SMUD rebates on pool or spa

Summer in Sacramento makes the backyard pool and spa a great place to escape the heat. The cost to operate these wet retreats can soak your pocketbook, however. A typical swimming pool during summer can use enough energy to power an entire home for three months.SMUD customers can lower these costs with the help of a new rebate program from SMUD. If they replace the filtration pump and motor with a high efficiency model, SMUD will share some of the cost through a rebate.Investing in a new pump or motor may pay for itself. Converting to a higher-efficiency pump and motor may save about $100 a year in operating costs and pay for itself in about four years, depending on customer usage.This program lowers the demand for electricity on hot summer days when power is very expensive, helping to keep costs low for all customers. A $125 rebate is available for replacing an existing single-speed pump and motor assembly with a qualifying reduced horsepower, energy efficient version. A $300 rebate is available for installing a new two-speed pump and motor or replacing an existing one with a qualified energy efficient version. The rebate also applies to installing or using an existing automatic control system, capable of controlling the hours of both high and low speed operation. Manual changeover systems or toggle switches are not eligible. Running your pool and spa filtering and cleaning equipment during off-peak hours as well as keeping the equipment properly maintained can also help save on electric bills. SMUD recommends running cleaning and filtering equipment before 1 p.m. or after 9 p.m. June through September. A properly maintained pool and spa will reduce the number of filtering hours needed each day. If your pool/spa doesn't have a timer, it's a good idea to invest in one. SMUD can provide you with a free pool time-clock tripper.To heat your pool or spa, SMUD recommends using a solar heating system. If your pool has a conventional heater, the most efficient time to run it is in the morning after 6 a.m.SMUD recommends setting the thermostat at 78 degrees. A setting just 4 degrees higher can use as much as 40 percent more electricity. The heater for a typical spa takes about 8 hours to heat the water 10 degrees.If you use your spa only once a week, lowering the temperature by just 3 degrees when not in use will save between 5 and 10 percent on operating costs. It's always a good idea to cover your pool/spa to save energy and water. For information about the program call (888) 742-SMUD or visit www.smud.org.