Entertaining guests at your new backyard swimming pool might seem like a great way to connect with family and friends. After the excitement passes the realities of upkeep will slowly start to sink in. An in-ground pool can consume up to 17% of your total home electricity usage, which typically adds between $660 and $1,000 to the average annual power bill.
Fortunately, paying between 30 and 50 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) for electricity is not necessary. Solar panels can do the same for as little as 5 cents per kWh. Canstar Blue reveals some simple steps to slash pool maintenance expenses.
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Start saving with solar pool pumps
Pool pumps are essential in filtering out harmful bacteria and unsightly dirt or debris. Skimmers suck water through from the wall, drain or bottom of the pool. Liquid passes through a filter before returning to the pool. A heater, salt chlorine generator and other accessories can be added.
This process can be very energy intensive even when timers are set to pump overnight. This is because most models run on one horsepower (HP) and 240 volt engines that consume about 32 kWh of electricity. When the water is heated it can cost up to $17 an hour to run, depending on your usage rates. Pumps can run less frequently during cooler months, decreasing the monthly amount due to about $60. However, the warmer weather often attracts more pool activity that requires up to twice as much pumping and lifts monthly bills to as much as $120.
Solar pool pumps are much more cost-effective because they run off photovoltaic energy (PV) that is freely generated by the sun. Once systems have been purchased and installed operating costs can virtually be reduced to nil, delivering up to 17% monthly electricity savings.
Between four and six solar panels are enough to power direct current pumps in pools containing up to 90,000 litres. Pumps can be adjusted to operate more frequently during summer months when solar panels generate more electricity. Solar rebates are available to help cover installation and other initial costs.
Most grid-connected pumps are incompatible with solar pump systems and must be replaced. They do not work when connected to solar panels. Likewise, solar pool pumps and panels cannot be connected to the electricity grid. Because of this, homeowners won’t receive a feed-in tariff for any unused solar power generated. There is also no way to connect solar power pumps to the grid for times of the year when inadequate solar energy is produced.
Fortunately, enjoying the best of both worlds is still possible through installing a home solar system that uses some PV power for pool pumps. Although this solution has a greater initial expense it can deliver even bigger savings. A 6 kW system or greater is recommended and pool pump timers should be set to between 11am and 1pm in winter, plus 10am to 3pm during summer.
Compare solar plans and providers
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Here are some of the cheapest solar-specific deals from the retailers on our database. These costs are based on SA Power network in Adelaide but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. We show one product per retailer, listed in order of lowest price first. Annual price estimates assume general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Price estimates exclude solar feed-in tariff credits. These are products from referral partners†. Our database may not cover all deals in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
How much do solar pool pumps cost?
Solar pool pumps are very cost effective, starting from as little as $200 up to $800. Solar panels are the most expensive parts, costing between $1,400 and $3,500. Installation fees depend on system capacity, location and obstacles.
Achieving a return on investment usually takes between two and five years. This calculation is based on the average single-speed pool pump running for eight hours a day at an annual cost of about $420 according to My Perfect Pool’s cost calculator. This equates to an annual $1,020 energy cost saving.
Remember that solar pool pumps have a two or three year warranty while solar panels are guaranteed to last for a decade. Try to factor in the cost of replacing solar pool pumps when estimating how long recovering initial costs will take.
Which solar pool pump brands are available?
Plenty of solar pool pump brands are available. Local pool shops might be able to help find the most suitable product. Here are some common brands to consider:
- Onga
- Sunray
- Aquapro
- SunSmart
- Pumpman
- Regen Power
- Davey Whisper
- Protege Pumps
- PWS (Pump With Solar).
Compare electricity prices
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Ausgrid network in Sydney but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 3900kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Citipower network in Melbourne but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the Energex network in Brisbane but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4600kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Here are some of the cheapest published deals from the retailers on our database that include a link to the retailer’s website for further details. These are products from referral partners†. These costs are based on the SA Power network in Adelaide but prices may vary depending on your circumstances. This comparison assumes general energy usage of 4000kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff. Please use our comparison tool for a specific comparison in your area. Our database may not cover all deals in your area. As always, check all details of any plan directly with the retailer before making a purchase decision.
Can I solar heat my pool?
Heated pools are sometimes described as a luxury option. However, solar water heaters can make year-round swimming more affordable.
Different products can combine solar water heaters with solar pool pumps. Solar heat exchangers can use warmth from solar pool pumps to heat up water and help reduce power wastage. Hybrid systems require a grid connection and can cost between 18 and 26 cents per kWh to operate.
Tubular pool heaters operate much like solar hot water systems. They pump cool water behind hot solar panels before returning warm water to the pool. Product and installation fees are much higher, often exceeding $1,000. Solar mats or pool covers that absorb and redistribute heat are a cheaper alternative, only costing between $100 and $400 each.
How can I reduce pool running costs?
Upgrading to a more energy efficient model can help lower electricity bills. The higher number of energy efficiency stars a pool pump has, the cheaper it usually is to run. Although the upfront cost is higher, the long-term savings are often greater.
Another option involves considering a different energy provider. You could be paying too much for electricity, especially if you have not compared different plans for a long time. Paying higher electricity bills can also increase pool maintenance expenses.
View Canstar Blue’s customer satisfaction ratings and price comparison tables to discover your options and how much money you could save.
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