| HOW TO BECOME A CERTIFIED AQUATIC ENERGY AUDITOR |
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| Conducting an audit is the first step to improving energy efficiency. The Online Certified Aquatic Energy Auditor (CAEA) course from the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) is designed for aquatic professionals to audit and recommend energy-efficient concepts and improvements. The course will include: • Basics of a circulation system; • What contributes to energy consumption; • How to perform an energy audit; and • The steps involved in performing an audit to recommending and making changes.For more information on the course, visit www.nspf.org and click on the ‘Online Education’ tab. |
Pumps and motors
In some regions, utility suppliers report pool pumps/motors are typically one of the top three appliances responsible for energy consumption.
When inspecting the pump, the audit team should examine its performance against the original pump curve provided by the manufacturer. The use of a pressure gauge and vacuum gauge can provide the total dynamic head (TDH) necessary to read the pump curve. Install a vacuum gauge on the suction side of the pump (the drain plug under the hair and lint basket) and the pressure gauge on the pressure side of the pump (the drain plug under the impeller). Then, multiply the vacuum gauge reading by 1.13 and the pressure gauge reading by 2.31 and add these two calculations together to get the TDH.
Finally, compare the results to the pump curve to ascertain the pump is performing to the optimal litres/gallons per minute. Over time, impellers can become damaged, which strain the pump, lower flow rates, and increase electrical costs. The audit team should also check the current pump to determine whether cavitation is occurring.
Two-speed, variable- and multi-speed pumps and motors are available for residential pool retrofits, with some utilities offering rebates to homeowners. The audit team, however, should be cautious when calculating the correct energy savings as to avoid ‘greenwashing’ (i.e. promoting the perception that a product is environmentally friendly) or overstating energy savings.
Toxicity
Consumers interested in greening their environments are also concerned about how household chemicals may impact their health. This is an important discussion point for pool owners, too.
Many of the sanitizers typically used in pool chemical treatments are hazardous. Creating a sustainable pool environment requires elimination of toxic chemicals. The audit team should conduct a complete overview of chemical types and usages in an effort to switch the consumer to a more user-friendly chemical treatment. For example, the use of electrolytic chlorine generators (ECG) (i.e. saltwater chlorinators) is gaining popularity, partly because they are non-toxic and safe to handle.
Controllers
Not only do today’s homeowners have the convenience of turning household heating/cooling and lighting on and off with the use of an automation system and controller, they can also operate their swimming pool or hot tub in the same manner. When upgrading to a more energy efficient pool, the energy auditor should assess the need for a pool controller and help the customer determine the best automation system for their needs.
