5 Money Saving Tips For Pool Owners

In Arizona, where the heat dominates for much of the year, particularly in the Queen Creek area where we reside, owning a pool can feel like a necessity. However, pool ownership is not without its share of responsibilities and costs, often more than initially anticipated. A pool represents an ongoing financial commitment, requiring regular investment in maintenance to keep it in top condition. Proper care of both your pool and its equipment can extend their lifespan and ultimately lead to cost savings. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of tips to help pool owners save money on maintenance and care. Here are our top five cost-saving strategies for pool owners.

Protect Your Pool Equipment

Maintaining your pool equipment diligently is among the top cost-saving measures we recommend to our clients. Even the smallest pool accessories can lead to significant expenses over time if neglected. Essential pool equipment that requires regular upkeep includes:

• Vacuum and vacuum hose
• Skimmer and Leaf Canister Baskets
• Pump Baskets
• Jandy Valve O-rings
• Backwash Piston O-rings

For pool filter maintenance, pay attention to:

• Filter Tank O-ring
• Replacing filter cartridges or DE grids as necessary
• Changing sand in Sand Filters every 5 years

Additionally, don’t forget about:

• Pool Nets
• Pool Brushes
• Pool Pump and Heater

Storing your pool brushes, filters, and skimmer nets in a shed or a secure spot in your garage can significantly extend their lifespan. Ensure that your pool pump and heater are also adequately protected. Immediate repairs by a professional should be sought if you notice any cracks or leaks in these systems. Most pump/filter systems are designed with protective barriers to prevent water and debris intrusion, maintaining the efficiency of all technical components.

Switch to LED Lights

Transitioning to LED lights may seem like a small change, but it ranks among our top five cost-saving tips for pool owners, offering both simplicity and long-term savings. With a lifespan of up to 20 years, LED lights are highly energy-efficient, ensuring that even extended, late-night swimming sessions have minimal impact on your electricity bill. Additionally, they are available in various colors, allowing you to refresh and add a playful touch to your pool’s appearance whenever it starts to feel outdated.

Hire a Professional

It may come as a surprise, but employing a professional pool maintenance service can actually lead to savings over time, and here are the reasons:

• Consistently balanced chemicals prevent the development of algae, eliminating the expense of restoring a green pool back to its clear state.
• Regular visits from a professional pool service mean early detection of leaks, and issues with pool pumps and heaters. Our skilled technicians inspect your pool’s system during every visit, aiming to spot and address damage promptly. Early repairs prevent minor issues from escalating, thereby saving costs in the long term.
• For those with an attached spa, it’s more cost-effective to clean filters periodically instead of replacing them. A maintenance service will either clean your spa filters or advise when it’s time for a cleaning, extending their life. Properly maintained filters can last a significant amount of time if they are cleaned every five to six months.

Cut Back on Heater Use

It may sound odd for a region that experiences temperatures of up to 120 degrees for extended periods, but many Arizonians enjoy their pools all year round, which often means needing to heat them during the cooler months. Pool heating can be quite expensive, which is why we recommend heating your pool only during off-peak hours and ensuring it’s only heated when you plan to use it. The cost of heating your pool depends on the type of system you use. For instance, with a standard heat pump, it typically takes between 24 to 72 hours to raise the pool’s temperature by 20 degrees, costing about $6 to $8 per hour. While the pool’s size will influence the overall cost, on average, heating your pool just once could set you back approximately $140 to $575. It’s crucial to be aware of these costs before deciding to heat your pool daily.

Know Your Off-Peak Hours

Operating your pool pump or heater during off-peak hours is crucial for cost savings, regardless of your location. Off-peak hours vary by city and state. For example, in Queen Creek, off-peak hours run from 8 PM to 5 AM from May through October, and from 9 PM to 5 AM from November to April. Utilizing your pool systems during these times can lead to significant reductions in your electricity bill, making it a universally appealing tip among our top five money-saving strategies for pool owners.

For current or prospective pool owners, understanding how to economize on pool maintenance is essential. By implementing our five cost-saving tips for pool owners, you can significantly reduce your annual expenses with just a few minor adjustments to your pool care practices. Our goal is for you to relish your time in the pool without stressing over the financial implications!