California has updated how residential pools use energy. Two big shifts matter most: (1) new pool controls with a daytime default schedule and connectivity, and (2) cleaner primary pool and spa heating options for new heaters. Below is a clear, up-to-date guide to what changed, when it applies, and how it affects homeowners, contractors, and service firms.

What changed for pool controls (not the pump itself)?

The California Energy Commission (CEC) adopted Flexible Demand Appliance Standards (FDAS) for pool controls, the devices that set schedules and run connected equipment. These standards apply to new pool controls manufactured on or after September 29, 2025 for sale or use in California.

Default daytime schedule: New compliant pool controls must ship with a default schedule that starts no earlier than 9 a.m. and ends no later than 3 p.m. They must also avoid running the filter pump, booster pump, or electric pool heater during peak hours of 4–9 p.m. by default. Owners can still adjust their schedule later.
Connectivity & open standards: In-scope pool controls must be “connected devices” that communicate via open standards and support basic demand-flexibility features with the customer’s consent (e.g., schedule, shift, or curtail).
Scope details: Certain controls are out of scope (e.g., some high-horsepower-only controls, safety interlocks, or controls integral to a single pump/motor that can only control that one unit).

Why this matters: The default schedule lines up with hours when California’s grid has more solar and cleaner electricity. For homeowners, that typically means running the pump when power is cheaper and cleaner, with the option to change the schedule if needed.

What changed for pool & spa heating?

California’s 2025 Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24, Part 6) take effect for permits filed on or after January 1, 2026. For pools and spas, the CEC’s official summary clarifies new requirements for the primary heater:

Primary heater options: The primary pool/spa heater must be a heat pump, solar, or a system that uses at least 60% renewable or recovered energy.
Electric/gas details: The change effectively ends “gas-first” as the default primary heat source for new pool/spa heating installations covered by the code starting in 2026.
Controls for heat-pump heaters: New control logic is required to prevent supplementary heat from running when the heat pump alone can meet the load.
Covers: Outdoor pools/spas with heating equipment must have covers (continuing and clarified in the 2025 code text).

Why this matters: For owners adding a heater for the first time (or building a new heated pool/spa), your primary heating plan now points to heat pumps or solar (or qualifying renewable/recovered-energy systems). Builders should plan electrical capacity, pad space, and plumbing for these technologies.

Quick timeline

Change	Who’s affected	Key date	What it means in practice
FDAS for pool controls (Title 20)	Manufacturers, distributors, installers, owners	Applies to controls manufactured on/after Sept 29, 2025	New controls must ship as connected devices with a default 9 a.m.–3 p.m. schedule and avoid 4–9 p.m. peaks by default; owners can change settings later.
Primary pool/spa heating under 2025 Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6)	Owners, pool builders, designers, code officials	Permits filed Jan 1, 2026+	Primary heater must be heat pump, solar, or ≥60% renewable/recovered energy. Covers required for heated outdoor pools/spas.

What this means for homeowners

Lower operating costs: Daytime filtration often coincides with lower mid-day rates and cleaner power. Many utilities offer time-of-use plans, the default schedule aligns with these. You can still tailor runtimes for water quality and your utility plan.

Cleaner, quieter heating: Heat-pump pool heaters are efficient and quiet compared with gas. They work best with a cover and realistic temperature setpoints. Solar thermal can offset or serve as your primary heat, especially in sunnier regions.

Plan for electrical needs: If you’re adding a heat pump heater in 2026 or later, ask your contractor to evaluate panel capacity, breakers, and run lengths early. It’s often cheaper to plan this during new construction or major equipment upgrades.

You’re still in control: The standards set defaults. You can adjust schedules, opt in/out of demand-response features, and choose the mix of heating technologies that fits your budget and comfort.

What this means for builders & service firms

Specify compliant controls: From late 2025 forward, ensure controls you purchase/install are FDAS-compliant and listed in the CEC database.
Design for heat pumps/solar: For 2026 permits and beyond, baseline designs should assume heat pump or solar thermal primary heating.
Covers and hydraulics: Confirm cover specs and hydraulic design that supports efficient filtration at lower flow rates.
Customer education: Show owners how to use the control app, adjust the schedule, and keep the cover on when not swimming.

Common questions (answered plainly)

Do all pumps have to be online?

No, the controls are the focus. The standard applies to pool controls within scope. Controls integral to only a single pump, certain safety interlocks, or specific high-horsepower applications may be out of scope.

Can I change the default 9 a.m.–3 p.m. schedule?

Yes. It’s a default. Owners can modify schedules to support water quality, noise considerations, or specific rate plans.

Is gas completely banned for pools?

No. The 2025 Energy Code sets the primary pool/spa heater to be a heat pump, solar, or a system using at least 60% renewable or recovered energy. Gas may still appear as a secondary or backup heat source, depending on design and code pathways.

Will I need a bigger electric panel?

Maybe. Heat-pump pool heaters draw significant current. A site visit can confirm feeder sizes, breaker capacity, and run distances. Consider overall electrical plans if you’re also adding EV charging or induction cooking.

What about existing pools?

Existing pools can continue operating. The new standards apply to new pool controls manufactured after September 29, 2025, and to new construction or major remodels permitted after January 1, 2026.

Practical upgrade tips

Filter smarter: Consider longer but slower filtration runs using a variable-speed pump.
Use a cover consistently: Covers reduce evaporation and heat loss, the cheapest “heater” you can buy.
Bundle projects: Combine electrical upgrades for pool heating with other electrification projects.
Document settings: Save your control settings for household members and service techs.

At-a-glance: owners vs. builders

Audience	Top actions	Expected benefits	Watch-outs
Homeowners	Install compliant controls; keep or adjust default daytime schedule; choose heat pump/solar for new heating; use a cover.	Lower bills on time-of-use rates; cleaner energy; quieter heat; better water clarity.	Possible electrical upgrades; heat-pump heating depends on outdoor temperature.
Builders/Service Firms	Specify FDAS-compliant controls; design for heat pumps/solar; verify covers; coordinate electrical plans.	Smoother inspections; fewer callbacks; improved customer satisfaction.	Equipment lead times; confirm open-standard connectivity and proper consent/labels.

Where this fits in California’s climate goals

These pool changes support California’s push toward carbon neutrality by 2045. While the statewide goal was set by Executive Order B-55-18, today’s practical steps appear in the appliance standards (Title 20) and building code (Title 24). Smart controls and cleaner heating move the state closer to a reliable, lower-emission energy future that pool owners directly influence.

California’s Quest for Energy Efficient Swimming Pools