Backyard waterworks: green waterscaping tips save your wallet.

• Author: Stewart, Heather
• Position: Executive Living

Waterworks for the yard--pools, spas and landscape water features--can add enjoyment, relaxation and beauty to your home. But let's face it: they can also add a hefty sum to your monthly power bill.

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The cost of heating and pumping pool water can add up to as much as $1,500 to $2,000 annually, according to the Department of Energy. That new hole in the ground? It might as well be a hole in your wallet.

But the pool and spa industry is going green and catching onto the demand for energy-efficient equipment.

"Most of the 'green' equipment is fairly new--it's only been on the market for about a year," says Brian Stilson, manager for Intermountain Aquatech. "But we're definitely starting to see the demand for it."

The major components of pool and spa equipment are now available in models that devour less energy. For example, consumers can choose fuel-efficient gas heaters to keep hot tub water toasty. And Stilson says that water filters have been redesigned to reduce water-pressure stress on the system. "Unlike traditional valve filters, cartridge filters don't build up back pressure."

But for the greatest energy savings, look to the pump.

From swimming pools to waterfalls, the pump is the heart of any water feature. It keeps the water moving continuously so it can be cleaned and heated. It also creates water pressure for spa jets and for fountains and waterfalls.

Traditional pumps operate at a single, pre-set speed at all times. But Stilson says the latest models, called "variable speed" pumps, will control your water circulation with greater accuracy.

Essentially, variable speed pumps can be fine-tuned to run at the optimal speed for your specific pool, spa or water feature--significantly cutting back energy use.

"You'll end up paying a bit more for green equipment, but simply from the energy savings, you'll get a return on that within just a couple of years," Stilson says.

As an additional bonus, variable speed pumps are more durable than traditional pumps. "Over traditional models, they've greatly stepped up how they build things," he says.

Homeowners can take other steps to reduce outdoor energy use. Covered pools stay warmer, requiring less energy to heat the water. Stilson adds, "The best cover you can get is an automatic cover--the material it's made of will retain heat and actually absorb heat from the sun."

Keeping the water clear of debris and the equipment in good repair will also ensure the system runs at...