Does it cost more to turn off a pool when the outside temp goes below 55 F and reheat it when it goes back up or to maintain 84F in south Florida?

Answer 1

Turn off the pool heater if you won't be swimming for more than four days. Let water fall to ambient temperature, then re-heat the pool. Here are sources: http://www.pentairpool.com/techinfo/tips_conservation.htm Heating & Heat Loss If you use your pool only on weekends, reduce your heater or heat pump thermostats settings by eight to ten degrees during the week. When leaving for vacation for more than a week, turn off the pool heater or heat pump, including the pilot light. Please use caution in freezing conditions. Reduce heat loss by using a pool cover. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, savings of 50% - 70% are possible. Fencing, hedges, landscaping, and cabanas that shelter your pool from prevailing winds will further reduce heat loss. If your pool heater is more than five years old, chances are a new high efficiency gas heater could quickly pay for itself in utility bill savings. A pool heat pump can save up to 80% in energy usage compared to a gas heater. Check with your pool professional to see if a heat pump is appropriate for your region. According to the National Swimming Pool Institute and the American Red Cross, the most healthful swimming temperature is 78 degrees. Reducing your heater or heat pump thermostat to maintain a 78 degree or lower temperature will also help conserve energy. Install a timer or a control system to automate the hours of operation.

­­­­­­­­­ http://www.poolwarehouse.com/swimmingpooltips.html ENERGY CONSERVATION To conserve energy, run your pool's filtration system only during off-peak hours. When leaving for vacation for more than a week, turn off the pool heater, including the pilot light. If you use your pool only on weekends, reduce your heater thermostats settings by eight to ten degrees during the week. Use fencing, hedges or other landscaping, or cabanas to shelter your pool from prevailing winds. According to the National Swimming Pool Institute and the American Red Cross, the most healthful swimming temperature is 78 degrees. Reducing your heater thermostat to maintain a 78 degree or lower temperature will also help conserve energy. When reopening your pool for a new season, make sure your pump and filter are working properly before adding chemicals to the water. If your pool heater is more than five years old, chances are a new high efficiency gas heater such as the MiniMax could quickly pay for itself in utility bill savings. To obtain maximum filtration and energy efficiency, backwash or clean your filter regularly, as required.

http://www.askalanaquestion.com/pool_heaters.htm ►Efficiency Concerns What is the most efficient way to run a pool heater in South Florida? Is it more economical to turn off the heater at night? Or should it be simply lowered or kept at the temperature for swimming. Also what is the recommended temperature to heat a pool? We can't agree. I like it at 87 to 90. He likes it at 82 to 84. We do not have a solar/pool blanket. Would this help by keeping the temperature up? Also how long does it take to heat up the water. if it's turned off every night w/o a pool blanket? If we do get a solar pool blanket, how can it easily be taken on & off? Thanks. Bev, Florida, 12/22/2004 Lots of questions. Unfortunately, they all don't have answers. Most heaters and filtering systems are not run 24/7. Heating the water for the overnight period, only increases the heat loss. I would shut the heater down prior to the last use of the pool and start the cycle again, a few hours prior to the first use of the day. The later in the morning - the better. You might as well have the Sun on your side. Temperature is an individual matter. It is what you like! Maybe even what he likes. Why not compromise on 85°F? A solar blanket will positively reduce heating costs. How long it takes to raise the water 1° will depend upon the heater type, size, water temperature, Sun exposure, wind, etc. Your heater instruction manual might provide the information. The water will heat up quicker with a solar blanket on. A roller system helps make a solar blanket less unwieldy. The easiest way to cover a pool is with an automatic pool cover. It can be done at the push of a button. For more on this product go to www.coverpools.com I hope that the information proves helpful.

http://www.centerpointenergy.com/staticfiles/CNP/Common/SiteAssets/doc/Fact%20Sheet-Pool&Spa%20heaters.pdf Lower the thermostat to 70 degrees when the pool is to be unused for three or four days. For longer periods, shut the heater off. You will save money on fuel consumption and help conserve energy. Less energy is required to reheat a pool for a weekend or special occasion as opposed to maintaining a constant temperature all week. For weekend swimming, turn your thermostat up to the "comfort setting" on Friday night and back down to 70 degrees on Sunday evening.