Powering Your Pool with Solar: A Smarter Way to Stay Cool in Arizona

Are you considering solar energy for your home in Phoenix? Now is the perfect time to harness the power of the sun and take advantage of significant savings through federal and state tax credits. Our team at Phoenix Valley Solar can help you navigate these incentives and maximize your savings. You can also use our Arizona Solar Calculator to get an estimate of your potential benefits.

In Arizona, a pool isn’t just a luxury — it’s practically a necessity. But as temperatures climb and pool usage increases, so does the electricity needed to keep your water clean, circulated, and cooled.

For many Phoenix homeowners, their pool pump is one of the largest energy consumers in the home, especially during peak summer months when APS and SRP time-of-use rates are at their highest.

The solution? Use solar power to run your pool — and cut those costs dramatically.

Here’s how solar-powered pool systems work, and why they make sense for Arizona homes.

1. How Much Energy Does a Pool Use?

A standard in-ground pool typically requires:

• 1,500 to 3,000 kWh/year for the filtration pump

• More energy if you have heating, cooling, lighting, or water features

• Peak usage during the summer, when grid electricity is most expensive

This can translate to $40–$150/month in utility costs just to run your pool — often higher under APS or SRP time-of-use pricing.

That’s why homeowners are now offsetting this specific load with dedicated solar systems or adding capacity to their home solar setup to handle pool energy use.

2. Three Ways to Power Your Pool with Solar

There are several options depending on your pool setup and goals:

Option 1: Offset Pool Power with Your Home’s Solar System

The most common approach. Your solar panels are sized to match your total household usage, including pool equipment.

Option 2: Install a Dedicated Pool Solar System

A small, independent solar array powers only your pool pump — great for detached pump pads or large backyards.

Option 3: Add Battery Backup to Time Pool Operation Smartly

Store solar energy during the day and run your pool during peak utility hours (late afternoon), reducing the cost of operation under TOU plans.

At Phoenix Valley Solar, we help you choose the setup that best fits your equipment, property layout, and billing plan.

3. Does Solar Work for Pool Heaters?

Yes — but it depends on the type:

• Electric pool heaters can be powered with solar electricity, though they require significant panel capacity.

• Gas heaters can’t run on solar but may be used in tandem with solar for targeted heating.

• Solar thermal pool heaters (not photovoltaic) use the sun’s heat directly but don't generate electricity.

We can evaluate your heating setup and help you choose whether photovoltaic solar, solar thermal, or a hybrid approach is best for your goals and budget.

4. Run Your Pool on Solar Even If You're Not Home

If you're a seasonal resident, snowbird, or simply want a set-it-and-forget-it solution, solar allows your pool to:

• Stay clean year-round

• Run during daylight without increasing grid usage

• Operate on smart timers synced to solar production windows

• Pair with a battery to keep systems running at night or during outages

This is ideal for second homes or vacation properties throughout Phoenix, Mesa, and Scottsdale.

5. Why Solar for Pools Makes Sense in Arizona

• Arizona pools are used for 9–10 months of the year

• Utility rates are highest when your pool usage peaks

• Solar pays for itself faster when offsetting high-consumption loads like pumps and heaters

• You still qualify for the 30% Federal Tax Credit and $1,000 Arizona Solar Tax Credit if the system ties into your home’s meter

Adding solar for your pool is one of the highest-return energy upgrades you can make in Arizona — especially if you're already considering a full-home solar installation.

Why Choose Phoenix Valley Solar?

We specialize in custom solar solutions that match how Arizona homes actually use energy — including:

• Designing around your specific pool pump model and daily run time

• Integrating with pool automation systems

• Coordinating with landscapers or pool remodelers

• Ensuring roof, ground, or shade structure installs don’t interfere with backyard aesthetics

We’re known as the best solar company in Phoenix for designing systems that support smart outdoor living.

Ready to Dive into Solar Savings?

Contact Phoenix Valley Solar today for a free evaluation. We’ll calculate how much of your pool energy usage can be offset with solar — and create a plan that keeps your water clean, cool, and affordable.

Are you considering solar energy for your home in Phoenix? Now is the perfect time to harness the power of the sun and take advantage of significant savings through federal and state tax credits. Our team at Phoenix Valley Solar can help you navigate these incentives and maximize your savings. You can also use our Arizona Solar Calculator to get an estimate of your potential benefits.