These days, it’s an achievement to save money on anything. Your saltwater pool can be expensive even at the best of times. But you can save money without affecting the quality of pool water and your swimming experiences.
In fact you might be able to improve both while saving money, too.
Here are 10 ways to save money with your salt water pool
- Reduce Pump Run Time – Running your pool pump less often can save you money on electricity and reduce wear and tear on the pump. While 8-10 hours of pump running time per day is generally recommended, your local climate and specific situation might be slightly different. Test it out to see what works for you.
Pros: Reduced electricity costs, longer pump life.
Cons: Water quality may suffer if not balanced properly. - Use a Solar Cover – A solar cover can help retain heat and reduce evaporation, which can save on heating and water costs. It can also help to keep pools a bit cleaner since debris falls on the cover at night rather than in the water.
Pros: Lower heating and water bills, reduced chemical usage. Keeps pool water warm overnight.
Cons: May be inconvenient to use and store. Solar blanket reels are often a waste of money. - Maintain Proper Chemical Levels – Properly balancing the chemicals in your pool can help prevent algae growth and other issues that may require expensive treatments. Saltwater pools are generally known for being easier to balance than traditional chemically chlorinated pools. They typically require less work to maintain in general.
Pros: Reduced likelihood of costly problems, improved water quality.
Cons: May require additional time and money to purchase and test chemicals. Having said that, you generally don’t need to use the same testing equipment that a regularly chlorinated pool uses. - Clean the Pool Regularly – Regular cleaning can prevent debris buildup and reduce strain on your pool’s filtration system, reducing the need for costly repairs. This includes vacuuming but also cleaning out the side skimmer and pump basket to keep them clean.
Pros: Reduced wear and tear on equipment, improved water quality.
Cons: Every pool requires cleaning and a saltwater pool certainly doesn’t require more cleaning, so really no cons to mention. - Use a Variable Speed Pump – A variable speed pump can adjust its speed based on your pool’s needs, which can save on electricity costs. A variable speed pump
Pros: Reduced electricity costs, longer pump life. Pool pumps use a fair amount of power so cost savings can be achieved by running the pump less (if possible) and at a lower speed.
Cons: Higher upfront cost to purchase than a single speed pump, although it can be recouped in short order. - Reduce Pool Temperature – Running your pool heater less will easily save money as pool heaters use significant energy whether gas or electricity. Lowering your pool temperature by just a few degrees can save on heating costs. As mentioned above, using a solar blanket can help to further keep heating costs down.
Pros: Lower heating bills, reduced water evaporation.
Cons: May be less comfortable for swimmers if the water is cooler than they’d like. - Use a Saltwater Generator – This is for pool owners who don’t currently have a salt water pool or for those who have a cheaper system and might want to upgrade. A quality saltwater chlorinator will convert salt into chlorine, reducing the need for expensive chlorine tablets or liquid but can also offer other great benefits such as timers, live salt level monitoring, low flow warnings and more.
Pros: Reduced chlorine costs, improved water quality and more automation of pool functions that you’d otherwise have to do manually.
Cons: Higher upfront cost to purchase and install. Some parts such as the salt call wear out and need replacement every few years. - Install a Timer – A timer can help ensure your pool pump and other equipment only run when necessary, saving on electricity costs. Many good chlorinators have this functionality built in.
Pros: Reduced electricity costs, increased convenience. The pump can turn on and off automatically even if you’re not at home.
Cons: May require additional cost to purchase and install. - Use a Robotic Pool Cleaner – A robotic pool cleaner can clean your pool more efficiently than manual methods, reducing the need for expensive professional cleanings.
Pros: Reduced cleaning costs, improved water quality. Less work on your part manually vacuuming the pool.
Cons: Higher upfront cost to purchase. - Keep Water Levels Consistent – Maintaining consistent water levels can prevent strain on your pool’s filtration system and reduce the need for costly repairs. Don’t let the water level get too low but it if gets too high from heavy rain, you might need to pump some out, too.
Pros: Reduced wear and tear on equipment, improved water quality.
Cons: May require additional effort to monitor and adjust water levels.
Overall, there are many ways to save money on your saltwater pool and these ten are some of the most well-known and doable. Some methods may require an upfront investment, but can save you money in the long run.
It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each method to find the right balance for your pool and budget. Sometimes, it’s a matter of testing out different options to see what works best for your pool and your personal desire as a pool owner and swimmer.
A few years back, I wrote a different article stating 5 ways to save money on your salt water pool. There’s a bit of overlap but more detail on some points so if you’d like to read this post, please click here.