Natural gas pool and spa heaters use less energy and heat water faster than electric heaters. You can help save on energy costs by following a few simple steps.
Energy Conservation Tips
- Lower the pool or spa heater's temperature setting. Install a time clock to pre-set and minimize heating hours.
- Keep your spa or pool covered when not in use. Well-fitted pool and spa covers help prevent heat loss for energy savings of up to 50%.
- Consider purchasing a solar pool cover. It uses the sun to heat the water's surface.
Reduce pool filtering and automatic pool sweep time to a minimum, and schedule it for "off-peak" hours (before noon and after 6:00 p.m.).
- To help maintain pool heating efficiency, follow a regular program of preventive maintenance, including an annual inspection and de-liming of the heat exchanger.
- Check the accuracy of your spa's thermostat. An inaccurate thermostat can cost you hundreds of dollars each year.
Pool Filtering
- Pools need to be filtered. How long you should filter your pool depends on:
- The pool size.
- The filtering equipment.
- How much you use the pool.
- Different environmental factors (such as how much sunlight hits the pool).
- Keep in mind that the more you use your pool, the more filtering it will need.
Pool Covers
- You can save up to 50% on pool heating costs by using a pool cover. Pool covers help prevent chemical loss and water evaporation.
- There are two types of pool covers:
- Thermal/opaque covers help prevent heat and water loss. If left on during the day, they also transmit some heat to the pool.
- Solar covers help transmit heat to your pool from sunlight. They also help prevent heat and water loss.
- When shopping for a pool cover, be sure to check the durability, warranty, insulation value and safety features, as well as the price. If you have small children, be sure to choose a cover that will prevent them from being trapped underneath it.
Pool Heaters and Timers
- Pool heaters expand pool usage by extending swimming hours in the day and swimming months in the year. Energy-efficient natural gas pool heaters use less energy than electric heaters and cost less to operate.
- A filter time clock is an easy way to manage pool filtering. Check your clock's instruction manual for directions on setting the operation times.
Appliance Selection Tips
- When its time to replace your old pool motor and pump assembly, consider a new energy-efficient model to help save on pool filtering costs.
- Consider purchasing a cover for your spa or pool. Covers are worthwhile investments that help reduce operating costs.
- Read our tips on selecting a qualified contractor to install or repair your spa or pool.
Where can I get more information about pools and spas?
- Department of Energy – Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at www.eere.energy.gov *
- The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals at www.apsp.org *
* By clicking the link, you will leave www.socalgas.com and transfer directly to the website of a third party provider which is not part of the Southern California Gas Company. The Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy on that website will apply.
