POOL YOUR SAVINGS

Swimming pools are vital community assets, but their high energy demands present unique challenges. Richard Lamburn, Swim England’s Head of Facilities, offers insights on how operators can make significant savings through improving their sustainable practices

SAVINGS POOL YOUR

As energy prices have risen and environmental goals become more ambitious, identifying sustainable practices that reduce operating costs – while also minimising carbon emissions – are becoming increasingly important. The good news is that there are plenty of energy efficient strategies that pool operators can adopt to make a tangible impact.

Understanding Energy Usage The first step toward energy efficiency is understanding a facility’s energy profile. Regular tracking of electricity, gas and water usage - ideally daily or weekly - gives operators a baseline from which to monitor improvements. This data driven approach enables managers to identify patterns, assess the effectiveness of upgrades, and make informed decisions.

LED Lighting

Lighting is a substantial operational cost, especially in pool halls, where lighting is needed for extended hours. LED lights are up to 70% more efficient than traditional halogen bulbs, delivering the same level of illumination at a fraction of the energy cost. Additionally, LEDs last up to 25 times longer, meaning less frequent replacements and lower maintenance costs. LEDs can also offer various colour temperatures, improving the pool environment.

While the initial installation may seem costly, the payback period for LED lighting systems is often only one to three years, with continued savings accruing over time.

Implementing Pool Covers

During non-operational hours, significant energy is lost through water evaporation. A well-fitted pool cover can reduce this evaporation, decreasing the energy needed to reheat the water. Covers can also cut down on water consumption by limiting the amount of makeup water required due to evaporation.

IMPACT OF POOL COVERS:

l Energy savings: Covers can reduce energy use by over 200,000 kWh per year. l Water conservation: Pools covered during off-hours use approximately 75 cubic meters less water annually. l Reduced emissions: Energy savings can translate to a reduction of roughly 35,000 kg of CO2 emissions annually. Investment Return: Depending on the pool size and cover type, most facilities see a return on investment within 2-4 years.

Thermal Insulation and Heat Exchanger Jackets

Heat exchangers are essential for warming pool water, but without proper insulation they lose heat, increasing energy costs. Installing thermal jackets on heat exchangers reduces heat loss and improves efficiency, as these covers maintain stable temperatures within the plant room.

The benefits include cost-efficient heating, as thermal insulation reduces the need for additional energy to compensate for heat loss. Another is rapid payback – thermal jackets are relatively low-cost, and their payback period is often less than 40 days.

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are increasingly used in pools to provide an efficient source of heating and, in some cases, cooling. They extract heat from the surrounding air or ground, transferring it to the pool water. Heat pumps also support dehumidification, which is essential in maintaining air quality.

They are hugely energy efficient. Heat pumps can achieve efficiencies of more than 300%, meaning they generate three units of heat for every unit of electricity used. They are also environmentally friendly. Using renewable or waste heat sources reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

There is, however, an investment consideration. Heat pumps require a larger upfront investment. Their energy efficiency, however, can offset higher costs, especially when paired with on-site electricity generation, such as solar PV systems.

Pool covers can cut energy use by 200,000 kWh annually, saving costs and reducing emissions

Solar PV

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) technology is one of the most effective ways to reduce reliance on grid electricity. PV panels installed on rooftops or carports capture solar energy, which is converted into electricity. By generating electricity on-site, facilities become less dependent on external energy sources, which is particularly beneficial during times of high demand or fluctuating energy prices.

As solar PV systems provide renewable electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, there are cost savings to be made. These aren’t only short-term either. With a lifespan of 25 years, PV panels offer sustained cost savings after the initial payback period. They can also help reduce carbon footprints, as each kilowatt-hour of solar electricity generated offsets emissions from grid-based electricity.

As with heat pumps, solar PV installation can be costly, but the investment typically pays for itself in under 10 years, especially with government incentives and grants.

Waste water heat recovery

In swimming pools, heat is often lost in the wastewater used for showers and backwashing. A heat recovery system captures heat from this wastewater and transfers it to incoming water, thus reducing the energy needed to reheat water for showers and pool use.

By capturing and reusing waste heat, operators can minimise the energy demand for water heating through energy conservation. This will lead to annual savings from waste heat recovery, which can be substantial, especially in large facilities with high water usage. When it comes to return on investment, the initial costs are variable, but waste water heat recovery systems typically achieve payback within six to seven years.

Ceramic microfiltration

Traditional filtration systems require frequent backwashing and are less effective in removing certain particles. Ceramic microfiltration, however, offers a superior alternative with higher efficacy and lower operational costs.

The benefits include improved filtration – as ceramic membranes remove over 99% of particles, including difficult contaminants – and reduced water usage. This is due to the efficient process requiring smaller volumes of backwash water. There is also a positive environmental impact: reducing water and chemical use supports sustainability. The investment in ceramic microfiltration systems typically pays off in 5-10 years, depending on usage and facility size.

Variable speed drives (VSDs) for pumps and motors

Most traditional pump systems operate at full capacity regardless of actual demand. Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) optimise motor speed based on current needs, making them ideal for pool pumps and ventilation systems.

As a result, operators opting for VSDs benefit from energy efficiency. In some cases, adjusting pump speed to match demand can reduce energy use by up to 30%. This can also lead to extended equipment life, as operating motors at reduced speeds minimises wear and extends their operational lifespan. The good news is also that Installing VSDs generally has a short payback period, as savings accrue quickly from reduced energy consumption.

Into the future

While there are already plenty of existing solutions and practices that operators can adopt, there are also a constant stream of innovations that facilities can utilise. Take the news that Octopus Energy was investing in a green tech firm, Deep Green, which could result in 150 pools having their energy bills reduced – by recycling heat from computer data processing centres. Processing data generates a lot of wasted heat, which Deep Green’s scheme aims to repurpose to provide free heat for energy-intensive organisations such as leisure centres. Deep Green has already piloted a project using energy from processing centres to heat swimming pools, with the concept trialled in Exmouth, Devon.

The model piloted by Deep Green could save up to 65% on heating costs, while using waste heat from data centres decreases reliance on fossil fuels.

The shift toward energy-efficient practices in swimming pools benefits both the environment and the bottom line. By investing in microfiltration, heat pumps, pool covers, and other sustainable technologies, swimming pool operators not only reduce costs but also contribute to the push for sustainability. Embracing these technologies allows facilities to operate more sustainably and serve as leaders in energy efficiency for the leisure sector.