10 Of The Best Pool Upgrades That Will Save You Money Time and Energy
Having a pool is a fantastic experience – you get to cool off on the hot summer days and bond with friends and family. It is a great space for making memories and having fun along the way too.
Key takeaways
- The biggest savings usually come from upgrades that reduce daily run time (pumps, covers, timers) and manual cleaning (robot cleaners).
- Smart systems like saltwater chlorination and pool automation help stabilise water quality and cut down hands-on maintenance.
- Investing in accurate testing and the right equipment prevents expensive mistakes and keeps your pool balanced long-term.
- Many upgrades can be retrofitted to existing pools, so you don’t need a brand-new pool to modernise the setup.
10 upgrades to freshen up your pool (and save money, time and energy)
1) Upgrade the pool finish
As years go by, your pool’s finish takes the brunt of climate and usage. It can fade or start to look dull. Refinishing or upgrading your finish can make your pool look great again.
If you have a heated pool, opting for a darker finish can help you hold warmth for longer. A darker finish absorbs more UV and heat from the sun, which can reduce reliance on your heater and support lower energy use over time.
2) Upgrade your pool filter
Essentially the kidneys of your pool, a pool filter (as the name suggests) filters the pool water and gets rid of the small things. It can take out debris like leaves, twigs, and dust and keeps your water fresh and debris-free.
Check your filter regularly for damage and performance. If your filter is in great shape, that means your pool is more likely to stay clear. Upgrading to a larger filter can provide a bigger surface area for improved flow and filtration, and can also reduce strain on your pump.
3) Switch to an eco-friendly / variable speed pump
The pump is one of the biggest ongoing energy users in most pool setups. Traditional pumps can run for long periods each day—often longer in summer. A modern energy-efficient pump (including variable speed options) can help cut down energy use by running at lower speeds for longer periods, instead of blasting at full speed.
Variable speed pumps can also reduce wear and tear because you can match pump output to what the pool actually needs.
4) Add a pool pump timer
A timer is a simple but effective tool for saving money in the long run. It allows you to schedule pump run times so the pump switches off automatically after a set period. This supports consistent circulation and filtration without accidentally running the pump longer than necessary.
Timers can also help prevent issues that happen when circulation is forgotten—like water going dull or algae starting to appear.
5) Install a saltwater chlorination system
Investing in a saltwater chlorination system can reduce the hassle of manually dosing chlorine. The system continuously sanitises the pool by generating chlorine, which can cut down the time spent topping up products and monitoring swings.
It can also help maintain more stable water conditions when set up correctly—meaning fewer “spikes” and fewer chemical surprises.
6) Use an automatic (robotic) pool cleaner
Automatic pool cleaners can significantly reduce the time spent manually cleaning. A robotic cleaner can vacuum debris and assist with keeping the floor (and often walls/steps, depending on the model) cleaner with minimal effort.
Typically, you install it, let it run, then remove and empty the basket or filter. For many owners, this is one of the most noticeable “time-saving” upgrades.
7) Upgrade your pool cleaning tools (for faster manual maintenance)
Even with automation, you’ll still want reliable tools for quick touch-ups. Cheap tools can break, cost more over time, and make cleaning harder than it needs to be. Upgrading to well-made brushes, nets, poles, and fittings can make routine maintenance quicker and less frustrating.
8) Invest in a good testing kit
Accurate testing helps you make correct chemical adjustments and prevents over-correcting (which can waste product and create water-balance problems). A good quality testing kit gives more reliable readings and can save money long-term by reducing trial-and-error.
Regular testing also supports better performance from upgrades like saltwater systems and automation.
9) Add pool automation (smart controls)
Automated pools can constantly give you the status of the pool and the system related to it. Depending on your setup, you can monitor things like temperature, filter activity and schedules through a phone or tablet.
This is a great option for owners who want consistency with less hands-on work—and it can often be retrofitted to existing pools.
10) Install a pool cover (and consider a roller)
You can save a lot of money by installing a pool cover over your pool. A cover slows down evaporation, helps prevent debris entering the pool, and can help you maintain chemical balance more easily.
Because the pool stays cleaner, you may be able to reduce filtration run time. Pool covers can also help reduce heating costs, and a roller can make it easier to put the cover on and take it off.
Bonus upgrades worth considering
Energy-efficient heating (heat pump or solar heating)
If your pool is shaded or you want to extend the swim season, energy-efficient heating can make a huge difference. A heat pump can provide warm water in cooler conditions, while solar heating can reduce heating costs by using the sun. The right choice depends on your climate, usage, and budget.
Refresh the area around your pool
Adding or improving a splash area or deck can make your pool feel “new” again. It also creates a dedicated space for lounging and entertaining, which can increase how much you use (and enjoy) the pool.
Routine maintenance still matters
Regular care can go a long way when it comes to the pool. Even with upgrades, simple habits like removing debris and keeping equipment in good condition help prevent bigger issues later.
Contact us for the best quotes and services in the area. We will be more than happy to help you plan upgrades and get the most out of your pool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pool upgrades save the most money long-term?
Energy-related upgrades typically deliver the biggest long-term savings—especially an eco/variable speed pump, a pool cover, and a pump timer. These reduce run time and energy usage, and often lower chemical use by keeping water cleaner and more stable.
Do pool covers really save money and time?
Yes. A cover helps prevent debris getting into the water, reduces evaporation, and can reduce heating loss. That usually means less cleaning, less refilling, and potentially less filtration run time—saving both time and operating costs.
Is a variable speed pool pump worth it?
Is a saltwater chlorination system a good upgrade for existing pools?
Often, yes. A saltwater chlorination system continuously generates chlorine, which can reduce the hassle of manual dosing and help maintain more consistent sanitation—especially when paired with regular testing and balanced water chemistry.
What’s the best way to reduce pool cleaning time?
Can I automate my existing pool?
In many cases, yes. Pool automation can often be added to existing systems so you can control schedules and monitor key functions more easily. It’s a popular upgrade for improving consistency and reducing day-to-day manual effort.