A variable speed pool pump has many advantages over older-style single or dual speed pool pumps. The main advantage is the 80% reduction in power consumption resulting in cheaper electricity bills. Variable speed pool pumps are also much quieter than single speed motors making your backyard a tranquil paradise.
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What is a Single Speed Pool Pump?
A single speed pool pump only operates at one set speed which is typically about 3500 rpm. This fixed power output is not ideal for every filtration application. Sometimes the motor is straining to keep up with the workload, other times the motor is over-revving with a light workload. As a result, these motors are not energy efficient.
What is a Dual Speed Pool Pump?
Dual speed pool pumps allow you to choose between low or high speed operations. Normally, the motor is set to low speed operation for regular filtering. When you require more power for heavy workloads, like vacuuming, switch to high speed operation. As a result, these pumps are more energy efficient than a single speed pool pump.
What is a Variable Speed Pool Pump?
A variable speed pool pump is designed to operate at varying rates of power output to match the filtration workload requirement and therefore saves electricity. These pumps use the latest electric motor technology – brushless, magnetic, direct current motors. That is similar to the motors in electric cars.
This new pump technology saves up to 80% electrical power usage with a domestic pool filtration system. The payback period for switching to a variable speed pool pump is about two years. That is, it will pay for itself in electricity savings over the next two years.
Note: Manufacturers will be no longer producing single speed pool pumps as they don’t comply with new energy efficiency regulations.
Advantages of a Variable Speed Pool Pump
- Latest electric motor technology.
- Reduce electrical power requirements to operate a pool filtration system.
- Operate the filter for a longer period each day with less power consumption.
- The motor varies power output to match filtration requirement.
- Programmable time and power settings.
- The pump uses a brushless, magnetic, direct current motor.
- Variable speed motors are a lot quieter than single speed motors.
Please read our article on How many hours to run the pool pump
Disadvantages of a Variable Speed Pool Pump
The only disadvantage is that these pumps are more expensive to purchase than single or dual speed pumps. However, the implementation is exactly the same as old-style pumps so they don’t cost anymore to install. As these pumps use much less energy the pump will pay for itself within the first 2 years of operation.
Can an Above Ground Pool Use a Variable Speed Pump?
Yes. There is no reason why you cannot use the new technology with your above ground pool. Purchase a pump that matches your size pool and desired flow rate.
Programmable Variable Speed Pool Pumps
Many variable speed pool pumps allow user programming to set the power level and time period of operation. The pump will automatically perform at the right speed at the right time to get the job done. This helps save even more electricity and keeps the pump quieter.
Variable Speed Pool Pump Law
Many countries around the world continue to introduce new legal requirements to implement new technologies that increase energy efficiency while lowering carbon emissions. Many of these new regulations impact property owners with swimming pools.
In the United States of America, a new law has been passed to require that all new and replacement inground swimming pool filtration pumps are variable speed pumps. The US Department of Energy has regulated this requirement for after July 2021.
Do I Have to Replace My Filter Pump?
No. You do not need to buy a new pump motor. If the existing pump motor fails or you want to upgrade your filtration system you will need to purchase a variable speed pool pump motor. After July 2021, businesses will only sell variable speed pumps so you won’t have the option to install a single speed motor.
What are the Exemptions or Exceptions to the Pool Pump Law?
The law does not apply to:
- Waterfall pumps
- Booster pumps for pressure pool cleaners
- Above ground pool pumps
- Pumps less than 1 THP (Total Horse Power)
- Pumps greater than 5 THP
- Integrated pumps on portable or inflatable pools
How to Install a Variable Speed Pool Pump
A variable speed pump looks similar and is installed in exactly the same way to a traditional single speed pump. The inlet and outlet plumbing is the same as other pool pumps. There are side or top mount pumps so select the one that makes it easiest to connect to your filter.
The pump will plug into a standard 115V or 230V power outlet.
Steps to install a variable speed pump:
- Disconnect the power supply to the old pump. Either unplug the unit or remove the fixed wiring from the back of the motor.
- Remove the old pump by cutting the plumbing pipes or removing the joins in the pipes.
- Install the new pump. Either hardwire the motor or plug the power cord into the power outlet.
- Reconnect the plumbing with pipe connectors.
Conclusion
During our lives we have seen lots of changes in technology. Variable speed pool pumps is another technology advancement that enhances our lives. These pumps are quieter, improve the filtration of pool water and reduce power consumption. Good water circulation and filtering is the key to a sparkling clean pool. You can run your filter for a longer period of time each day at a lower speed and still save power.