Let’s be honest, owning a swimming pool is one of life’s great luxuries. It adds beauty, value, and a touch of calm to your home. But as many of our Hydrocare clients discover, it also comes with its share of running costs. That said, with the right approach, keeping your swimming pool warm, clean, and inviting doesn’t need to drain your wallet.
We work with pool owners all over the UK, from new builds to well-loved family setups, and one question always comes up: “How can I enjoy my pool without spending a fortune on energy?”
Here’s what we’ve learned over the years, and the same energy-saving strategies we use ourselves when maintaining and managing pools across the region.
The Reality of Pool Ownership (and Why It’s Worth It)
There’s no doubt about it, a swimming pool is a long-term investment. Yes, it adds value to your property. But beyond that, it becomes the heart of the home in summer, creating space for memories, parties, and peaceful dips after a long day.
But let’s not sugar-coat things: running a swimming pool in the UK does come with costs, especially as energy prices continue to rise. That’s why at Hydrocare, we always aim to strike the perfect balance between comfort, performance, and energy efficiency.
Whether you’ve got an indoor pool, a heated outdoor pool, or you’re still at the planning stage, we’re here to help you swim smarter.
What Affects Your Pool’s Running Costs?
Costs vary widely depending on your setup. Pool size, location, heating system, and even how often it’s used all play a part.
The biggest cost, in most cases, is heating. That’s why we spend a lot of time with clients reviewing heating systems. A modern air-source heat pump can often save hundreds over the season compared to old-style gas or electric heaters.
And then there’s the pool pump, water treatment, and routine maintenance. All of which, if done right, can keep things running efficiently and help you avoid costly breakdowns.
Pool Type Matters
At Hydrocare, we’ve seen first-hand how much pool type can affect your bills. In-ground pools paired with efficient systems and good insulation tend to be more cost-effective long-term. Indoor pools, while great for year-round swimming, often require more heating and dehumidification.
Whichever style you’ve gone for, the key is to focus on energy efficiency at every stage, from your pool pump to your lights.
Hydrocare’s Energy-Saving Tips
Here are the tried-and-tested tips we recommend to every client looking to save money without compromising performance:
1. Cover It Up
If there’s one tip we’d shout from the rooftops, it’s this: use a pool cover.
A good-quality cover helps retain heat, reduce evaporation, and keep leaves and bugs out. In fact, we’ve seen homes cut heating bills in half just by being diligent with covering their pool when not in use.
2. Upgrade Your Pool Pump
Old-school, single-speed pumps are notorious energy guzzlers. If your pump’s more than a few years old, it might be time to upgrade.
We always recommend variable-speed pumps, which adjust based on your pool’s needs and use a fraction of the power. There’s an upfront cost, but the savings over time are undeniable.
3. Switch to LED Pool Lighting
It’s a small change with a big impact. LED pool lights use up to 80% less energy than halogens, and they last far longer.
Plus, they add beautiful ambience for nighttime swims or poolside dinners.
4. Review Your Heating Setup
This is where we can really make a difference. At Hydrocare, we’ve helped homeowners switch from inefficient electric heaters to air-source or ground-source heat pumps, and the results speak for themselves. Lower bills. More stable water temperatures. Smaller carbon footprint.
We also look at solar options, especially solar covers, which are brilliant for passive heat retention.
5. Stay on Top of Maintenance
We can’t stress this enough – regular maintenance is your best cost-saver.
Dirty filters, unbalanced chemicals, or neglected parts make your pool work harder than it should. We always encourage our clients to stick to a seasonal maintenance plan (or let us handle it for them!) so everything runs efficiently and nothing breaks unexpectedly.
6. Go Solar Where Possible
Installing solar panels for your pool might seem like a big investment, but over the years, it can dramatically reduce your energy use. Even using solar covers can help trap warmth and reduce your reliance on heating systems.
We’ve guided dozens of clients through the switch, and it’s one of the most rewarding upgrades we see.
7. Dial Down the Temp (Just a Bit)
Want a quick win? Drop your pool temp by 1–2 degrees.
You probably won’t notice the difference in comfort, but your energy bill certainly will. Especially when combined with a cover and an efficient heater, this tiny tweak can save you a lot over the season.
Planning & Budgeting with Confidence
If you’re still deciding whether to install a pool, or trying to figure out how to reduce existing swimming pool running costs, it helps to look at the full picture.
At Hydrocare, we often say: plan for £100 to £4,000 per season, depending on your setup, and then look for savings in the right places. Efficient equipment, smart heating solutions, and proper care all pay off in the long run.
Final Word
You don’t have to choose between a warm, clean pool and a sensible energy bill. At Hydrocare, our whole mission is to help you enjoy your pool to the fullest, without unnecessary costs or surprises.
If you’d like a tailored review of your setup or advice on energy-saving upgrades, our team is always happy to help. Let’s keep your pool performing beautifully, and your running costs under control.
Get in touch with Hydrocare today, and let’s make every swim smart, affordable, and relaxing.
