By Richard Dietz Jr., President & Co-Owner of Aqua Creations
At Aqua Creations, we recently celebrated 35 years in business, serving communities throughout Southern California with award-winning pool resurfacing solutions, including our proprietary AQUA-GLASS™ fiberglass resurfacing system, along with coping installation and tile upgrades.
As President and co-owner of Aqua Creations, I have spent more than 35 years in the pool industry, working alongside my business partner Eric Jones, who brings over 40 years of experience. Together, we’ve seen firsthand how proper pool operation, maintenance, and planning can dramatically improve both energy efficiency and the lifespan of pool systems.
Pools and spas are often the most valued amenities in residential communities, HOAs, hotels, and recreational facilities. They serve as gathering places for families, exercise spaces for residents, and areas for relaxation and wellness.
But creating and maintaining that experience requires more than just filling a pool with water.
It requires planning, investment, consistent maintenance, and professional expertise.
Below are some key considerations for operating pools and spas in a way that maximizes efficiency while protecting long-term performance.
Water Quality: The Foundation of Pool Efficiency
Pool efficiency begins with water quality.
Water is often referred to as the universal solvent, meaning it has the ability to dissolve more substances than most liquids. In swimming pools, water is combined with chlorine, acid, calcium, and other minerals, creating a mixture that can become highly corrosive if not properly managed.
Over time, total dissolved solids (TDS) accumulate in pool water from chemicals, environmental debris, and swimmer use. While fresh municipal water may begin with relatively low TDS levels, these levels gradually increase.
Ideally, TDS should remain around 1,500 parts per million (PPM). Once it reaches 2,500 PPM or higher, water efficiency begins to decline.
Many pools reach 4,000–5,000 PPM within just a few years, which significantly affects chemical performance and equipment longevity.
Reverse Osmosis: A Powerful Solution for Pool Water
One of the most effective ways to restore water efficiency is through reverse osmosis (RO) treatment.
Reverse osmosis removes calcium, minerals, and contaminants from pool water, essentially resetting the water quality without draining the pool.
The benefits include:
- Reduced chemical usage
- Improved water clarity
- Less irritation for swimmers
- Improved equipment performance
- Reduced deterioration of pool surfaces and decks
For many commercial pools, RO treatments can be completed in one to two days and typically start around $1,100, depending on pool size.
For facilities with heavy usage, annual treatment can significantly improve water efficiency and longevity.
Energy Efficient Pool Equipment
Equipment upgrades also play a major role in energy efficiency.
Modern variable speed pool pumps have dramatically improved energy consumption. According to Pentair, variable speed pumps can reduce pump-related energy costs by up to 90 percent compared to older single-speed pumps.
In many cases, the energy savings alone can pay for the pump upgrade within 15 months.
Other equipment improvements include:
- High-efficiency pool heaters
- LED and low-voltage pool lighting
- Automated chemical controllers
- Smart pool automation systems
- UV sanitation systems to reduce chlorine demand
Upgrading filtration systems can also improve efficiency. Cartridge filters, for example, eliminate the need for backwashing, which saves both water and energy.
Maintenance Still Matters
Even the best equipment requires consistent maintenance.
Simple practices help maintain efficiency:
- Cleaning filters regularly
- Emptying pump baskets
- Calibrating automated systems
- Monitoring chemical balance
- Maintaining proper circulation
These small steps prevent pumps and equipment from working harder than necessary, reducing both energy consumption and operating costs.
Controlling Pool Evaporation
Water evaporation is another major contributor to inefficiency.
Automated pool covers, where permitted, can significantly reduce:
- Water loss
- Heating costs
- Chemical consumption
Additional strategies include using windbreaks, fencing, landscaping, or hedges to reduce wind exposure and evaporation.
The Role of Pool Surfaces in Efficiency
The condition of your pool surface has a direct impact on efficiency.
Older plaster surfaces often become porous, stained, or calcified, which increases mineral buildup and makes pools harder to clean. This leads to increased chemical usage and additional strain on filtration systems.
Traditional plaster surfaces typically last:
- 7–10 years for commercial pools
- 3–5 years for commercial spas
Newer finishes such as quartz and pebble may offer longer lifespans, but they still remain cement-based and reactive with pool water, contributing to mineral buildup over time.
Fiberglass and Tile: Longer Lasting Surface Options
Two surfaces stand out for efficiency and durability:
Tile Pools
Tile is non-reactive, easy to clean, and extremely long-lasting. However, the installation cost often places it outside the budgets of most HOA or commercial pool operators.
Fiberglass Resurfacing
Fiberglass finishes offer many of the same benefits as tile at a more practical cost.
Advantages include:
- Smooth, easy-to-clean surface
- Non-reactive with pool water
- Stain resistance
- Improved heat retention
- Longer lifespan
Properly installed fiberglass finishes often last 18–20 years for pools and 12+ years for commercial spas.
Smart Planning for HOA and Commercial Pools
For HOAs and community properties, pools are one of the most dynamic and complex amenities to manage.
Successful pool operation requires:
- Professional maintenance
- Updated equipment
- Proper water management
- Timely capital improvements
Property managers should regularly review reserve studies, maintenance records, equipment performance, and water quality reports to ensure pools remain efficient and safe.
And when hiring contractors, remember an important lesson from my father, Richard Dietz Sr., founder of Aqua Creations:
“Quality will be long remembered, while price will soon be forgotten.”
Always verify contractor licensing through CSLB.com and ensure they carry proper insurance and the appropriate C-53 pool contractor license.
Final Thoughts
A well-maintained pool is more than an amenity—it’s a gathering place for families, neighbors, and communities.
Achieving long-term efficiency requires the right combination of water management, equipment upgrades, consistent maintenance, and smart surface choices.
With thoughtful planning and professional guidance, pool owners can reduce operating costs while creating a clean, safe, and enjoyable environment for years to come.
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