement this system may still require the use of another backup heater during long periods of poor weather. However, the installation of solar thermal heating devices can decrease usage of the other heating unit greatly, saving the facility money on electricity or gas. Alternatively, SEDAC noted that waste heat options are available, since the devices necessary to run a pool generate plenty of heat, pool managers should consider redirecting this heat to the pool. Heat recovery units can be installed in ventilation systems to salvage the potential energy. Not only is this energy efficient, it’s also a more sustainable method of heating indoor pools.

Altering the method in which your indoor pool is heated requires the help of professionals. Pool managers considering the project should reach out to pool construction services to discuss their options.

The Department of Energy suggested turning off the pool heater when the facility won’t be used for several days. Additionally, it stated that the use of a pool cover is the most efficient technique to cut down on heating indoor pool costs. By using a pool cover, the water in the pool is subjected to less evaporation, which will help in maintaining a constant temperature.

Depending on energy costs, pool managers may want to have changes made to their pools or adjust their practices to save money.