You should also review these general guidelines and best practices for managing energy throughout the hotel.

According to the Florida Energy Extension Service, swimming pools and spas require a great deal of energy.16 To reduce the energy consumed by swimming pools and spas, follow these suggestions:

1. Consider closing outdoor pools and spas in winter.
   If temperatures drop low enough in the winter that swimming in outdoor pools and spas is not a reasonable option for guests, then consider closing them. You will save the costs of running pumps, filters, heaters and other energy consuming equipment every month they are closed.
2. Drain or cover closed pools and spas.
   So that filter systems and pumps can be turned off. A 10-horsepower pump motor can consume $2,000 worth of electricity if run continuously for six to eight months.16
3. Perform manufacturer's suggested preventive maintenance for equipment.
   Preventive maintenance will help equipment run more efficiently and, therefore, reduce energy consumption.
4. Frequently clean the skimmer and pump strainers.
   Frequent cleaning helps reduce strain on the filter.
5. Trim foliage around pool and spa.
   Trimming foliage will reduce filtering.
6. Consider a solar heated pool.
   Solar heating swimming pool systems are one of the most economical forms of solar energy available today. The systems can be easily added to new and old swimming pools, often using an existing filter pump system.
7. Use timers on pool and spa heaters so that they turn off after hours.
   Turning heaters off after hours will reduce energy consumption and wear and tear on the equipment, which will help them run more efficiently.
8. Consider installing solar water heating systems/devices.
   Solar water heating systems use the sun's energy to preheat swimming pools and spas.
9. Consider lowering pool thermostat.
   Each degree Fahrenheit can cut energy consumption 5 % to 10 %.19
10. Install high-efficiency pool pump that is not oversized for its needs.
    By installing a high-efficiency pool pump that is not oversized for its needs, the pump will consume the minimum amount of energy to operate.
11. Consider reducing the amount of time of the recirculation pump.
    If a pump runs for three hours, water quality is high enough and energy consumption can be cut by up to 60%.19

Florida Department of Environmental Protection
FDEP Web Site · 2600 Blair Stone Road · Tallahassee · Florida · 32399-2400
Florida Green Lodging Program · Program Contact Information
References · Acknowledgements · Disclaimer