A pool pump is a critical piece of electric-powered equipment that helps keep your pool safe for swimming and in good working order. The right pool pump will last for years and may even increase the longevity of other pool components.
Pool pumps aren’t one-size-fits-all. Considerations include the type and size of your pool, the degree of energy efficiency desired, and noise.
First, Why Do I Need a Pool Pump?
A pool pump is connected to all the other systems that work in tandem to make your pool safe and comfortable. It circulates water through the filter, heater, and chlorinator. Without a pool pump, these systems could not work.
A pool pump, however, is a significant investment (anywhere from $700-$1,500 on average)—and choosing the right make and model will help to ensure the system is not under or oversized for your pool.
How to Choose a Pool Pump
If you’re building a new pool or updating your existing pool systems, a pool pump will be on your list. Traditionally, pool pumps have been one of the largest energy users—accounting for between 10-25% of a household’s total energy consumption when in use. Selecting the right type of pool pump for your household and sizing it appropriately will help you to maximize the energy efficiency—and longevity—of your pool pump.
Before July 2021, there were two big choices to make: type and size. New Department of Energy regulations (June 2021) aimed at promoting efficiency have limited the number of pool pumps on the market by requiring new pool pumps to be more energy efficient.
Because of this, most new pool pumps are variable speed—but not all. And many single or dual-speed pumps are still running smoothly in existing pools.
The Different Types of Pool Pumps
Traditionally, pool pumps have been available in single-speed, dual-speed, and variable-speed:
- Single-speed: Single-speed pumps are your traditional pool pumps that run at constant max speed. They’ve been the most common pump for years due to their ease of use. A pool owner merely needs to turn their pump on, and they’ll get the same stream of water. However, this type of pump is also quite inefficient as your pump doesn’t need to always run at full power to do its job.
- Dual-speed: A dual-speed pump has two speed options, high and low. Because you can adjust the flow speed, you will see more energy efficiency than a single-speed pump, but this type still won’t provide peak efficiency.
- Variable-speed: Variable-speed pumps can be optimized to precisely control the water flow and time of circulation. These are the most energy-efficient pool pumps on the market, but they also have the highest upfront cost.
Are Variable Speed Pool Pumps Required by Law?
Variable-speed pumps aren’t required by name, but new efficiency standards have phased out most single and dual-speed pumps over time. A federal mandate enacted in July of 2021 requires all pool pumps installed after that date to meet national standards of efficiency.
However, if you currently have a single-speed pump you are not required to replace it if it is working. When your single- or dual-speed stops working through damage or age, your replacement options are likely to be among variable-speed model pumps.
What Size Pool Pump Do I Need?
Choosing the right pump for your pool will be based primarily on the size of your pool. Flow rate, turnover, and resistance will all be critical factors in selecting the right pump. Because this work is quite technical, a qualified pool professional is the best person to assist you with deciding the size pump that’s right for your pool; maximizing efficiency and keeping your monthly electric bills as low as possible.
Which Pool Pump Is the Quietest?
In addition to being the most energy efficient, variable speed pumps are also the quietest of the pump types. The noise in your pool pump is caused by high rotational speeds. As the name suggests, a variable-speed pool pump will accelerate and deaccelerate based on the pool’s programming and the needs of the system, meaning that it only operates at high rotational speeds (usually the loudest speeds) for a brief period.
Are Energy-Efficient Pool Pumps Worth It?
Yes. A high-quality variable-speed pool pump is a smart investment for pool owners who wish to reduce their energy use. The upfront cost is well worth the energy savings felt for years to come.
Rely on ASP—America’s Swimming Pool Company All Your Pool Pump Needs
Most pool pumps have a life expectancy of up to 12 years, so it’s important to select the right model. Whether you’re looking to repair or replace an existing pump or looking for assistance with your brand-new pool, trust the pool pros at your local America’s Swimming Pool Company.
The pump is the heart of your pool. We’ll help you keep it beating. Request service online or call (866) 253-0455 to get started.
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