A pool is a great investment that many homeowners add to their homes to level up their outdoor living. However, as with all investments, there are running costs that can become expensive if you don’t do your research and learn to use cost-effective and practical solutions. When getting a pool installed, it’s important to take a look at all the parts that go into the maintenance of your pool - after all, you’ll be making the most out of it, so it’s important to not only get functional pool maintenance equipment, you also need to ensure you get efficient and cost-effective tools.
One of the things that can raise your pool’s energy costs is the pump, which draws water from the pool circulation plumbing. It’s important to have this pump as it increases the water pressure, ensuring that the pool cleaner works at its best.
And when it comes to yours, it’s a well-known fact that variable speed pumps can actually help save pool owners on their energy costs by up to a whopping 80 percent.
Variable Speed Pumps: Why Are They So Effective?
In practice, a variable speed pump is the most logical approach when it comes to pool maintenance. This is because its counterpart, the single-speed pump, operates at a constant speed, assuming that your pool or spa is being used all day, every day.
While this is the traditional pool pump that has been used for decades, it’s also an inefficient pump when it comes to energy saving. It creates a lot of noise, and because it assumes that your pool is being used constantly, it can actually be one of the most costly fixtures in your home. While single-speed pumps are the least expensive to purchase, it’s also been said that it can also cost you thousands of dollars per year to operate in some areas! So it’s really important to find alternative options to the traditional pump to help you save in the long run. Â
Instead of a single-speed pump, consider using a variable speed pump on your pool to save on your pool’s energy costs. Variable speed pumps utilise what is known as a ‘permanent magnet motor,’ which is commonly found in electric cars, and make use of a minimal amount of electricity by allowing you to change the flow rate of water needed for your pool. This permanent magnet rotor allows pool owners to put in the exact flow rate that they need for their pool. This allows them to adjust the rate of pool circulation to slow down, which is better for your pool in the long run by increasing efficiency.
By changing the flow rate of water needed for your pool, you create less friction in the water. This makes the entire pump system more efficient, while also ensuring that there is less noise, the water is cooler, and that it vibrates less throughout use. Variable speed pumps ensure that your pools are digitally maintained and controlled, making pool maintenance easier than ever.
You don’t actually have to run your pumps at full power all the time to keep your cool clean and safe for swimming. It’s important to remember that your pump can actually run at a much lower speed when you’re filtering your water. And while it might be easy to think that it’s traditionally used for a reason, single-speed pumps that operate all the time using up high energy won’t do anything for your pool, with the added negative that it will cost you money in the long run.
If you’re wondering for how long you need to run your pool pump, consult with your local pool contractor. They’ll be able to help you understand the several factors that affect your pool pump usage requirement, such as the pump’s horsepower, your usage of the pool, the water balance, and even your local area. This will help you in fully utilising the variable-speed pump to it’s maximum efficiency. You can run your pump at lower speeds for a longer period of time during filtering hours, which will not only make it filter more effectively, it will also consume less energy, lowering your pool’s energy costs over time.
Most studies show that when compared to single-speed pumps, variable speed pumps are actually 90% more efficient than what is traditionally used. Over time, this can equate to thousands of dollars of savings over the years.
It’s important to note that most clients who have installed or switched to variable speed pump installations have seen stellar results, with lower energy costs and less headaches. So what are you waiting for? Install or switch to variable speed pumps for your pool today to make use of the easiest way to save on your pool’s energy costs!