Owning a pool in Arizona is a great way to beat the heat, but it can also lead to high energy costs. With long, hot summers and pools running most of the year, energy efficiency is essential for saving money and reducing environmental impact. Fortunately, there are several upgrades you can make to keep your pool running efficiently while cutting down on electricity and water use. Here are the best energy-efficient pool upgrades for in-ground pools in Arizona.
1. Variable-Speed Pool Pumps
A pool pump is one of the biggest energy consumers in your backyard. Traditional single-speed pumps run at full power all the time, wasting electricity. Upgrading to a variable-speed pool pump allows you to control the speed and use only the energy needed.
While single-speed pumps are cheaper upfront and appealing for those on a budget, variable-speed pumps are more energy-efficient. The higher upfront cost is offset within 1–3 years due to energy savings and variable-speed pumps also last longer (8-12 years) than single-speed pumps (4-6 years).
- Why it’s energy-efficient: Uses up to 70% less electricity than a single-speed pump.
- Why it’s great for Arizona: Since pools in Arizona run longer due to the warm climate, an efficient pump makes a big difference in monthly energy costs.
- Bonus: Many Arizona utility companies offer rebates for switching to a variable-speed pump.
2. Solar Pool Heating with Arizona Sunshine
Arizona has no shortage of sunshine, making solar pool heating an excellent investment. Instead of relying on gas or electric heaters, solar panels collect heat from the sun and transfer it to your pool.
Solar pool heaters work by circulating pool water through solar panels, where it absorbs heat from the sun before returning to the pool, gradually raising the temperature.
- Why it’s energy-efficient: Uses free solar energy instead of electricity or gas, which can save hundreds each year.
- Why it’s great for Arizona: With year-round sunshine, solar heating extends your swimming season without increasing your energy bill.
- Bonus: Solar heaters have low maintenance costs and can last up to 15-20 years.
3. LED Pool Lighting Instead of Traditional Pool Lights
Traditional pool lights use incandescent bulbs, which waste energy and burn out quickly. Upgrading to LED pool lights provides better brightness while using a fraction of the energy.
- Why it’s energy-efficient: LED bulbs use 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs.
- Why it’s great for Arizona: Arizona homeowners enjoy entertaining outdoors, and LED lights create a beautiful ambiance without high energy costs.
- Bonus: LEDs last much longer than traditional bulbs, reducing maintenance and replacement costs.
4. Pool Covers Prevent Evaporation & Heat Loss
Arizona’s dry climate causes rapid evaporation, leading to significant water loss and heat dissipation. A pool cover helps reduce evaporation, keeps heat in, and reduces the need for chemical use.
Different types of pool covers include:
- Manual Pool Covers – These require you to manually place the cover over the pool and secure it in place. They are more affordable but require effort to remove and replace each time you use the pool.
- Automatic Pool Covers – These covers use a motorized system to open and close with the push of a button. While more expensive than manual covers, automatic covers are convenient and offer a high level of safety.
- Safety Pool Covers – These are sturdy covers specifically designed to support the weight of a person or pet if they accidentally step onto it. Safety covers are often made of mesh or solid materials and can provide peace of mind for families with children.
In addition to preventing heat loss, pool covers can help prevent accidental falls into the pool and offer additional benefits like keeping debris out of the water.
- Why it’s energy-efficient: Reduces water loss, chemical use, and heating costs.
- Why it’s great for Arizona: The state’s low humidity accelerates evaporation, making a cover essential for water conservation.
- Bonus: Solar pool covers can also trap heat, naturally warming your pool without extra energy costs.
5. Cartridge Pool Filters Are A Win For Energy-Efficiency
A high-efficiency cartridge filter requires less frequent cleaning and reduces backwashing, which wastes water. Sand and DE (diatomaceous earth) filters require more maintenance and frequent backwashing, increasing water and energy usage.
Cartridge filters have better filtration than sand filters, while DE filters provide the best filtration – however DE filters are the most expensive to maintain and require large amounts of water to backwash. The downside to cartridge filters is that they require replacing more often (2-5 years) than the others (5+ years).
- Why it’s energy-efficient: Less maintenance means less water waste and reduced pump run times.
- Why it’s great for Arizona: Helps save water in a desert climate where conservation is key.
- Bonus: Cartridge filters also improve water clarity and reduce chemical use.
6. Smart Pool Automation
Automated pool systems allow you to control your pool’s pump, heating, lighting, and filtration remotely, from your phone, tablet, or home automation system. You can set schedules and adjust settings based on actual usage, avoiding unnecessary energy waste.
Smart pool automation features include:
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Smart Pool Pumps – Adjust speeds automatically to optimize energy use.
- Automated Heating – Runs only when necessary to maintain the ideal temperature without wasting energy.
- Lighting Control – Turn pool lights on/off or change colors from your phone.
- Water Chemistry Monitoring – Sensors track pH, chlorine, and alkalinity, notifying you when adjustments are needed.
- Self-Cleaning Systems – Automate skimming, filtration, and robotic cleaning to keep your pool spotless.
With integrated sensors to detect temperature, chemical levels, and water flow – automation options include Alexa, Google Home, or Smart Hubs.
- Why it’s energy-efficient: Prevents overuse of pool equipment, optimizing energy consumption.
- Why it’s great for Arizona: Homeowners can adjust settings based on the weather, saving energy during cooler nights.
- Bonus: Convenient smartphone control allows you to manage your pool from anywhere.
Ready to upgrade your pool?
Making your pool more energy-efficient isn’t just about saving money – it’s about sustainability, convenience, and getting the most out of your pool while reducing waste. With Arizona’s long swimming season and hot climate, energy-efficient upgrades make a noticeable impact on your utility bills.
Get started with a quote from Patriot Pools. Call us at 480-209-3475 or request a free quote online.
