Cool Pools and Power Blues

By Chelsey Mason – Solar consultant

Las Vegas summers have been filled with cool pools, Marco Polo and Canon Balls for decades. There aren’t many better ways to keep cool and refreshed in a Las Vegas summer than taking a plunge in a swimming pool. Enjoying the sun, with plenty of drinking water and sunscreen, is a ritual here. Evening swimming can’t be beaten either.

All That Coolness Costs

Keeping your pool clean and refreshing takes a lot of time and energy (electricity). On average, homes with swimming pools consume 50% more electricity than homes without.

A variable-speed pump/filter system can add $30–$50 per month to your power bill, while a one-speed pump can add $75–$150 per month. A standard pool pump uses between 1500 and 2500 Watts of energy and typically runs for at least 8 hours daily.

Here is a list of watts average appliances use.

 

• • The average home TV uses 50-200 watts.

• • The average home refrigerator uses 350-780 watts.

• • The average home microwave uses 800-1100 watts.

• • The average home dishwasher uses 1200-1800 watts.

 

For more information and tips from the Las Vegas Valley Water District, click here.

What Can Be Done to Offset the Cost of Fun?

Install Solar Panels. With solar panels and net metering, you can generate electricity and offset your energy bill with credits built up during Fall, Winter, and Spring. An average system can pay for itself in 6-8 years; after that, it’s free electricity.

To set up a free consultation, please click here.