5 Ways to Make Your Pool Energy Efficient

Make your pool more energy-efficient and reduce running costs with smart upgrades and maintenance. Explore 5 practical tips, from variable speed pumps and smart timers to high-quality covers and efficient heating, that keep your pool clean, comfortable, and eco-friendly year-round.

Easy Steps to Reduce Your Pool Energy Consumption

A swimming pool should be a place to relax and unwind, not a constant drain on your power bill. With energy prices on the rise and sustainability becoming a priority for many households, improving your pool’s energy efficiency is a smart and practical investment that benefits both your wallet and the environment.

The good news is that creating a more energy-efficient pool doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. With a few strategic upgrades and smarter operating habits, you can significantly reduce energy consumption, lower running costs, and extend the lifespan of your pool equipment, all while keeping your pool clean, clear, and ready to enjoy year-round.

Here are five proven ways to make your pool more energy efficient, while keeping it crystal clear and swim-ready all year round.

1. Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Pool Pump

The pool pump is the heart of pool system and one of the biggest contributors to energy consumption. Traditional single-speed pumps run at full power whenever they are operating, even when that level of output isn’t required, which leads to unnecessary energy use and higher running costs. Variable speed pool pumps provide a far more efficient solution. They adjust their speed to suit the pool’s actual circulation and filtration needs, using significantly less electricity while still maintaining clean, healthy water.

Why this matters:

Uses up to 70–90% less energy than single-speed pumps
Runs quieter and lasts longer
Allows you to schedule lower speeds during off-peak energy times

2. Use Smart Timers and Automation

Pool equipment runs longer than necessary, which wastes energy and increases running costs. Pumps, heaters, and lights can operate on outdated schedules or sometimes with no schedule at all.

Smart timers and automation systems let you control exactly when your equipment runs, prevent unnecessary operation, and take advantage of off-peak electricity rates. They can also coordinate pumps, heaters, lighting, and robotic cleaners for maximum efficiency, keeping your pool energy-smart without extra effort.

3. Invest in a High-Quality Pool Cover

A pool cover is one of the most effective upgrades for improving energy efficiency. Uncovered pools lose heat and water through evaporation, causing your heater to work harder, increasing electricity use, and requiring more frequent water and chemical top-ups.

A high-quality pool cover can:

Reduce evaporation by up to 95%
Retain heat overnight
Keep debris out of the pool
Lower heating and pumping costs

Solar pool covers provide the added benefit of passive heating during the day, making them a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly solution for pools.

4. Choose Energy-Efficient Pool Heating

Heating a pool adds comfort, but it doesn’t have to come with high energy costs or a large environmental impact. The most efficient heating options include:

Solar pool heating, which uses free, renewable energy from the sun
Electric heat pumps, which extract heat from the air while using minimal electricity

Modern heat pumps are far more efficient than older electric heaters and provide consistent temperature control year-round. A simple additional tip: lowering your pool temperature by just 2–4°C can significantly reduce energy consumption without affecting comfort.

5. Maintain Your Pool and Electrical Equipment

Poorly maintained pools and equipment have to work harder, which increases energy consumption and running costs. Simple, regular maintenance can make a significant difference in efficiency and longevity.

Key practices include:

Cleaning skimmer and pump baskets regularly
Keeping filters clean and backwashed as needed
Maintaining proper water balance
Removing debris before it reaches the filtration system

From an electrical standpoint, worn connections, outdated wiring, or inefficient control systems can also silently drive up energy use. Regular pool electrical inspections ensure your pool runs smoothly while keeping energy costs low.

Conclusion

Creating an energy-efficient pool is all about combining smart upgrades with consistent maintenance. By investing in a variable speed pump, using timers or automation, adding a high-quality pool cover, choosing efficient heating options, and keeping your equipment well-maintained, you can reduce energy consumption, lower running costs, and extend the lifespan of your pool. These steps not only save money but also help reduce your environmental footprint, making your pool more sustainable without compromising enjoyment.

For pool owners in Adelaide looking to maximise energy efficiency, Aquila Electrical can provide expert advice, professional installation, and maintenance services. From installing energy-efficient pumps and timers to upgrading pool heating and automation systems, Aquila Electrical ensures your pool operates safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively. Contact Aquila Electrical today to make your pool smarter, greener, and more energy-efficient.

📞 Call us on 0488 551 630

‍📍 Based in Hove, SA 5048