Big data analysis of swimming pools' impact on household electric intensity in San Antonio, Texas

Abstract

This study advances efforts to achieve residential energy efficiency in order to promote overall energy conservation and a more sustainable future. The study specifically examines the relationship between residential swimming pools and overall electric household energy consumption. Electric energy intensity figures were calculated from an analysis of 2010 monthly billing utility data for approximately 350,012 single-family homes in San Antonio, Texas. In this analysis, a positive correlation was found between swimming pool presence and overall household energy consumption. On average, San Antonio homes with pools used over 40% more energy than homes without pools. This finding is within range of similar industry reports. This trend is broadly applicable across social and geographical regions. Consequently, it is argued that the presence of pools serves as a reliable indicator of other household structural, demographic, and behavioural features associated with higher energy consumption. Together, these findings offer important insights into ways to improve residential energy efficiency for the future, why it is important to do so, and how big data analysis can continue to be used to facilitate the achievement of this goal.