How to Make Your Gunite Pool More Energy Efficient
A gunite pool is a long-lasting investment that adds beauty, luxury, and functionality to your home. But like any pool, it can become a source of high energy consumption if not correctly managed. The good news? With smart upgrades and maintenance practices, you can significantly reduce the energy usage of your gunite pool—saving money and helping the environment at the same time.
In this guide, we’ll share practical tips and proven strategies on how to make your gunite pool more energy efficient, from upgrading equipment to adjusting habits and embracing eco-friendly technologies.
💡 Why Energy Efficiency Matters for Gunite Pool Owners
Gunite pools are known for their durability, strength, and design flexibility, but they often involve more powerful equipment due to their custom size and features. As a result, energy bills can add up quickly—especially in warmer months when the pool is in frequent use.
Improving your pool’s energy efficiency not only lowers operational costs but also:
Reduces wear and tear on equipment
Minimizes environmental impact
Increases the value of your property
Enhances the comfort and usability of your pool
⚙️ 1. Upgrade to a Variable-Speed Pool Pump
Traditional single-speed pumps run at one high speed all the time, consuming excessive electricity. A variable-speed pump (VSP), on the other hand, allows you to adjust the flow rate based on your pool’s needs.
Benefits of VSPs:
Energy savings up to 70%
Longer pump lifespan due to reduced motor strain
Quieter operation
Qualifies for rebates and incentives from many utility companies
💡 Tip: Set your pump to run at lower speeds for longer durations. It uses less energy and improves water filtration.
☀️ 2. Install a Solar Pool Heater
One of the biggest energy consumers in a gunite pool system is the heater. Traditional gas or electric heaters can be expensive to run. Solar pool heaters use the sun’s free energy to keep your water warm—especially in sunny regions.
Advantages:
No fuel costs
Low maintenance
Environmentally friendly
Pays for itself over time with reduced energy bills
☀️ Combine solar heating with a solar pool cover to trap heat overnight.
🔄 3. Optimize Pool Circulation and Filtration
Running your filtration system efficiently can reduce energy use without compromising water quality.
Best practices:
Run the pump during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening)
Use a timer or pool automation system to avoid overuse
Clean filters regularly to avoid overworking the pump
Install larger diameter plumbing to reduce resistance
💧 Well-designed circulation means you don’t need to run your equipment as long or as hard.
🧱 4. Use Energy-Efficient Pool Lighting
If your gunite pool still uses traditional halogen lights, upgrading to LED pool lighting is a smart move.
Why switch to LED?
Uses up to 85% less energy
Lasts 25–50 times longer than incandescent bulbs
Comes in color-changing options for ambiance
Emits less heat, reducing evaporation
🌙 Bonus: LED lights are also safer and easier to control with automation apps.
🌊 5. Cover Your Pool When Not in Use
Evaporation is one of the leading causes of heat and water loss. Using a pool cover is a simple yet powerful way to reduce energy waste.
Types of covers:
Solar covers: Help retain heat and reduce chemical use
Automatic safety covers: Offer convenience, heat retention, and safety
Winter covers: Protect water quality during off-season
Benefits:
Reduces water loss by up to 90%
Cuts heating bills by 50–70%
Keeps debris out, reducing filter and cleaner workload
🛑 A covered pool is a more efficient pool—both in summer and winter.
🌿 6. Landscaping for Shade and Wind Protection
Strategic landscaping can naturally improve your pool’s energy performance. Wind and direct sun both contribute to water evaporation and heat loss.
Smart landscaping tips:
Plant evergreens or shrubs as a windbreak
Use shade structures like pergolas, trees, or sails on the sunniest sides
Install potted plants or vertical gardens on exposed walls
🌳 Bonus: Plants not only reduce energy use but also enhance your pool’s visual appeal and create a peaceful environment.
🔌 7. Add a Pool Automation System
Automation lets you control lighting, heating, filtration, and water features remotely, so you only use what you need—when you need it.
Features of pool automation systems:
Customizable schedules for pumps, heaters, and lights
Smartphone or remote control access
Integration with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Home
Alerts for temperature changes or equipment issues
📲 Save energy by automating nighttime shutoffs, adjusting heating hours, or pausing systems during rain.
💧 8. Maintain Water Chemistry to Prevent Overworking Equipment
Balanced water not only keeps your pool clean—it also helps systems operate efficiently.
Keep an eye on:
pH levels: 7.2–7.8
Chlorine levels: 1–3 ppm
Calcium hardness: 200–400 ppm
Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
🧪 Regular testing and chemical balancing prevent scale buildup, corrosion, and strain on pumps and heaters.
🔧 9. Schedule Seasonal Energy Checkups
Just like your HVAC system, your pool should get an annual inspection to ensure optimal efficiency.
What to check:
Pool heater efficiency and leaks
Pump and filter performance
Lighting and electrical connections
Timer and automation accuracy
🛠️ A quick tune-up each season can catch issues before they become expensive problems.
🏡 Work with Harpeth Valley Hardscape to Build an Energy-Efficient Gunite Pool
At Harpeth Valley Hardscape, we design and build custom gunite pools that are beautiful, functional, and energy smart. Whether you’re installing a new pool or upgrading an existing one, we specialize in energy-efficient solutions that save money and reduce your environmental footprint.
From variable-speed pumps and solar systems to LED lighting and smart controls, we’ll help you create a pool that performs as beautifully as it looks.
💧 Ready to make your gunite pool more energy efficient?
Fill out the form below to schedule a consultation with our design and energy-efficiency experts today!
