Energy Monitoring for Pools

Professional Pool Company — How to Track, Manage, and Reduce Your Pool’s Energy Usage

Modern pool systems are more energy-efficient than ever, especially with variable-speed pumps, smart heaters, and advanced automation such as Hayward OmniLogic. Energy monitoring helps you understand how much electricity your pool uses and how to optimize your settings for maximum savings.

This guide explains how pool energy consumption works, how to monitor it, and smart ways to reduce overall operating costs.

⭐ 1. What Uses the Most Energy in a Pool System?

The three largest energy consumers are:

1. Variable-Speed Pump

• Usually the biggest energy user
• RPM settings determine cost
• Running at lower speeds dramatically reduces energy usage

2. Heater or Heat Pump

• Gas heaters use gas, not electricity
• Heat pumps use electricity and cycle depending on temperature

3. Lighting & Water Features

• LED lights use very little power
• Waterfalls, deck jets, and bubblers raise pump RPM → increases energy usage

⭐ 2. Energy Monitoring Tools Available for Your Pool

✔ Hayward OmniLogic / OmniPL Energy Reporting

If your system supports energy monitoring, you can view:

• Real-time pump watt usage
• Daily, weekly, and monthly usage graphs
• Estimated operating cost
• RPM vs. energy consumption relationship
• Heater usage time
• Feature activation impact

You’ll find this under:

Menu → Energy → Pump Energy Use

✔ Smart Home Energy Monitors

Devices like Sense or Emporia can track:

• Overall home usage
• Identify your pool pump as a dedicated load
• Show daily and hourly consumption

✔ Utility Company Usage Apps

Some power companies let you track high-usage periods that may correlate with pool operation.

⭐ 3. How Variable-Speed Pumps Save Energy

Variable-speed pumps reduce energy usage by running at lower RPM for longer periods instead of blasting at full speed.

Example:

• 3,450 RPM = ~2,000 watts
• 1,800 RPM = ~300–500 watts

Lower RPM circulation is enough for:

✔ Filtration

✔ Salt system operation

✔ Heating (with higher RPM)

✔ Cleaner operation (depending on model)

Running slower saves 50–80% compared to old single-speed pumps.

⭐ 4. How to Lower Your Pool’s Energy Usage

✔ Optimize your pump schedule

A good starting point:

• 8–10 hours/day at low RPM
• Increase runtime in summer for algae prevention
• Use higher RPM only for water features or heating

✔ Lower the pump speed whenever possible

Most pools can filter effectively at 1,400–2,200 RPM.

✔ Use automation for smarter operation

Hayward automation can:

• Reduce RPM at night
• Run heaters efficiently
• Control water features only when needed
• Prevent unnecessary pump speed changes

✔ Heat smart

• Use heat pumps during the day (warmer ambient air)
• Use gas heaters for quick spa heating
• Keep pool temperatures reasonable (78–84° range)

Lower water temperature = dramatically lower energy use.

✔ LED lights only

LED pool lights use 90% less energy than incandescent lights.

⭐ 5. Monitoring Heater Energy Usage

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps draw the most energy when:

• Temperatures drop below 55–60°F
• Target temperature is set very high
• The pool has poor circulation or flow

Gas Heaters

Although powered by gas, automation tracks:

• Run time
• Demand cycles
• Temperature set points

Monitoring usage helps homeowners adjust heating habits.

⭐ 6. Impact of Water Features on Energy Use

Every active water feature increases pump speed, which increases energy consumption.

Approximate RPM increases:

Using features only when needed keeps energy costs predictable.

⭐ 7. Seasonal Energy Tips

Summer

• Pump runs longer to prevent algae
• Heat pumps used less
• Lower RPM helps offset long hours

Winter

• Shorter filtration cycles
• Heat pumps work harder → more energy
• Covering the spa helps reduce heat demand

Adjusting schedules seasonally maximizes efficiency.

⭐ 8. How Much Does a Pool Cost to Run Monthly? (Typical Ranges)

With efficient equipment:

Variable-speed pump:

$15–$35/month

Heat pump:

$40–$120/month (seasonal)

Gas spa heating:

Depends on usage — typically $8–$20 per each spa heat-up

Salt system:

$5–$10/month

Total average:

$30–$80/month without heating

$80–$200+ with heating depending on usage

⭐ 9. When to Request a Professional Energy Audit

Contact us if:

• Pump seems louder or hotter than usual
• App energy graph spikes without explanation
• You’re considering upgrading equipment
• You want a more efficient pump schedule
• Heater run times seem excessive
• Water features require unusually high RPM

We can optimize your system settings to reduce costs.

⭐ Summary: Energy Monitoring Helps You Save Smart

Using energy monitoring tools lets you:

✔ Track real-time pump usage

✔ Lower electricity costs

✔ Identify high-demand features

✔ Optimize heating and filtration schedules

✔ Maintain excellent water clarity at lower RPM

✔ Understand how weather affects operation

Professional Pool Company helps homeowners configure their system for the best performance with the lowest energy consumption.

⭐ Need Help Setting Up Energy Monitoring?

We can configure your Hayward app, optimize pump schedules, and show you how to read your energy graphs.

👉 Contact us anytime for energy-saving support.

Updated on: 29/11/2025