Can Smart Pools Save You Money on Energy and Water Bills?

Owning a pool is a dream for many Australian homeowners—but the reality of running costs often comes as a surprise. Between electricity for pumps and heaters, and water usage for refills and cleaning, pools can put a noticeable dent in your household budget. The good news? Advances in smart pool technology are changing that equation.

Smart pools, especially those equipped with automation and eco-friendly systems like mineral sanitation, can significantly reduce your ongoing costs. Whether you’re building a new pool or upgrading an old one, integrating smart controls is a forward-thinking way to keep expenses low while improving performance and convenience. In this article, we explore how a smart pool setup from Cyberpools can help you save money on energy and water bills—and why it’s worth considering a magnesium swimming pool as part of the solution.

Smarter Energy Use Starts with Automation

One of the biggest expenses for pool owners is electricity. Traditional pool systems often rely on outdated, manual timers or constant operation, which leads to energy waste. Smart pool controllers solve this by automating your system and optimising when and how your pool equipment runs.

Rather than running your pump all day, smart controllers can adjust its operation based on real-time data. For instance, they might schedule filtration during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper, or reduce run-time on cooler days when the pool isn’t in use. Some systems even monitor temperature and UV exposure to determine the ideal time to activate sanitisation or heating.

With a smart controller from Cyberpools, you’re not just switching devices on and off—you’re allowing your system to make informed decisions that balance cleanliness, comfort, and efficiency. Over time, this reduces your electricity consumption without compromising water quality.

Variable Speed Pumps: A Game-Changer

Another major contributor to high energy bills is an old single-speed pool pump. These run at full power all the time, regardless of what’s actually needed. In contrast, variable speed pumps, when paired with a smart controller, can adjust their speed and power output based on your pool’s requirements.

This means your pump might run slowly during light filtration periods, then ramp up during vacuum cycles or when heating the pool. The energy savings are significant—many homeowners report a 50–70% reduction in electricity use from switching to a variable-speed pump with automation.

At Cyberpools, we recommend and supply smart-compatible pumps that work seamlessly with our control systems. Together, they deliver optimal performance with the lowest possible energy draw.

Efficient Heating and Temperature Management

Heating your pool can be one of the most energy-intensive aspects of ownership. But with the right technology, it doesn’t have to be. Smart pool systems can manage heaters far more efficiently by learning your usage patterns, monitoring weather conditions, and adjusting settings automatically.

Rather than running your heater all day to keep the water warm "just in case," a smart controller can activate it a few hours before your usual swim time. Some systems can even work in sync with solar heating, drawing from clean energy during sunny periods to minimise reliance on grid power.

A magnesium swimming pool makes this even easier. Magnesium water holds heat more effectively than standard chlorinated water, meaning you can achieve the same warmth with less energy. This thermal efficiency is just one of the many magnesium pool benefits that can reduce operational costs over the long term.

Water Savings Through Automation and Mineral Systems

Water usage is another area where smart pools can make a big impact. Evaporation, splash-out, and backwashing can all contribute to a surprisingly high water bill. However, automated systems can detect water levels and top up only when necessary, preventing overfilling or waste.

Smart filtration systems can also reduce the frequency of backwashing by improving circulation and sanitisation efficiency. Less backwashing means less wasted water—and fewer chemicals going down the drain.

Mineral pools, particularly magnesium-based ones, complement this perfectly. A magnesium swimming pool tends to stay cleaner longer, thanks to the natural flocculating properties of magnesium. This helps remove fine particles from the water, reducing the need for constant filtration and manual cleaning. As a result, you use less water, fewer chemicals, and less energy—all of which contribute to lower utility bills.

Lower Chemical Use Equals Lower Costs

Traditional chlorine pools require constant chemical balancing, shocking, and monitoring. This not only takes time but also racks up costs for chlorine, stabilisers, pH balancers, and other treatments. Smart pool systems streamline this by integrating sensors that monitor chemical levels and adjust dosing automatically.

When combined with a magnesium mineral sanitation system, chemical usage drops even further. One of the key magnesium pool benefits is its ability to naturally sanitise the water while being gentle on the skin, eyes, and hair. Fewer harsh chemicals mean reduced spending—and a healthier swim environment for your family.

Plus, magnesium pools are known for their therapeutic properties. They can relieve muscle tension, support skin hydration, and provide a more luxurious swimming experience—all without the expense and maintenance burden of traditional chlorine-based systems.

Long-Term Equipment Protection

Another often-overlooked benefit of smart pool systems is the way they extend the life of your equipment. Overrunning pumps, frequent heater cycles, and chemical imbalances can lead to early wear and tear. Smart automation prevents this by optimising usage and keeping systems running only when necessary.

A magnesium swimming pool is also gentler on surfaces and components than standard chlorine setups. Less corrosion and scale buildup means fewer repairs, longer equipment life, and lower replacement costs over time.

When your pool is managed by a smart system from Cyberpools, the savings extend well beyond the next utility bill—they affect the total cost of ownership for years to come.

A Smarter Pool for a Smarter Home

Modern Australian homes are embracing smart technology, from lighting and security to air conditioning and appliances. Pool systems should be no different. By upgrading to a smart pool controller and pairing it with a magnesium mineral system, you’re making a sustainable investment in your home’s comfort, efficiency, and value.

The combination of real-time control, automation, and reduced reliance on chemicals and energy-intensive equipment can translate into hundreds—if not thousands—of dollars in annual savings. Plus, the comfort and wellness benefits of a magnesium swimming pool make the investment worthwhile, even before you tally the cost savings.

Smart pools are more than a luxury—they’re a practical solution to rising energy and water costs. With technology that adapts to your needs, optimises every cycle, and integrates seamlessly with mineral water systems, you can enjoy a sparkling pool that’s easier on your wallet and your schedule.

At Cyberpools, we specialise in creating intelligent, sustainable pool systems tailored for Australian homes. Whether you’re looking to cut costs, improve comfort, or reduce your environmental footprint, a smart magnesium pool setup offers the best of all worlds.