New law helps pool owners cut energy costs

Starting in July 2011, the only pool pumps available will be new, energy-efficient ones.

TAMPA (Bay News 9) -- Gov. Charlie Crist is expected to sign a bill on Wednesday that contains several energy-saving provisions, including some new rules for pool owners.

More than one million households in Florida have a pool. When all of the electricity used by the pools is combined, it equals the output of six power plants.

The majority of that energy is used by the pool pump, which can be costly for homeowners. They can pay up to 20 percent more each month on their electric bill, just to operate the pump, which can burn more electricity than all of the other household appliances combined.

Under the proposed energy bill, new technology for pool pumps would cut energy usage by as much as 90 percent. The new pumps, like one made by Intelliflo, can be digitally programmed and will run at more than one operating speed.

"This pump is really hybrid-car technology that is available to use in the pool industry," said Scott Yovino, with Patio Pools.

Starting Jul. 1, 2011, these variable-speed pumps will be the only ones available in stores. They can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000 more than a conventional pump, but they can last up to twice as long.

In addition, pool owners who use variable-speed pumps can save more than $600 a year on energy costs.

The new energy bill doesn't require homeowners to change over to the newer, more energy efficient pumps. However, conventional pumps only have a lifespan of five years, which means that when they break down, the only pumps available for purchase will be the new ones.