Tech Thursday: How to Save Time & Money by Switching to a Variable Speed Pool Pump

Jul 09, 2020

The Ins & Outs of Variable Speed Pool Pumps

Welcome to another edition of Tech Thursday from the professionals here at ePoolSupply. Today we'll be breaking down Variable Speed Pool Pumps and explaining not only how they work, but also how they can shave a few dollars off your energy bill. Let's dive in!

What is a Variable Speed Pool Pump?

A Variable Speed Pool Pump such as the Pentair Superflo allows you to set a desired RPM speed setting; either full-bore, turtle-slow, and anywhere in between. You can also program your respective start/stop times accordingly which can help improve your filtration rate, chemical and heat circulation, and also save you money!

How does it work?

A Variable Speed Pump can help improve your filtration & circulation based on a few key factors. Climate, water chemistry, pump horsepower, and overall pool usage come heavily into play. Chlorine has a tendency to evaporate quickly when exposed to warmer climates. The evaporation is even worse when the water is still. This poses an issue because most people leave their pool off during the hotter parts of the day. Running the pump at lower speeds during the day as well as when the pool is in use will greatly improve chemical circulation while allowing the filter more time to catch dirt and debris.

How does it save?

Simply swapping over to a Variable Speed Pool Pump from a Single Speed Pump is not enough to actually save you money. You have to be sure you are running the pump efficiently as well. The savings stem from cutting the speed down and extending the run time. You don't necessarily have to run the pump at full speed to keep the pool clean, you simply have to ensure that you are running it enough to turn the water over. Some in-floor cleaning systems and pool vacuums may require a faster pump speed in order to operate efficiently, but typically the required run time for those systems is anywhere from three to five hours which leaves you the rest of the day for your filtration program. It may take some trial and error to find the optimal schedule for your system but once you get that dialed in you should expect to see about 80% energy savings on average compared to a single-speed pump. Depending on your state energy laws, you may also be eligible for energy rebates through your energy provider. Click HERE for more information.

If you have any questions regarding Variable Speed Pool Pumps don't hesitate to contact us directly. Our team of industry professionals is here to assist you! Give us a call or email us directly.