While Labor Day signifies the end of summer and winterizing of pools across the country, here in Arizona things are just getting started. With warm temps year round, the hub of the home often centers on the family’s pool! Pool parties and late night dips are a year round occurrence when you are blessed with this much sun!
You may have the latest in pool toys, designer chaises and the pool attire to go with it, but do you have the latest solar bells and whistles that can save you a ton of money in keeping your pool clean and safe.
Did you know you can clean your pool using solar power instead of good old fashioned elbow grease? There’s a new robotic solar gadget on the market that continuously skims the surface of your pool and gives your pool pump a much needed reprieve. The Solar-Breeze catches dirt, bugs and debris before they accumulate on the bottom of the pool and distributes a sanitizer that keeps your pool that beautiful blue color. The device acts as a water filter and a chlorine dispenser and it doesn’t need electricity to run. It sells for around $550 and will save you hundreds of dollars a year in the cost of chemicals and electric.
There are a couple of months out of the year that we could use some help with keeping the pool temps nice and warm. Investing in a solar pool cover not only heats the water but keeps dirt and debris out of the pool and can keep the water as warm as a pool heater can. Another benefit of the solar pool cover is a reduction of evaporation that saves you money on your water bill too.
The trick is finding the right solar blanket for your pool and outdoor lifestyle. In a perfect world, you’ll want to have your solar blanket on the pool in the winter months when it’s not being used; daytime when the kids are in school will heat the pool and covered at night will prevent water and heat loss via evaporation.
Be sure and purchase a reel for an easy on and off, that can be either permanently installed at the end of your in ground pool or can remain on wheels and portable. The cost for a solar blanket is dependent on the size of your pool but most covers sell for between $100 – $300 dollars and will last from 4-8 years. You can find a good reel for around $120.
The sun’s energy is free and we might as well put it to good use here in the desert. Looking for the perfect home with a backyard pool? The Matheson Team can help you find the right home for your lifestyle and budget.
Don Matheson
Realtor | Founder
The Matheson Team – RE/MAX Fine Properties
21000 N. Pima Rd., #100, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
480-360-0281
don@scottsdalerealestate.com
