» The customer has a swimming pool...
and the pool pump runs 24 hours a day. The high cost of pool pumping is a surprise. Most residential pool pumps we see are 3/4 horsepower output. Operated all day every summer day, the monthly energy cost is about $62; operated continuously year around, the annual energy cost is about $745. A timer for the pool pump is well worth the installation cost, and usually pays for itself through energy cost savings within three months or less. The National Spa and Pool Institute recommends that the pool be "turned over" (one complete circulation of water) once a day. Full turnover of a typical 20,000 gallon pool, then, requires 4 hours pumping at 85 gallons per minute, 6 hours at 55 gallons per minute or 8 hours at 40 gallons per minute. Most pool pump systems are sized to accomplish a full turnover in 4-6 hours. Pumping year around for 6 hours a day instead of 24 hours a day saves about $558 a year! Installed cost of a timer is about $80-$120.

» The resident has a hot tub...
and unless careful attention is paid to a tub's cover, insulation and pumping, the added monthly cost can be $20 to $40.