Should I Replace My Pump and Get a Variable Speed Pump?
If you want to save energy and money on your electric bill, a variable speed pump can help. It’s also better for the environment. So, let’s look at the question, “Should I replace my pump and get a variable speed pump?”
Your pool pump is the most significant user of energy in your pool. If you replace your standard single-speed pump with a variable speed pump, you should see significant energy and cost savings. First, let’s look at the different types of pool pumps.
Single-Speed Pumps
Single-speed pumps do just what the name says – they run at one consistent speed. It’s measured in revolutions per minute or RPMs. It runs at 3,4000 RPMs when it’s running. That’s a lot of energy usage, and most homeowners would like to try and save that money.
So, you may cut your circulation time short. You don’t run your pump as much as you should to try and save money. Unfortunately, you know what a poorly circulating pool means: algae, cloudy water, and unhealthy water.
Two-Speed Pumps
With this pump, you get both a high speed and a low speed. These pumps are more efficient and cost-effective to run than a single-speed pump, but they are still costly to run.
If you only use your pool for a few months, a single or two-speed pump may be the right pump for your pool. Yet, if you use your pool for most of the year, electricity is expensive, you have a large pool, or you have an attached spa or water features, you will save money with a variable speed pump.
What Makes Variable Speed Pumps Different?
With this pump, you can run it at varying speeds (different RPMs). The lower the RPM means you consume less energy and save money. For your pool, a variable speed pump means you can change the speed based on what you’re doing at the time.
For example, if you are vacuuming, you would use a higher speed. If you are circulating the water, a slower speed is better. You’ll find you also have better filtration and put less strain on your plumbing and your filter.
Most variable speed pumps are digital and come with a fan-cooled, self-contained motor. You can program your pump to run just the way you want it. You may also find that variable speed pumps are quieter.
You Save Money
Not only will you save money on your electric bills, but many utility companies, like our own Public Service Company of Oklahoma, offer rebates on certain Energy Star Certified variable speed pumps.
Variable speed pumps pull less energy, so even if you run it like your variable speed pump at 3,400 RPMs, you would use less energy.
While the outlay for the purchase of a variable speed pump is more, you will reap the savings in just a year or so. It is a worthwhile investment.
Should You Replace Your Pump?
The best thing you can do for your swimming pool is come talk to us. We’ll ask you the following questions:
- Is your pool in-ground or above-ground?
- What is the size of your pool filter?
- What size plumbing does your pool have?
- What is your pool’s flow rate?
- Do you have any special water features?
- How often will you use your pool?
- Do you live in an area where electricity is expensive?
Then, we can go over your choices for pool pumps and help you pick the right one for you!
Finally, the basic advantage of a variable speed pump is its flexibility in providing the proper water flow under any condition. You will also reap the benefits of savings in energy and cost, as well as the ability to tailor the pump flow to your pool needs.
Interested in switching or learning more? Stop by one of our locations and let our expert staff help you make the change! We can also help you figure out if you qualify for any electric company rebates.
