Being energy wise means having peace of mind

Having a pool in their yard is a cherished dream of many Quebecers. This dream represents a little piece of heaven where the family can spend magical moments. Purchasing a pool, however, is also an investment that must be carefully planned. It’s important to maintain the pool and ensure its proper functioning afterward.

Did you know that the cost of running your pool can account for up to 70% of your summer electricity bill? Fortunately, you can save thanks to efficient products and good energy consumption habits.

We sometimes tend to forget that small actions have a great impact. So why not adopt good habits to reduce your electricity bill?

Here are a few recommendations by Hydro-Québec to help you reduce your energy use.

Because time is money.

Pool timer

Using a pool timer allows you to interrupt the pump's operation without harming the water quality and to save up to 45% on filtration costs.

Pool timer allows you to eliminate the noise of the pump motor for hours.

Here are the potential savings per summer:

• up to $110 in the case of an above-ground pool
  24 ft diameter (42 m ² );
  

• up to $140 in the case of an in-ground pool
  16 ft X 32 ft (48 m ² ).

Caution: Avoid using a timer if you have a pool heater, as the pump must always run when it is on.

Retain heat and save money

Solar pool cover

Whether it’s in-ground or above-ground, covering your pool with a solar pool cover for more than 16 hours a day will curb heat loss and keep the water pleasantly warmer.

Using a solar pool cover is also good for the environment, as you’ll use fewer chemicals to keep the water clean.

Moreover, you could save up to 45% on your water heating costs.

Here are the possible savings every summer:

• up to $180 in the case of an above-ground pool
  24 feet in diameter (42 ^m² );

• up to $230 in the case of an in-ground pool
  16 ft X 32 ft (48 m ² ).

Optimize your savings and water filtration

Two-speed pump or variable speed pump

• up to $170 in the case of an above-ground pool
  24 feet in diameter (42 m2);

• up to $330 in the case of an in-ground pool
  16 ft. X 32 ft. (48 m2).

Here are the potential savings per summer by using a variable-speed pump:

• up to $375 in the case of an in-ground pool
  16 ft. X 32 ft. (48 m2).

Comfort above all else

Heat pump

Enjoy stable and pleasant pool water all summer long and extend your swimming season? Gone are the days when we had had to dive right into the pool to feel less cold. You can now go in at your own pace!

The heat pump uses electricity to extract heat from the outdoor air and transfer it to the pool water with high energy efficiency. For each (1) kWh of electricity supplied, between 3.5 and 5 kWh of heat (or more) is transferred to the pool. It takes no mathematicians to tell you it seems like a good deal! By opting for a heat pump, you’ll save up to 75% on your water heating costs.

Psst! Here's some friendly advice:

• Save up to 25% on your water heating costs by lowering the thermostat on your heat pump by just two degrees;

• Use a solar pool cover when the pool isn’t in use to conserve heat.

It’s time to be energy-wise.

Since you are now familiar with the good habits to adopt and the energy-efficient products to use for your pool, we recommend you respond to Hydro-Québec’s questionnaire What kind of pool do you have? to learn more about the different ways you can reduce your electricity bill and consume energy responsibly.

Calculation tool

You can also calculate consumption related to your swimming pool to better understand how to save money.

Have a great swimming season!

Source: HYDRO-QUEBEC. Swimming pools and spas , [Online] 2022.