California Aiming For Energy Efficient Pools by 2025

As California makes the shift away from reliance on gas-powered technology, state officials have begun actively addressing challenges posed to the electrical grid. A recent decision by the California Energy Commission focuses on the systems and equipment powering swimming pools.

New California Pool Equipment Laws Take Effect in 2025

Effective September 2025, all new pool equipment sold in California must be equipped with controls that optimize energy usage during non-peak hours.

Andrew McAllister, the lead commissioner for appliance standards, stated that, for Californians, swimming pools represent the largest energy consumer and cost in the residential sector. Managing the demand from these pools, according to McAllister, contributes significantly to the reliability of the grid.

Justin Wiley, Vice President of Government Relations for the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, emphasized California’s status as one of the leading states in terms of the number of swimming pools. He noted that California currently boasts over 1.3 million in-ground pools, with an annual addition of over 15,000 new pools.

Wiley characterized the new standard as a “positive step in helping save consumers money and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.” This regulation aligns with California’s broader objective of making up to 7,000 megawatts of electricity available through energy-efficient technologies. To provide context, one megawatt can power approximately 750 homes simultaneously, according to California ISO.

McAllister pointed out that technologies adapting energy usage to non-peak times not only contribute to demand management but also ensure cleaner energy sources. Given the absence of a federal standard for flexible-demand technologies, California sees an opportunity for innovation in this area.

McAllister explained that by utilizing energy during cheaper and more convenient times, California can optimize its use of intermittent but cleaner sources like solar and wind. The state aims to continue adopting flexible demand technologies across various sectors to enhance the overall reliability of the grid.

Highlighting the significance of clean electricity in achieving a zero-carbon future, McAllister emphasized the need for adapting to new electric loads that were historically non-electric.

Wiley acknowledged that California is the first state the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance has collaborated with on a standard of this nature. He anticipates other states will look to California as a blueprint for implementing similar measures, observing the process and outcomes closely.