Pool Energy Consumption: Enjoy A Positive Audit

For the past few years, I have been hearing more and more about energy audits performed on aquatics centers. While hotels, corporations and other "green minded," energy conscious businesses have been reducing their energy and water consumption based on the recommendation of energy auditing companies for many years, it seems as if the pool industry is truly coming on board with the process as well.

Whether you are simply trying to reduce your operational costs, or searching for ways to increase your conservation reputation to attract business, and energy audit might be very helpful for your facility.

Pool & Spa News recently published an article titled "It's Easy Being Green", written by Ben Thomas. You can read the full article here: http://www.poolspanews.com/2012/052/052green.html

They point out some really great facts, and make the idea of having an audit much more appealing that you would initially expect.

For example, rather than assuming the first step to take it to upgrade all your equipment, they suggest first having a look at your lights, jets and automatic cleaners. Small changes to theses areas can make a significant difference in your energy consumption, and are often overlooked in the shadow of the bigger focus items like variable speed pumps, etc.

Of course, your equipment is also crucial, and know exactly what you have an how it works is a big step in the right direction. I would have never thought of this, but apparently mislabeled equipment is a common cause of efficiency confusion.

If you read the article, Mr Thomas does a great job of calling attention to potential energy hogs, and various ways that you can upgrade your efficiency without breaking the bank.

One point that he doesn't cover - which, frankly, amazes me! - is that pool covers can make an instant difference in the efficiency of your facility. Regardless of where your pool is, indoors or outside, it will suffer from evaporation. The US Department of Energy tells us that approximately 70% of a pool's heat loss is due to evaporation, so you can imagine the potential heat retention that would occur if you are able to reduce the rate of evaporation. If you reduce your heat loss, your heater doesn't have to work as hard, and you start conserving energy immediately.

Indoor pools will have the added benefit of reducing their humidity levels, which also helps with energy conservation. Of course, water conservation is another perk that can save you time and money, and will also help the environment.

If a traditional pool cover is not appropriate for your facility, a liquid solar cover like Heatsavr^TM can be your solution instead. At Flexible Solutions, we have been working with energy auditing companies* for years, helping pools around the world become more efficient.

Energy Auditing companies that have recommend Heatsavr^TM in their audits include, but are not limited to: Energy Systems Group, Johnson Controls, Noresco, and Professional Energy Services.