Hot Tub and
Pool Conservation Tips
Hot tub efficiency
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Pool efficiency
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Tacoma Power and the Western Washington Chapter of the National Spa
and Pool Institute (NSPI) recommend that hot tubs/spas and pools be used as
efficiently as possible.
Set the hot tub heater thermostat to maintain 102ºF.
Some hot tubs have been set to heat water to 104ºF.
Shift hot tub water heating to off-peak times
If your hot tub has a timer, you can help reduce peak loads and pressure on
utility rates by programming the timer to "off" during peak hours - 6
a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. If you have a well-insulated,
energy efficient hot tub, it will maintain temperature for several hours after
the heater is turned off.
Turn down the thermostat when you're on vacation
If you are leaving for an extended period of time and won't us the hot tub
for a week or more turn the heat down or off.
Reduce pumping cycles
Normally filtration cycles for single and two speed pumps are set for four
hours. You may be able to reduce the filtration cycles to three hours, twice a
day - during off-peak hours. This adjustment should be based on your usage
pattern, so you can maintain clear, clean and safe water. If your spa has a low
wattage circulation pump - leave it alone, it's designed to run continuously.
Use a foam cover with good insulative qualities
Standard covers have an insulating value of approximately R-12. Keeping a
cover in good condition is essential because most heat loss will be through the
spa cover. Replace the cover if the interior foam is broken or
water-saturated. A water-logged cover will increase energy consumption
from heat loss. Make sure the cover and tub lip fit snugly, straps are tied and
the cover is latched when the hot tub is not in use. This will reduce heat
leakage. To handle the cover more easily and extend its life, consider using a
lifting system.
Add a floating blanket
An energy-efficient floating thermal blanket will help retain heat and
reduces the amount of moisture building up on the inside of your solid cover.
For example, adding a 1/4" closed-cell foam floating blanket under the hard
cover can increase the total R-value to 16.
Avoid wasting water
Repair any leaks and adjust jets or use booster pads to adjust your height so
you're not sending streams of water on the deck.
Drain the hot tub only when necessary
Hot tubs that are heavily used by bathers should be drained every 3 – 4
months. When it's time to drain, either drain to a sanitary sewer or use the
water for lawn irrigation. Make sure no chemicals have been added for at least
48–72 hours before draining.
Create windbreaks around the hot tub
Cutting wind exposure can reduce heat loss. Privacy panels, landscaping, or
fencing can all be effective windbreaks.
Buy only energy efficient spas and hot tubs
Today, significant improvements in the construction, controls, and equipment
(such as using preheated air for jets) make hot tubs more energy-efficient than
5 or10 years ago. When possible replace your hot tub with a newer energy
efficient model.
An average sized energy efficient hot tub consumes 5-7 kWh per day, while a
poorly insulated, inefficient hot tub may use 12-18 kWh per day.
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Use a cover
Covers reduce temperature loss during non-use times. They keep the pool
cleaner and cut back on water lost from evaporation. Solar covers can add up to
10ºF. taking some of the load off conventional heaters. If the solar cover is
put on a month early, the sun alone may heat the water 20ºF. You may want to
consider a cover with a reel system. It makes it easier and more convenient to
take the cover off and on - prolonging the life of the cover and saving energy.
Add a "chemical cover"
Chemical covers produce a micro thin layer on the water's surface - reducing
heat loss and saving energy.
Add a safety covers
Safety covers reduce energy costs and add a protection barrier for small
children, non-swimmers, pets, or uninvited guests.
Set pool temperature to 78ºF.
The Red Cross recommends 78ºF. for swimmers. Each rise of one degree
significantly increases energy costs. If you want higher temperatures,
then consider alternative forms of heat such as solar covers and solar systems.
Service your heaters annually to ensure they function at top efficiency. Or,
replace older heaters with newer more energy efficient units.
Follow the recommended circulation times
Circulation times can vary - follow your manufacturer or builder's
recommendations. The basic rule for a residential pool is to circulate water as
needed. Eight hours a day may be enough - adjusting circulation up or down as
necessary - to keep the water clean, clear, and safe.
Clean filters only when necessary. For sand filters make sure the sand bed is
fresh to lengthen the time between backwashing. By changing the sand or at least
running a chemical cleaner through the sand you also help reduce the need to
backwash. If you backwash sand filters too early, you waste both water and
power, and reduce efficient operation. For cartridge filters be sure to size the
filters properly - you'll save time and money by lengthening the time between
cleanings.
Watch your pressure gauges and look for an 8–10 psi increase before
cleaning.
Install energy efficient motors or a smaller pump or motor
Add a time clock
Use a programmable timer to automatically regulate the hours of operation.
You can limit the total number of hours that the pump will operate and you can
also set it to run during off-peak hours 10 am to 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 6
am.
Correct any leaks or service problems as they occur
Do not allow problems with your pool to linger.
Inspect automatic pool cleaners to make sure they are in peak operating
condition
Use automatic pool cleaners to maintain the cleanliness of your pool, but not
for major clean-ups. Leaf rakes and leaf eaters do a better job of removing
large loads then any automatic cleaner. Consider changing to a cleaner that can
operate separately from the rest of the system.
Have users keep the water in the pool
Encourage games that focus on keeping the water in the pool.
Jumping, splashing, and water fights consume water that has been heated and
chemically treated.
Drain pools - rarely
Properly maintain your pool to maximize the useful life of the water.
Consider alternative forms of care to help keep the water fresh and reduce time
spent on pool maintenance. Pools seldom require draining.
Consult a professional before draining your pool.
Create windbreaks around the pool or hot tub
Cutting wind exposure can reduce loss of both heat and water. Privacy
panels, landscaping, or fencing can all be effective windbreaks.
Call on your professional pool and spa dealers to help you make informed
choices on all aspects of your pool or spa operation.
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(Reduce Swimming Pool Energy Costs) is
a program initiative of the U.S. Department of Energy's Institutional
Conservation Program (ICP).
Conserving
Energy and Heating your Swimming Pool with Solar Energy
National Spa & Pool
Institute (NSPI)
- Founded in 1956, the National Spa & Pool
Institute (NSPI) is an international trade association of more than 5,000
manufacturers, distributors, retailers, service companies, and builders in
the pool/spa and hot tub industry. 1-800-323-3996.
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