Energy cost estimation for UK swimming pools

RESEARCH

In this interactive graphic, we look at UK energy consumption and prices based on the typical area of a swimming pool using data from Saari and Sekki (2008) and BEIS to estimate electricity, gas and water costs for critical functions of different-sized swimming pools. 

I combined the data published in the 2008 study with the pricing data from the BEIS between 2004-2022 to publish some estimated annual costs for critical systems. Assuming a linear or near-linear relationship between energy consumption and pool/floor spatial area, I could estimate the cost of energy and water for different-sized pools over an 18-year time series. The results are only estimations, and pool energy consumption varies according to factors such as:

• Outdoor temperature
• Source water temperature
• Air handling system performance
• Thermal insulation
• Water pollution
• Spatial area
• Plant efficiency
• Local water and energy prices
• Usage
• Circulation efficiency
• Incident occurrence and response
• Backwash frequency
• Fuel source

Useful sources of information

ANSI/PHTA/ICC-15 2021: American National Standard for Residential Swimming Pool and Spa Energy Efficiency. 

Carbon Trust. 2008. CTG009 Swimming Pools. A deeper look at energy efficiency. Available at: https://www.bluepools.co.uk/SiteAssets/AHU%27s/carbon%20trust%20swimming%20pool%20guide%20ctg009.pdf accessed 19 November 2022. 

CIBSE. 2019. Testing the water – designing the UK’s first Passivhaus swimming pool. Available at: https://www.cibsejournal.com/technical/testing-the-water-designing-the-uks-first-passivhaus-swimming-pool/ accessed 19 November 2022. 

EN 17645:2022. Domestic swimming pools. Environmental performance efficiency. Performance evaluation, methodology, and classification of the use of outdoor pools 

Energy Star. 2018. Energy Star score for swimming pools. Available at: https://www.energystar.gov/buildings/tools-and-resources/energy-star-score-swimming-pools accessed 19 November 2022.

Kampel, W. 2015. Energy efficiency in swimming pools. Thesis: Norwegian University of Science and Technology, pp.1-178. 

Marinopoulos, I. and Katsifarakis, K. 2017. Optimization of Energy and Water Management of Swimming Pools. A Case Study in Thessaloniki, Greece. Procedia Environmental Sciences, 38, pp.773-780.

Passive House. 2019. Planning guidelines for Passive House indoor swimming pools. Available at: https://passivehouse.com/05_service/03_literature/030306_indoor-swimming-pool.htm accessed 19 November 2022. 

Pfeifer, S. 2018. Lessons on energy efficiency from a Portland swimming pool. Financial Times, 3 October. Available at: https://www.ft.com/content/910ec778-bff3-11e8-84cd-9e601db069b8 accessed 19 November 2022. 

PWTAG. 2021. Energy efficiency in swimming pools. Technical Note. Available at: https://www.pwtag.org/energy-efficiency-in-swimming-pools-january-2012/ accessed 19 November 2022. 

Zhao, J. and Sproul, A. 2019. RP1014u1: Energy efficient swimming pools – Engagement and utilization Final report. Cooperative Research for Low Carbon Living, pp.1-44. 

Zuccari, F., Santiangeli, A., and Orecchini, F. 2017. Energy analysis of swimming pools for sports activities: cost effective solutions for efficiency improvement. 72nd Conference of the Italian Thermal Machines Engineering Association, ATI, 6-8 September 2017, Lecce, Italy, pp.123-130. 

Citation. Jacklin, D. 2022. Energy cost estimation for UK swimming pools. Water Incident Research Hub, 19 November.