On July 19, 2021, the U.S. Department of Energy will begin implementing sweeping changes to rules governing the production and sale of pool pumps. The new DOE rules will virtually eliminate single-speed pumps.
This article by Aqua Magazine illustrates the mater.
Change is coming and if your single speed pool pump or motor breaks, this might be the right time to embrace change, upgrade to an energy-efficient variable speed pump, and enjoy the benefits. Here is why.
Money
Saving energy on the operation of your pool pump means more money in your pocket. Variable speed pumps basically pay for themselves within the first 2 years of use, and they come with a 3-year manufacturer warranty. But “how can you say that when variable speed pumps are more expensive than single-speed standard pumps” you might reply. Let’s look at these numbers:
The annual operating cost of 1.5 HP single speed pump in Miami is $647.63*
The annual operating cost of 1.85 HP Jandy variable speed pump in Miami is $108.60*
So basically, you can take those $539.03 that you will not be spending on FPL and used them to upgrade to a variable speed pump, instead of replacing your old single speed pump with the same kind.
And if your single speed pump is still operational, upgrading to a variable speed pump will give you the added benefit of saving all of that money instead of wasting it.
Check out Jandy’s pool pump savings calculator here
Check out Pentair’s pool pump savings calculator here
*Based on a 20.000 gallon pool
Quiet time
The motor on these pumps is TEFC (totally enclosed fan cooled), meaning, is a sealed motor. They are so quiet that homeowners don’t believe they are operating and you have to show them that the water is in fact moving. Sound is especially important if the equipment area is close to the master bedroom. The whole neighborhood will thank you for installing a quieter pump.
Jandy states the following about their model:
- Quiet Operation – Advanced motor design allows the VS FloPro 1.85 HP pump to run at energy-saving lower speeds for noticeably quieter operation.
- Zero Clearance TEFC Motor for cool, quiet operation in tight spaces
While Pentair states the following about their Intelliflo variable speed pump:
- Dramatically quieter operation – as low as 45 decibels – about 4 times quieter than most traditional-style pumps**
- Totally enclosed fan-cooled (TEFC) design and low average operating speed makes IntelliFlo the quietest variable speed pool pump on earth.
Greener planet
If you are like me and want to leave a greener planet for your children and grandchildren you will appreciate these variable speed pump models. By installing one of these in your home you will be reducing your carbon footprint. How much? Let’s see what Pentair has to say:
“Did you know your pool pump is second only to your air conditioner in terms of energy consumption and that a 2HP pool pump can create as much carbon emissions as an SUV? These are insanely high levels. The good news is that you can reduce your carbon footprint by as much as half to two-third simply by making the transition to a pool pump with variable speed technology that is ENERGY STAR certified.”
So whether you are penny saver, a zen seeker, or a tree hugger I see a variable speed pump in your future.
Happy swimming!
