New Pool Pump Can Save Both Energy, Money

Swimming-pool owners, rejoice. That hum coming from your new, energy-efficient pool pump could mean money in the bank.

Southern California Edison is offering $100 rebates on specially approved pumps or pump-and-motor combinations purchased by Sept. 30 under an energy-conservation program the state Public Utilities Commission hopes will help ease summer power shortages.

The $100 rebate takes a big bite out of the cost of a new, three-quarters-horsepower pump and motor, which can range from $200 to $330, according to Kean Corrigan, director of marketing for Leslie’s Swimming Pool Supplies. Pool owners can expect the high-efficiency pumps and motors to shave 15% off pool-pump energy use, which now costs about $130 a year.

And without buying a thing, pool owners can get up to $40 from SCE by agreeing to run pool pumps during off-peak hours, any time from 6 p.m. to noon, from June 1 through Sept. 30.

So far, 11,000 pool owners have signed up for the pump rebate--considerably more than SCE officials expected. But only 14,000 of the hoped-for 40,000 pool owners have joined the timer program, according to John Nall, SCE’s manager of mass-market energy-efficiency programs.

You have to act fast to get the $40 timer incentive; it goes to customers who sign up by Monday. Those who join the program by May 31 get $20. Pool-pump-rebate reservations are required before purchase.

For details, check SCE’s Web site: https://www.sce.com/your_home/009c1_pools_save

.shtml or call (800) 470-2365.

* Send your questions or suggestions regarding energy use to Home Design, Los Angeles Times, Orange County edition, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626, or send e-mail to [email protected]. Please include your name and phone number.