Variable Speed Pool Pumps And The Savings They Offer

Though they may have a higher price tag, many swimming pool owners quickly come to find that by offering great energy savings, variable speed pool pumps are well worth the investment.

First and foremost, they help you save a significant amount of money on your electricity bills. By running the pump at lower speeds for longer periods, these newer models consume less energy than their single-speed predecessors, resulting in energy savings of 82.5% or more^*. This means that your investment can be paid back within a couple of years, with additional savings throughout the lifespan of the pump.

Furthermore, variable speed pumps offer other valuable benefits such as quieter operation, improved water clarity, and lower environmental impact. These pumps offer a more energy-efficient and cost-effective pool system that will save you money in the long run.

Variable Speed Pool Pump Savings: Frequently Asked Questions

The Advantages of Variable Speed Pool Pumps: Energy Efficiency, Cost Savings, and More!

Pool pump energy consumption is an important consideration for swimming pool owners looking to save money on energy costs. Because of how much a pool costs per month in electricity, efficient units help you save money on utility bills. Variable units also come with a host of other benefits. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and with a longer lifespan, they are better for the environment and will reduce your carbon footprint. Also, while conventional single speed pumps can be loud and disruptive, newer variable speed pump models offer dramatically quieter operation, making them more appealing for quality of life.

Variable pumps offer energy savings by, as their name says, running at various speeds throughout the day. Since pump energy efficiency improves significantly as its motor speed runs at lower and lower levels, these units can save 82.5% or more in terms of energy consumption while providing the same or better amount of pool circulation and filtration.

Overall, pool pump energy savings are an important consideration for any pool owner looking to save money, reduce their carbon footprint, and have an overall better running unit.

Comparing Single Speed Pumps

There is a stark contrast between single speed, the oldest technology, and variable speed pool pumps, with savings on energy costs, big differences in how many watts the pool pump uses, their overall energy-efficiency, convenience, and noise levels.

Single speed pool pumps operate at a constant speed, which is typically very high, resulting in high pool pump energy consumption and bothersome noise levels. While they are generally less expensive upfront, their higher energy consumption results in costly energy bills over time. For variable units, their energy efficiency means they pay for themselves over time, generally within just 1-2 years.

Variable speed models, on the other hand, are designed to operate at a range of speeds, depending on the needs of the pool, making them more customizable for different swimming pool types and sizes. Additionally, they are much quieter, which can be a significant benefit for your quality of life.

Overall, with energy efficiency, quiet operation, and long-term cost savings, variable speed pumps are the best choice for a new or upgraded pool system. And if your pool pump isn’t functioning or is on its way out, a variable speed unit is the clear winner when looking for a replacement.

Comparing Dual Speed Pumps

Dual speed pool pumps, also known as two-speed, debuted in the 1970s as an incremental improvement over traditional pool pump technology. As their name states, these units operate at two different speeds: high and low. High typically operates at 3,250 rpm, and low is half that at 1,725 rpm.

One advantage of dual speed pumps is their lower initial cost compared to variable speed models. However, dual speed pumps require someone to purchase and install an additional piece of equipment, such as a timer or relay, to automatically activate the pump’s low-speed mode and ensure they operate at the most energy-efficient speed for the majority of the day. This can add additional costs to the initial purchase price, and the only alternative is manually switching from high and low speed operations based on time and need.

In contrast, variable speed units have the functionality to run at various speeds, depending on the desired flow rate. Despite a higher price tag, a variable speed pump will give you the biggest bang for your buck. Since they run with more than just two settings and are scheduled to operate at varying speeds automatically, they can lead to 40-50% energy savings, quickly making up for their higher initial cost. However, it is important that you choose a variable pump that is appropriately sized for your pool because if the lower speed is not able to create ample turnovers, then the higher speed will kick in, impacting energy efficiency. Finally, even though dual speed units may be quieter than single speed, variable speed models are even quieter overall, and they are longer-lasting as well.

For most pool owners, upgrading to a dual speed model with 1970s technology does not make the most sense, especially when you consider the superior, newer variable pumps. In terms of pool pump energy consumption, variable speed pool pumps really do save you money, and will improve your overall swimming experience.

Find Out How Much You’ll Save with a Pool Pump Kilowatt Hour (kwH) Calculator

If you're looking to save money on your swimming pool pumps’ energy consumption, a variable speed model is a smart investment. According to experts, switching to a variable speed pool pump can save pool owners hundreds, if not thousands of dollars per year. For an average-sized swimming pool of about 16,000 gallons, owners can expect to save about $50 to $60 per month on their energy bill, and those with larger swimming pools could be looking at well over $100 per month in pump energy savings.

If you’re interested in finding out more, there’s a simple way to calculate your potential pump energy cost savings. Use Energy Star’s pool pump kilowatt hour (kWh) calculator and input your local energy rates, pool size, and estimated pump usage and you’ll see exactly how much you can save both annually and throughout the lifespan of your unit.

Is A Variable Speed Pool Pump Worth It? Yes, Indeed!

When you consider all the components that go into efficiency and savings, variable speed pumps really do save money. While the initial cost of a variable speed unit may be higher than a single-speed or dual-speed pump, the long-term savings on energy bills make it a wise investment for any swimming pool owner. If you might need to replace your pump in the near-term future, take a long-term point of view and consider the lifetime pump energy savings you’ll get as a result of choosing a variable speed pump.

By running a variable unit at lower speeds, pool owners will reduce their pool pump’s energy consumption and save money on their monthly electricity bills, while still getting the same, or even better pool filtration and circulation. The use of a pool pump kWh calculator can help determine just how much money can be saved, and the results are often significant. Additionally, by using an efficient pump, pool owners can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment.

Overall, the benefits of variable speed pumps far outweigh any initial costs, and pool owners who switch to this energy-efficient option can enjoy long-term savings and a more sustainable swimming pool operation. There’s no question about it - if it’s time for new or upgraded pool equipment, variable speed pumps are worth it!