Installation of a pool includes many difficult decisions, so it’s always pleasant to find a piece of cake. Choosing between various kinds of pool pumps is one of such simple choices. While single speed pumps were popular for decades, variable speed pool pumps are definitely the best option today because of their huge benefit in energy performance.

However, there’s always a twist? In case of variable speed pool pump, this is a cost, which is about twice as expensive as a single speed pump. Nevertheless, that’s a typical case of spending funds in advance to save in the long run. While not every green or energy-saving pool technology is financially effective, the savings you can get by using a variable speed pump make it worth the price.

To give you exact data, the U.S. Department of Energy considers that a variable speed pump uses about 50% less energy. To realize why, you should know some basic facts about pool pumps and the way they have always worked.

Pool pump guidelines

Although it’s not the most important feature to take into account, a pump does excellent work for a pool. Its main task is to keep water flowing via the filter system to keep it clean. However, it’s also essential for other major tasks, for example:

• Circulating water via heating system
• Powering pool vacuums
• Keeping water features in motion

The above-mentioned functions require more power than just filtering. Problem is that single speed pumps can’t increase their energy consumption for the rare cases when it’s necessary. They can function only at one speed, which must be quick enough for the toughest jobs. Therefore, for hours per day when the pump is working just to maintain the water circulation, there’s much energy being wasted.

Working principle of a variable speed pool pump

This type of pump works just as hard as necessary for the specific task, which is why it is so energy-saving.

Another popular option is a two-speed pool pump. It differs from a variable speed pump in that it fails to provide the same level of effectiveness. This is some sort of a tradeoff between a single speed and variable speed pump, with higher performance than the first one and a more affordable cost than the last one.

Apart from more acceptable utility charges, variable speed pump has a co-benefit: it is usually quieter than single speed pump. Actually, most pool owners claim that they never hear their variable speed pumps.

Price against savings

You should know that a variable speed pool pump always pays off. It is only a matter of time (usually, this takes about a few years). The exact term is based on your electricity tariff and how frequently you use a pump.

Of course, the longer your pool is open every year, the quicker the savings will accumulate. For persons residing in warm climate, a variable speed pump is actually a piece of cake. People heating their pools often or use water features can count on a fast investment return.

Remember that variable speed pumps usually last longer and need repairs less often than single speed option. This is reasonable if you consider that they’re not working at the highest speed all the time. Although it is minor compared to the energy conservations, higher durability is another way that variable speed pumps can pay off.

Tips on the purchase

It is possible to find feedback and comparisons of variable speed pool pumps on the web. Some of the best brands to consider are Pentair, Jandy and Hayward. But before making a purchase, you should contact a pool expert and get their opinion. Keep in mind that not each model is consistent with your pool, or with the pool regulations in your region.

It goes without saying that it’s perfectly reasonable to entrust a pump installation to the professional. As soon as the pump is set up, they can explain you the right daily operation. Luckily, latest pumps are extremely programmable, so you don’t need to do almost anything (apart from enjoying the fruits of a more effective pool).