How to Save Money with a Variable Speed Pump

Single speed pool pumps are the most common type of pool pump around the world, but does that mean they are necessarily the best option? Well, they are certainly reliable but if you want to save on your energy bills and get even better performance from your pool pump you should consider a variable speed pump.

Single speed versus variable speed

Single speed pumps are essentially running at 100% capacity all the time, even when it isn’t necessary. They need to work like this in order to ensure that they can perform even the toughest tasks, but the fact of the matter is that you don’t need a pump operating at full capacity all the time. Using a single speed pump is like installing a V8 engine on a Vespa. You simply don’t need that much power all of the time!

Single speed pool pumps can be the single largest energy consumer in your pool system, and even your entire household. No one said that owning a pool was inexpensive, but you should still aim to get the maximum value for your money. Switching out that old energy-guzzling single speed pump for a more efficient model is the right move for your wallet, and the environment.

Variable speed pumps can be as much as 90% more efficient than single speed options. Over time this adds up to big savings, but as is the case with most technology they do come with a larger initial price tag. Fortunately, with variable pumps this initial price tag is an investment that will pay off in the long run.

Advantages of variable speed pumps include:

• More efficient
• Less costly to run
• Much quieter than single speed options
• More reliable
• More efficient pool filtration
• Reduce wear and tear on pool plumbing and fixtures

Slower is better

In the 21st century we want faster everything: faster cars, faster public transit, faster Internet, faster smart phones. However, when it comes to pool pumps, faster is not better. Taking it slow is the way to go.

Slower pumps reduce water friction, increasing efficiency and allowing them to use less power to operate. Slower water flow and less friction will also increase the lifespan of not just your pump, but also your filtration system, pool plumbing, and heating. Think about how a fast flowing river erodes the banks quicker than a meandering stream – the same principle applies to your pool plumbing.

Single speed pumps are built to be versatile in that they need to be able to meet the needs of people with pools that may be larger than yours, or include water features. To meet these demands they are built to be powerful enough to handle anything, like a drag racer, but if you want the performance and finesse of a Ferrari (or better yet, a Tesla!) then variable speed pumps are ideal.

Different types of pumps

Variable speed pumps come in a range of different models. Some higher end versions have customized software designed to automatically dictate their output based on sensors. Others tailor their power usage and outflow to match programmable tasks, or operate on a timer basis. Many models allow the pool owner to select the exact flow rate that they want in order to maximize efficiency, without sacrificing performance.

Variable speed pumps achieve this remarkable level of performance and reliability by utilizing permanent magnet motors, similar to those used in electric vehicles. Single speed pumps, on the other hand rely on induction motors.

The Pump Affinity Law

You might be thinking that using less electricity would reduce the pump power, and thus increase the length of time that the pump needs to be run for, and you’d be right. Using half the power means that you will have to run the pump twice as long. However, running at full blast actually uses more than double the amount of electricity when a pump is run at half-power. So even though you’ll have to run the pump twice as long, it will use less than half of the power. This principle is called the Pump Affinity Law, which describes the relationship between different variables in pump performance.

Installing a variable speed pool pump

Despite the high-tech science behind its efficiency, installing a variable speed pool pump is no more complicated than installing any other pool pump. It takes just five easy steps to install your new hyper-efficient variable speed pool pump. Be warned, you will have to do some minor wiring, so you may need to give your electrician a call to perform some of these steps:

1. Check the voltage

Before starting make sure that you have the right power hookup. If you aren’t certain then you can check your timeclock label, or measure the voltage with an AC volt meter.

2. Cut out the old pump

Cut the power to your plumbing system at the fuse box to prevent anything from turning on accidently. Then cut through the PVC pipe on either side of your existing pump. Cut the wire attached to the pump motor, and remove the two power wires and the single grounding wire leading to the pump. You should now be able to remove the old pump.

3. Check the voltage

Connect the old pump wires to the new pump motor by carefully removing the access cover, and be sure to reconnect the grounding wire. Variable speed pumps do not need a timeclock, but it is probably easier to simply leave it attached and simply turn the timer off.

4. Attach the pump

Once the wiring is all hooked up and the access cover is safely sealed shut again, you can install your pump into the plumbing. Clean any dust or debris from the pipe you cut, apply the primer, then the glue, and install your new pump. Hold the pump in place as the glue dries, and be careful not to move it too much or the glue may not set properly. You may want to also use Teflon tape to ensure a leak-free, solid seal.

5. Start saving

Your new variable speed pump should come with directions, so once you are ready to turn it on refer to your manual, choose your settings and start saving!

Pool Supplies Canada is proud to be the first online pool pump ENERGY STAR® Certified Retail Partner in Canada! Click here to view our available Energy Star certified pump models and learn about their unique features and capabilities.

This Blog was Posted on October 1st, 2018
Any Offers, Prices or Product Line Ups Mentioned on this Page are Subject to Change Without Notice