Heating
The pool heating industry has committed to a reduction in its carbon footprint by changing fossil fuel efficiency ratings. Recent trends in heat pump installation show consumers are becoming more aware of viable alternatives to gas heaters. For example, the ability to retrieve and convert the heat in ambient air around the pool to warm the water is an appealing, environmentally friendly application. Along with the air source methods, geothermal heating—taking heat from aquifers, ponds and water towers—has also been accepted as a viable energy-reduction science. While solar heating is not a new technology, partnering solar heat with other heating appliances reduces the overall energy costs.
The environment plays an important role in any heating technology, as relative humidity and air temperature have a direct effect on evaporation and heat loss. Evaporation accounts for 50 per cent of heat loss. New automated cover technologies are marketed to reduce evaporation, thus lowering energy loss.
New solar and photovoltaic technologies are used to run the pool pump/filter system. In addition, solar lighting, often found in landscaping, has forged its way into the pool lighting industry. Creating a solar grid to energize equipment may seem ambitious and futuristic, but it is certainly within the realm of possibility.
Education is empowerment
While all these new technologies are interesting, pool professionals must be mindful of the initial costs required to retrofit installations. Consumers are willing to pay more for energy efficiency, but they are looking to recoup those costs within two to five years. Professionals must be equipped with energy calculators, as well as audits, to prove energy savings to the consumer.
Advanced technologies also require a resurgence of education energy for pool and spa professionals. It is evident that a strong training in hydraulics, electricity, filtration and heating will be important for the future. As an educator, I encourage all professionals to attend trade show seminars, carefully examine new regulations and become fully engaged in the sustainability movement. Pool and spa technicians can easily become energy efficiency professionals, helping customers map out strong plans for energy reduction. This is not only good for the planet, it is simply good business.
Readers are invited to submit their comments and suggestions on how the pool and spa industry can embrace the sustainable, energy-efficient movement, and offer suggestions on how professionals can adopt these new sciences to improve their businesses. Sharing ideas is the best way to raise awareness and educate the industry about ongoing energy-efficient technological trends. Send responses to ccentrella@keiseruniversity.edu. Comments will be shared via a threaded online discussion.
Connie Gibson Centrella, MBA, is professor and program director for the online Aquatic Engineering Degree Program at Keiser University eCampus, director of education for Team Horner and a sustainability officer, having been certified in the principles of green and sustainable business practices. Centrella, an industry veteran with more than 40 years in the pool and spa industry, is also the five-time recipient of the Evelyn C. Keiser Teaching Excellence Award Instructor of Distinction. She can be reached via e-mail at ccentrella@keiseruniversity.edu.
