You may enjoy your pool, but you won’t like the thought of maintaining it. To save money and time during pool season, spring is the best time to upgrade your pool equipment.

Hayward Pool Products is a company that produces reliable, efficient products to enhance your pool or backyard experience.

* Get an energy audit and upgrade equipment accordingly. Schedule an energy audit during spring inspection to see if any equipment or procedural changes can save you money in the coming months. Switching to a variable speed pump can reduce your pool’s energy consumption by up to 75%, while switching to a robot-operated pool cleaner can save you up to 94% of the energy required. Adding a heat pump to your pool will provide constant comfort and save you up to 88% over gas heaters. There are rebates and incentives available in some areas for people who make the switch to energy-efficient technology.

* Make sure your pool equipment is working correctly. The pool inspection should include maintenance checks such as visually inspecting the heater, pump, filters, lights, automation equipment, chlorinator and filter. Hayward recommends pool owners to consult a professional. A pool inspection is less expensive than fixing a major problem later in a season. Professionals will spot safety issues like loose drain covers, electrical, or gas problems that an untrained eye may miss.

* Switch to salt. Salt chlorination creates water that is more gentle on the skin and less harsh than factory-produced chlorine. A salt chlorine generator such as Hayward’s Aqua Rite Pro can save you money, especially since chemical prices are rising. Salt-chlorinated swimming pools are self-regulating, which means you don’t have to test the water as often as usual or purchase as many products to maintain it.

For more information, please visit www.haywardnet.com.