More homeowners are now more than mindful of reducing energy consumption at home. Over time, people have inculcated simple habits like turning off lights, choosing smart bulbs and other energy-efficient lighting, and switching to renewable energy sources. These simple lifestyle changes have not only had a significant impact on the environment but also helped homeowners reduce their utility bills. Despite all the efforts to reduce energy consumption at home, one area that often gets overlooked is the swimming pool.
While pools are great for relaxation and fun, they also consume a lot of energy, discourtesy of pool pumps. So much so that swimming pools across the UK and other parts of the world are on the brink of getting shut. But why is it that a pool pump consumes so much energy? And is there an alternative for these ‘hydrams’ that can be brought to use? Below, we will try and decipher answers to these questions.
What is a Pool Pump
Whether domestic or commercial, a pool pump is a standard feature in a swimming pool. It won’t be an exaggeration to say that a pool pump is the heart of any pool’s circulatory system. It not only pulls water from the pool but also pushes it to other equipment to be heated, treated, and filtered, thus returning cleaner, healthier, and warmer pool water.
But, as aforementioned, a pool pump tends to consume a lot of energy. A standard pool pump typically uses 1,500–2,500 watts of energy and runs for at least 8 hours a day. On top of that, if you are using an older pool pump, it will often run at one speed, even if the pool doesn’t need that much power. This can waste energy and lead to higher electric bills. No wonder, people are actively looking for alternatives to traditional pool pumps.
And, this is where eco-friendly pool pumps enter the frame. These modern pumps help keep the pool clean while using less power, which saves money and lowers energy use. But the question remains are the eco-friendly pool pumps a smart choice for anyone looking to make their home more energy-efficient? Let’s look at the benefits of installing an eco-friendly pool and then come to a conclusion if it’s a better choice or not. But before we do that let’s understand if a pool pump can actually be eco-friendly, and if yes, how it works and proves its prowess to be a better option than any traditional pool pump installed at your home.
Can a Pool Pump be Eco-Friendly?
Choosing eco-friendly pool pumps is beneficial to you because they can run at different speeds. Homeowners can choose a lower speed when the pool doesn’t need much filtration and save energy usage in the process. This small change can make a big difference in power usage and costs, making eco-friendly pumps a better option for modern-day homes.
How Do Eco-Friendly Pool Pumps Work?
The key to eco-friendly pool pumps is that they use a motor that can run at different speeds. Unlike older pumps that run at full power all the time, these pumps let you choose how much power is needed for different tasks. For example, you can use a lower speed for simple filtration, and increase speed when cleaning the pool. These pumps also use less power when running at lower speeds. Many of these pumps also come with easy-to-use controls, so you can adjust settings and save even more energy. By only using the energy the pool needs, these pumps help cut down on energy waste and reduce the impact on the environment.
Benefits of Installing Eco-Friendly Pool Pumps
There are many good reasons to switch to an eco-friendly swimming pool pump. Here are some of the main benefits:
Lower Energy Bills
Since these pumps use less energy, they can help lower your electric bill each month. Even though the initial cost of an eco-friendly swimming pool pump may be higher than a regular pump, the savings on energy bills will often pay off in the long run.
Quieter Operation
Traditional pool pumps can be loud, especially when running at full speed. Eco-friendly pumps, however, are much quieter, especially when running at lower speeds. This makes for a more relaxing poolside experience.
Longer Pump Life
When you run a pump at lower speeds, it puts less strain on the system. This helps the pump last longer, saving you from having to repair or replace it as often.
Better Pool Filtration
Because these pumps can run at different speeds, they can filter water more effectively. Running the pump at a lower speed for longer periods can keep your pool cleaner and reduce the need for other maintenance.
Good for the Environment
Using less energy means reducing your home’s carbon footprint. Switching to an eco-friendly pump is a simple way to make your home more sustainable.
How to Choose the Right Pool Pump
When choosing an eco-friendly pool pump, it’s important to find the right size for your pool. A pump that’s too big or too small won’t be as efficient. Pick one that fits your pool’s needs so it can run as efficiently as possible.
Look for pumps that are ‘ENERGY STAR’ certified. These models meet specific energy-saving standards and are known to use less power. This certification can help you choose a pump that will save you more on energy bills.
It’s also helpful to look for pumps with extra features like programmable timers or controls. These allow you to schedule the pump to run during certain times of the day, like at night when energy use is lower. Some models also have built-in features that alert you when something isn’t working right so you can fix it before it becomes a bigger issue.
Installation and Maintenance
I won’t mislead you by saying that installing an eco-friendly pool pump is a cakewalk. Well, it’s usually easy, but it’s always a good idea to have a professional handle it. This will make sure everything is set up properly so the pump can work to the best of its capacity. Once the pump is installed, it is the owner’s responsibility to keep it in good shape. I would still recommend keeping a check on your pump and monitoring it to see if there are any blockages or other issues that are hampering its ability to work at full force. One must also ensure that the filters are clean and not developing any kind of grease. By keeping the pump well-maintained, you can ensure it runs smoothly for years to come.
The Future of Pool Sustainability
I read in high school that ‘Sustainable development aims at fulfilling the needs of today, whilst keeping in mind the requirement of future generations.’ This statement is true in the realm of pool sustainability as well. As more people look for ways to live sustainably, eco-friendly pool pumps offer a great solution for pool owners. These pumps allow homeowners to enjoy their pools without wasting energy or driving up electricity costs. By using these pumps, homeowners can help protect the environment while saving money.
Conclusion
Having said that, eco-friendly pool pumps are a smart choice for anyone looking to save energy and lowering energy usage costs. With their ability to run at different speeds, these pumps are more efficient than traditional models and offer several benefits, like quieter operation and better filtration. Additionally, installing one of these pumps can help you reduce your carbon footprint while keeping your pool in great shape.
Follow Homecrux on Google News!
