Keeping a pool running in Wisconsin isn’t cheap—especially if you’re heating it for those precious few warm months. But the good news is, you don’t need massive renovations to start seeing savings. A few smarter upgrades and a keen eye for energy efficiency can really cut your pool costs in 2025. Here’s how to get started, section by section.
Assessing Your Pool’s Current Energy Efficiency First
Before you make any upgrades, take a good look at how your pool is running right now. Start by checking your monthly utility bills during pool season—are they higher than expected? Notice if your pool pump or heater runs more often than seems necessary, or if the water chemistry is tough to balance. These are signs your equipment might be working harder than it needs to.
A simple energy audit goes a long way. Walk around your pool equipment pad and look for leaks, listen for odd noises from the pump, and check for cracks or wear in pipes and fittings. If your pool pump is more than 7–10 years old, or your filter seems to need constant cleaning, it might be time for an upgrade. Even just noticing how quickly your pool loses heat at night can tell you something about where energy is being wasted.
Choosing High-Efficiency Pool Pumps and Filters
Old single-speed pool pumps are real energy hogs. If you’re still running one, consider switching to a variable-speed model. These allow you to slow the pump down for regular circulation—using up to 70% less energy compared to standard pumps. In Wisconsin, you might only need to run the pump on high for a few hours a day, saving both energy and money.
Filters matter, too. Cartridge or high-efficiency sand filters generally require less frequent backwashing and work well with variable-speed pumps. Less backwashing means less water and heat lost down the drain. For example, one customer in Madison swapped an old DE filter for a modern cartridge filter and saw both their water and energy use drop noticeably. These changes add up fast over a summer.
Upgrading to Smart Pool Controls and Timers
Timers aren’t just for sprinklers—modern pool controls can automate pumps, heaters, and lights based on real needs instead of running on guesswork. Smart pool controllers let you schedule equipment to run during off-peak hours or only as long as needed, which is especially handy if your electricity rate changes throughout the day.
Even basic digital timers do wonders. For example, setting your pump to run just six hours instead of twelve can halve your energy use without sacrificing water clarity. Newer systems also let you control your pool from your phone—so if you forget to shut something off before a rainstorm, you can fix it before wasting energy. These upgrades are practical, straightforward, and can pay for themselves in a couple of seasons.
Installing Pool Covers to Reduce Heating Costs
Wisconsin nights cool down fast, and most heat loss happens right at the water’s surface. A simple solar pool cover can reduce overnight heat loss by up to 70%. That means your heater runs less, and you spend less on fuel or electricity. Even if you’re just using the pool weekends, covering it during the week saves real money.
For folks with in-ground pools, a fitted safety cover does double duty—keeping debris out and insulating better than a basic tarp. Some customers ask about automatic covers; while pricier upfront, they’re convenient and make it easy to cover and uncover the pool daily. No matter your setup, covering your pool when it’s not in use is one of the simplest, most effective ways to cut costs in our climate.
You don’t need a total pool overhaul to save money in 2025. Start with a good look at your current setup, then swap out older equipment for efficient, practical upgrades where it makes sense. With the right combination of efficient pumps, smart controls, and a decent pool cover, running a pool in Wisconsin can be a whole lot more affordable.
