Variable speed pool pumps cost more than single speed pumps, but the extra investment is worth it. Variable speed pool pumps are more energy efficient than single speed pumps and they cost less to run. In just a year or two, your new pool pump will pay for itself in electric bill savings. Plus, they’re better for the environment and will reduce your carbon footprint.
The Difference Variable Speed & Single Speed Pool Pumps
Single speed pool pumps can only run at one speed. Since it only has one speed, they must operate at a high flow rate, even when a lower flow rate will do the job. That means unnecessary energy consumption and wasted money.
Variable speed pool pumps, on the other hand, can be programmed to run at different speeds throughout the day. Since they can speed up and slow down, variable speed pumps can balance flow rate needs with energy consumption to minimize energy use and save you money.
Why Variable Pool Pumps Save Money
Variable Speed Pool Pumps are More Energy Efficient
Variable speed pool pumps have higher efficiency ratings than single speed pumps, thanks to their Permanent Magnet Motors (PMM). The PMM motor design is significantly more energy efficient than a typical induction motor; PMM motors can be 90% efficient while induction motors are typically only 30-70% efficient. Energy efficient pool pumps use less energy to achieve the same goal, saving you money.
The Pump Affinity Law
Energy efficiency improvements are only responsible for a small percentage of the savings a variable speed pool pump provides. Most of the savings are due to something called the Pump Affinity Law. The Pump Affinity Law describes how changes in the speed of a pump affect its flow rate, pressure, and power consumption. The law states that power consumption will drop as flow rate and pressure are reduced, but not at a linear rate. Because of this, a small speed reduction will significantly reduce power consumption (and therefore energy costs) while making almost no difference in pump performance.
Calculating Your Savings with a Variable Speed Pool Pump
To show how much money you can save with a variable speed pool pump, let’s look at an example. According to the US Department of Energy, a standard swimming pool holds 25,000 gallons of water and has a suggested turnover rate of 24 hours.
Let’s assume that you’re running this pool with a standard, single-speed pool pump with a flow rate of 66 gallons per minute (gpm). It would take about 6.3 hours to turn over the entire pool.
(25,000 gallons / 66 gpm) /60 minutes = 6.3 hours
If the pool pump uses 2,000 watts per hour, it will consume 12,600 watt-hours or 12.6 kWh every day.
6.3 hours x 2,000 watts = 12,600 watt hours (12.6 kWh)
Now let’s assume you switch to a variable speed pump. Because of the Pump Affinity Law, a slower flow rate will use less energy even if it means the pump has to run for longer. A variable speed pump set at a flow rate of 22 gpm will consume 116 watts per hour, and turn the pool over in 19 hours.
(25,000 gallons / 22 gpm) /60 minutes = 19 hours
The kicker is that the variable speed pump will only use 2.2 kWh of electricity to do so, compared to the 12.6 kWh it took the single speed pump to turn over the pool, even though it has to run for much longer.
19 hours x 116 watts = 2,200 watt hours (2.2 kWh)
That works out to a savings of 10.4 kWh per day, or approximately 3,796 kWh per year! The average residential electricity rate in California is 34.26 cents per kWh as of April, 2024, which means you could save $1,300 a year with a variable speed pool pump!
Find a Variable Speed Pool Pump Installer Near You In California
Don’t miss out on the benefits of a variable speed pool pump! The Clean Energy Connection makes it easy to find a qualified pool pump installer in California who can help you choose the best option for your home. Our free online directory features the best clean energy contractors in California, helping you make energy efficient home improvements with confidence.