Pool pumps are an essential part of most swimming pools. From distributing the water and filtering it to heating it, they have many tasks to perform in order to keep the pool healthy and clean. But just because they’re so important doesn’t mean that you should settle for just any old pump, either. Variable speed pool pumps, also known as variable speed drives or VSDs, give you more control over your pump so that you can get the exact performance you need out of it at any given time.
You may be wondering why you should spend extra money on a variable speed pool pump. Perhaps you’re concerned that it’s too complicated to use, or that it will be difficult to set up and install? In this blog post, we’ll examine whether or not variable speed pool pumps are the right choice for your pool. Then, at the end of the article, we’ll show you how to install one of these energy-efficient pumps and answer any questions you may have along the way.
If you’re new to having a swimming pool, you may be wondering if variable speed pool pumps are really worth the extra cost over their less expensive counterparts. The answer to that question will depend on your circumstances, but in many cases, the answer is yes. Here’s why…
Saving Money with Variable Speed Pool Pumps
Most pool owners think they need a variable speed pump for their pools. I’m here to tell you that is not necessarily true. So, when do you actually need a variable speed pump? That depends on three things: (1) your pool; (2) your energy costs; and (3) whether or not you want to be green. Let’s look at each of these points in more detail. The first thing you have to consider is what type of pool you have. For most residential in-ground pools, standard motor pumps are perfectly sufficient because there isn’t much variation in flow rates from day to day…or even hour to hour.
The highest demand for water happens first thing in the morning when kids wake up and start taking showers, brushing teeth, and getting ready for school or camp. In fact, if it takes about 60 minutes between turning on your variable speed pump before turning it off again (during peak hours), then really only 1/12th of your total daily use takes place during those 10 hours—so why spend so much money on an electric bill trying to compensate by overcompensating with a higher-powered tool? Next, we turn our attention towards cost savings.
Though electrical prices vary dramatically from state to state, average utility rates run about 12 cents per kilowatt-hour for residential service. This means using our example above, you would likely save $5 every month just by switching to a less powerful pump ($0.60 *12 = $7). And lastly, we arrive at environmental concerns.
One of the reasons everyone loves swimming pools is because they provide us with a great way to cool down while enjoying nature in our backyards – but unfortunately, one consequence of having all that chlorinated water flowing through our pipes 24/7 is electricity wastefully chugging along endlessly with no end in sight — unless you install a variable speed pump! A typical variable speed pump uses about 50% as much power as a comparable single-speed model.
Read More: Best Speed Pool Pumps
Getting the Most Out of Variable Speed Pool Pumps
If you live in a hot climate, you probably use your pool year-round. And if that’s true, then it’s safe to say that you know how important it is to keep your pool clean and hygienic. But if you have a variable speed pump, using chlorination chemicals can actually have negative effects on your equipment—and not just from a cleanliness standpoint!
If you’re unsure about which type of pump is best for your swimming pool – or which type will cost less over time – here are some things to keep in mind: A variable speed pump uses sensors and programming logic to control its power output according to changes in pressure or flow. In short, they’re designed to maximize efficiency while minimizing energy consumption.
If you invest in a variable speed pool pump, expect monthly savings as high as 30% compared with older versions with fixed speeds . . . but also be aware that fixed pumps may be cheaper upfront than their variable counterparts. Beyond choosing between fixed and variable pumps, there are other things you should consider when shopping around; for example Motor Quality vs Horsepower Rating – Underrated motors tend to wear out quickly and become less efficient over time because they aren’t working at full capacity.
How to Choose the Right Pool Pump
A variable speed pool pump is a great way to save money on your energy bill. If you already have a standard, single-speed pool pump, it’s worth considering replacing it with a variable speed model. However, these are often significantly more expensive than their standard counterparts, so you’ll need to do some math to see if they’re right for you. To help make that decision easier, let’s look at three key factors when choosing a pool pump: Energy consumption (kWh/yr), the efficiency of operation, and investment payback period.
The reason I chose to compare a 1/2HP to 3/4HP is that they use approximately the same amount of power per hour of run time. Both motors can be found in most areas around $400 each, however; many variable speed pumps can cost upwards of $2000+ each. This leads us to our next factor…
Reviewing Warranty & Total Lifetime Cost: For sake of argument, we’ll be generous here – assuming you run either motor 24 hours per day 7 days per week for 5 years – that puts both motors just under 2150 hours used over 5 years.
Maintenance with Swimming Pool Pumps
Swimming pool pumps come in various different varieties, but they all serve a similar purpose. They remove water from your swimming pool and return it to circulation. Most of them are single-speed or two-speed pumps that run at one speed no matter what. There’s not much variability with how quickly or slowly they move water; as long as you set up a filter system, it just keeps moving as fast as it can until your filter clogs, and then you need to clean it.
That’s why there are swimming variable-speed pool pumps on the market: to give you more control over how water moves through your filtration system. But do you really need one? Well…maybe. It depends on a few factors—some related to your pump and some related to your specific situation. If I could ask you some questions about your setup right now, I’d be able to give you a pretty definitive answer! Sound good? Okay…just leave me a comment below! 🙂 #swimmingpoolpumpvariablespeed #poolpumpvariable speedswimmingpoolpumpsguide
Why Your Swimming Pool Needs a Variable Speed Pump?
Swimming pools require a lot of energy to maintain. While most of that cost is associated with keeping chemicals balanced, heating, and filtering water, running large pumps can also be a big expense. In fact, according to Energy Star, one in three homes with private pools has an inefficient pump that wastes at least 10% of its energy use.
Even worse, many pool owners don’t realize they have bad pumps and do nothing about it. Fortunately, upgrading your pool’s equipment can pay for itself within a few years while helping you save money on utility bills every month. But not all swimming-pool equipment is created equal—and installing an efficient system might not be as simple as choosing any old pump. Here are some questions you should ask yourself when shopping for new swimming-pool equipment:
What kinds of pumps should I look for? Look for variable speed or variable frequency (VF) types if you want to minimize your costs.
Best Practices When Choosing an In-Ground Pool Pump
If you’re looking to buy an in-ground pool pump, there are many factors to consider including noise level, water volume, and flow rate as well as whether it is an energy-efficient motor. This can be overwhelming if you don’t know what questions to ask or where to start your research. The following information will help you make a more informed decision when choosing a new pool pump for your swimming pool so that you can rest easy knowing that your home is filled with crystal clear water all summer long. Best Practices When Choosing a Pump for Your In-Ground Swimming Pool:
- Determining Your Water Volume and Flow Rate: The first step in choosing an in-ground swimming pool pump is determining how much water volume and flow rate will be needed throughout each day. What does this mean? Basically, how much water must pass through your filter on a daily basis. An average residential above-ground pool needs around 500 GPM flow during peak use hours but that can go up depending on how large your swimming pool is and who may be using it. A great way to determine water volume and flow rate is by using EcowaterOnline’s handy Pool Size Calculator
- Understanding Amperage (A): Not only do you need to have enough pressure running through your pipes, but also have enough current flowing through them to keep up with demand—this means amps are just as important as GPM! Knowing amperage ensures you have a proper understanding of the power required which ultimately determines horsepower requirements.
The most common mistake made when selecting motors for systems is not paying attention to amperage draw of pumps or mismatching motors and pumps; essentially buying too small of a motor thinking it will run longer because of less power consumption. Electrical Information Buying Guide - Comparing Horsepower & Phase: Horsepower refers to how much work a pump can perform while phase refers to which wires carry electricity at any given time…and both should be considered before purchasing an in-ground pool pump motor. For example, if one phase is lost then your pump will shut down until everything comes back online. There are three main types of phases but single-phase motors tend to be preferred over other options due to their ability to withstand greater surges without tripping offline as other models might; they’re simply better designed. Combination Motor Data
- Consider Life Expectancy: It’s also very important to remember that these devices have an expected life span as most modern pool pumps last anywhere from 10-20 years before they reach the end of life. Having a finite number of years in mind allows you to look at different options knowing there isn’t too much risk involved since it’s almost guaranteed that whatever choice you make won’t live long enough to cause problems down the road anyways. Submersible Pool Pump Comparisons
- Planning for Maintenance: The final question to answer is how often you expect your swimming pool pump to require maintenance, as some are built with easier access than others. Inspection and regular cleaning can help ensure optimal performance and prevent costly replacements down the road. Covered motor designs are generally easier to service but overall it’s important to have a good feel for how often you plan on servicing your motor either way.
Every pool pump manufacturer will recommend service every three months or after 20 cycles of operation, but that’s not always practical in reality. As a general rule of thumb, pool pumps with ball bearings and brushes will require service less often as they are not subject to wear and tear as much as other designs.
All in all, it’s important to have realistic expectations when purchasing an in-ground swimming pool pump motor; make sure you have a firm grasp on how much water is being used and for how long per day, then select a pump that meets those criteria.
Floating Fountains and Water Features – Basics on Types, Maintenance, and Variables
Floating fountains and water features are wonderful additions to your pool or patio area. Water is soothing, refreshing and can add a visual appeal to any landscape setting. There are many different types of floating fountains available for you to choose from. The type of floating fountain you choose will depend on your outdoor decorating needs as well as how much power your water pump has to handle pumping through these intricate water features.
Your floating fountain will be easier to maintain if it is either an atypical shape or made out of durable material that won’t dissolve in contact with pool chemicals and saltwater, such as resin or concrete. Floating fountains are installed in one of two ways, either above ground or submerged beneath the water.
Intex Variable Speed Pool Pump
An excellent value for its price, and a good option for pool owners on a budget. It’s quiet (especially compared to some other variable speed pumps), easy to install, and offers solid results. It also comes with a 2-year warranty. While you could go cheaper, consider whether or not saving $10 is worth it if you end up having to buy another one in six months or a year. However, Intex is reliable so if you are on a budget then go ahead and give it a try!
If you want even more power than what your typical variable speed pump can offer then check out our review of powerful high-output above-ground pool pumps.
Do variable speed pool pumps really save money?
If you’re in an area that has constant hot weather, then a variable speed pool pump can save you up to 20% on your energy costs. But if your area gets hot weather for only part of a year, or rarely experiences any high temperatures at all, then there is no point in paying extra for something that may not do what you need it to do. To find out if variable speed pool pumps are worth it for you, we recommend contacting one of our experienced swimming pool and water experts. This way, they can tell you exactly what kind of temperature control equipment will best suit your home.
