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—Heating and cooling

What affects pool heating and cooling running costs

Running cost depends far more on how the pool is used and covered than on the unit’s label. A few choices make a large difference.

A heat pump uses electricity to move heat into or out of the water. The energy it uses depends on how much heat must be moved: the gap between the water and your target temperature, and how much heat the pool gains or loses through its surface. Holding a pool several degrees warmer in winter, or cooler in summer, increases demand.

Temperature guides explain how pools in a hot climate are heated in winter and cooled in summer.

Covers reduce surface losses dramatically when the pool is not in use. Shade and wind shelter help. Unit efficiency, especially at part load for inverter units, affects consumption, as do pump run times needed to circulate water through the unit. Monitoring use over a season gives a realistic picture for a particular pool.

01Summary

What matters most here

  • Target temperature

    Each degree adds demand.

  • Covers

    The biggest single saving.

  • Efficiency and run times

    Unit and pump settings matter.

02Detail

Cost factors

  • Temperature set point

    Moderate targets use less energy.

  • Cover use

    Reduces losses overnight and when idle.

  • Exposure

    Wind and shade change gains and losses.

  • Unit efficiency

    Especially at part load.

  • Pump settings

    Circulation needed for the heat pump.

03Before you start

To reduce running costs

  • Use a cover

    Whenever the pool is idle.

  • Set sensible targets

    Avoid extremes.

  • Schedule heating

    For when you swim.

—In practice

How to use this

Set realistic target temperatures rather than extremes, use a cover whenever the pool is not in use, and run the unit when it works most efficiently for your conditions. Keep its airflow clear and its settings reviewed seasonally. Small changes in target temperature and cover use often make the largest difference to running costs.

Mistakes worth avoiding

Holding extreme temperatures
Keeping water far warmer or cooler than it would naturally be increases demand considerably. Moderate targets cost less.
Leaving the pool uncovered
An uncovered pool loses or gains heat constantly through its surface, so the unit works harder for the same result.

04FAQ

Common questions about this

How much does heating a pool cost?
It varies with size, target and cover use; monitoring gives a realistic figure.
Does a cover really help?
Yes; surface losses are the largest part of heat loss.
Is cooling cheaper than heating?
It depends on conditions and targets.
Should the heat pump run all the time?
Scheduling around use usually saves energy.

05Read next

More pool guides on this

Filed under heat & cool system installation. Every pool guide is listed on the pool guides page.

—NEXT

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