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www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, April 27, 2012 · 30 Spring Home & Garden Reduce your pool's environmental footprint at Total Tech Pools and Leisure "Going green" has become one of the fastest growing trends within the past decade. An increasing awareness of the benefits of environmental issues and eco-friendly technology not only has consumers looking for products and services that are kinder to the planet, but has changed the very way we do business. Since the introduction of our "Green Program" in 2008, Total Tech Pools and Leisure has made a strong commitment to offer the most environmentally responsible products available. We pride ourselves in taking the lead in energy saving initiatives and eco-friendly pool options. With ultra high-efficiency pumps, low emission heaters, water conserving filters, sanitizing systems, which require less chemical processing, and a line of natural eco-friendly chemicals, pool owners can now do their part for the environment and significantly cut system-operating costs. There are many factors that need to be addressed when selecting a pool pump such as the flow rate, pipe size, filter size, water features and cost. In the past, the idea that bigger is better was prevalent and pumps were sold on the basis of horsepower rather than flow rates and hydraulic performance. It is still common to see oversized pumps on pools creating situations where the pump cannot draw adequate water through the piping resulting in cavitations (or pump starvation). Consequently, the pumps life is greatly reduced while increasing its energy consumption. With most residential pools it is ideal to have the entire volume of the pool pass through the filter twice in a 24-hour period. One must also consider the need to maximize the chemical distribution and skimming action in the pool. Most existing pools are restricted by the existing pipe sizing and location. This can sometimes be improved by reconfiguring the above ground plumbing and increasing the hydraulic efficiency. The type and size of the filter can also be a factor as well as the number and type of water features. For example, waterfalls or fountains may require higher flow rates. Additionally, cost is a major factor to consider as pumps with high efficiency ratings typically incur a higher initial investment. If one is planning on staying in the home for several years, the longterm energy savings witnessed by using a high efficiency pump are quite large however this may not be the case if relocation is on the horizon. It is a little known fact that a pool pump is one of the largest consumers of energy in a home. As more pool owners are made aware of this, an increasing number have been looking for energy efficient options to reduce system-operating costs. A conventional pump is typically 60 per cent efficient, ranges from $325-$400 in initial cost and operates at approximately 18 cents/hour. Over the course of a six month pool season a conventional pump may cost as much as $1000 to operate. In comparison an energy efficient pump ­ utilizing improved hydraulics (allowing a drop in horsepower) and 68 per cent efficient motor ­ costs approximately $525-$650 in initial costs but operates at only 10 cents/hour, thus reducing your pool season pump operating costs in half and paying for itself in the first season! The next step up would be an ultra efficient variable speed pump running on a 92 per cent efficient totally enclosed and fan cooled permanent magnet motor. This technology is found in hybrid vehicles and is not being affected by moisture and excessive heat, thus increasing its longevity and significantly reducing operating costs. While the initial cost is relatively high (despite dropping considerably in recent years) at approximately $1150-$1500, ultra energy efficient Advertorial pumps operate as low as 4 cents/hour and can save you up to $900 in just a six month pool season. The variable speed capability of these pumps allows one to set up to eight custom programmable speeds and adjust the speed of the pump to achieve the optimal flow rates for each specific application. After some small calculations it quickly becomes apparent that there are massive benefits in making the switch to an energy efficient pump. The important factor to be aware of is the amount of water a pump can move and not its horsepower rating. Another area where you can lessen your environmental impact and save money is by changing to a cartridge filter. These extremely efficient filters do not require backwashing and remove particles much finer than that of sand filters. Backwashing removes 10002000 litres of heated and chemically treated water from your pool each week, which is not only bad for the environment but is also very costly. Total Tech Pools is constantly exploring new ways to be more energy efficient and invests considerable resources in this area. We are having our annual Sale and BBQ this weekend where you are invited to speak with our highly trained staff for more information. WORRIED ABOUT YOUR OLD FUSES? Convert to Modern, Safe Breakers! LEADERS IN HOT WATER PRESSURE AND STEAM CLEANING · Residential/Commercial · Interlock Cleaning · Concrete Sealing · We Clean Home Exteriors · Specializing In Concrete Cleaning 100 AMP SPECIAL $ Includes: Panel, Breakers, Installation & Permit. 89900 + TAX Installed by Authorized ESA Electricians. ADM ELECTRIC · 416.820.1711 info@cleancrete.ca · www.cleancrete.ca 1-855-WASH HOT (1-855-927-4468)