Swimming pools, spas and hot tubs can make your home more comfortable, but they also add to your energy costs.

With swimming pools, the biggest cost is generally for heating the water. Consider an energy efficient approach, such as a heat pump pool heater. While heat pump pool heaters may have a higher cost, their improved efficiency and longer operating life means they'll more than pay for themselves in energy savings. If your pool receives a great deal of sunlight, a solar pool heater may be a good option. Either way, keeping your pool covered when not in use can also lower energy costs by reducing heat and evaporation losses.

The other big energy user is the pump that circulates the water. Many pool owners have pumps that are too large, or keep them running more often than needed. A smaller, higher-efficiency pump will lower your electricity use. In addition, you can use a timer to run the pump for just a few hours a day. If the water isn't as clean as you want, add another hour of operation.

Hot tubs and spas can use a significant amount of electricity to heat and filter the water. Fortunately, many of today's hot tubs and spas have been designed to be remarkably energy efficient, with excellent insulation and more efficient pumps and controls. Still, there are several things you can do to ensure that they operate as efficiently and affordably as possible:

• Making sure that your thermostat is accurate is the first step. Most health departments recommend that hot tubs and spas be no warmer than 102 degrees Fahrenheit
• When you're not using your hut tub or spa, make sure it's tightly covered with an insulated cover
• Most people run their filter pumps more often than needed to keep the water clear and sanitary. If your pump has a timer, set it to run for a shorter period a couple of times a day. (If you have an energy-efficient continuous pump, it's actually designed to run all the time with minimal electricity usage)

Visit our Home Energy Calculator to learn more.