Are Variable Speed Pool Pumps Worth It?
Every swimming pool requires a pump to circulate water and filter it in order to keep it clean and safe. The pump is essentially the heart of the pool system. If you're looking for a new pump, it's important to choose a reliable and high-quality one from a reputable brand and retailer. However, when it comes to choosing between a single speed, two-speed, or variable speed pool pump, it's really a matter of personal preference and lifestyle. Nonetheless, a variable speed pool pump is highly recommended for its energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
What Are Variable Speed Pool Pumps?
Single speed pumps operate at a fixed rate, which may not always be necessary for a specific task. This means that you often end up paying more for energy than you actually need by using a single speed pump. On the other hand, variable speed pumps offer the flexibility to adjust the motor speeds and flow rate during the day. This allows you to run your pool at an optimal speed, creating less friction on your piping, filter and accessories.
Using a variable speed pool pump can significantly reduce your energy consumption and equipment wear and tear, saving you money and increasing the lifespan of the pool equipment. You can start your filtration cycle at a similar speed to that of a single speed pump and then reduce the speed to achieve the same turnover result, but with lower energy consumption.
6 Benefits of Variable Speed Pool Pumps
Less Energy Consumption = Saving Money
Variable speed pool pumps are significantly more efficient than single speed or two speed pumps because they offer you the ability to control the speed (RPM) of the pump, whether it's low or high or anywhere in between. Unlike their counterparts, which only have fixed speeds, variable speed pumps don't have to run at full power all the time to keep your pool water clean. In fact, when you're filtering your water, your pump can run at a much slower speed than when it's doing more demanding jobs, such as running a water feature. On average, pool owners tend to save over 83% on annual electricity costs by upgrading to a variable speed pool pump.
Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled Motors (TEFC)
One significant benefit of owning a variable speed pump is the inclusion of a total enclosed fan cooled motor (TEFC). This cool system is not present in traditional single speed and two speed pumps. It prevents ambient moisture, dust and salt from entering the motor and causing damage or early failure. Single speed and two speed pumps, on the other hand, generally have an air-cooled design. This design draws air from the bottom front of the motor and passes it over the motor windings to cool the pump. However, this method makes the motor vulnerable to damaging particles.
Quieter Operation
Single speed pumps are generally loud due to their high motor speed. When these pumps start to fail, their internal bearing can begin making noise, which only adds to the noise level. On the other hand, variable speed pumps are usually much quieter when they operate at low RPMs. However, if you need to run them at higher speeds, they can still be quite noisy.
Better Filtration
Water filtration works best when the flow rate is slower. The slower the water passes through the filter with less turbulence, the better the filtration quality. About 90% of pool operation can be done at the slowest rate while still ensuring the water turnover is maintained. The advantage of having a variable speed pump is that it can be adjusted in real time to meet the remaining 10% or more requirements. Typically, pool owners who switch to variable speed pumps recover the cost of the pump in energy savings in less than two years.
Longer Lifespan
Variable Speed Pumps are known for their reliability and longevity, even with consistent use. They are designed with an internal cooling fan, which produces less heat and lower vibrations, making them more durable than traditional pump designs. It's important to note that pump motors eventually wear out, but operating at lower speeds puts less stress on them, which increases their operating life. Heat is the primary cause of wear and tear on most motor components. Operating at lower speeds not only results in reduced power and noise but also generates less heat, leading to considerably less stress on mechanical and electrical components.
You Are in Total Control
Smart technology allows you to control the speed of your pool pump, ranging from low to high speed, or anywhere in between. This provides you with the flexibility to adjust the pump's speed to match your specific pool system requirements. You can run it at a lower speed and then ramp it up when it's powering other equipment like a suction pool cleaner or backwashing a filter. You can also choose how much energy you want to use and how long you want your pool water to be cleaned. Certain Variable Speed Pumps can be programmed to run at optimal speeds for specific tasks, such as running pool cleaners, waterfalls, solar heating systems, and backwashing media filters. They can even switch speeds automatically.
Bottom Line
Choosing a variable speed pool pump represents a smart investment in your pool, balancing upfront costs with significant long-term savings and enhanced pool functionality. For those ready to explore the benefits of a variable speed pool pump, finding a reputable dealer is your next step. To connect with a local pool professional and explore a wide selection of high quality variable speed pool pumps, try our Dealer Locator.
