Why You Should Install an Energy-Efficient Pool Pump

Pool pumps can be an expensive repair. Learn why installing an energy-efficient pool pump can help you in the long run.

If you have a pool with a traditional, single-speed pump, you’re paying a lot more than you need to in operating costs. When it’s time to replace your pool pump, you should consider replacing it with an energy-efficient, variable-speed model. You’ll save a lot of money, have more control over the flow of water through your pump and reduce annoying pump noise.

You’ll Save Money

The biggest reason to install an energy-efficient pool pump is the considerable cost savings. If you have a pool, your pump is most likely the second-largest consumer of energy in your home, after your heating and cooling system. If you live in a warm climate where you use your pool all year, a single-speed pump can cost more than $600 to operate. But an energy-efficient, variable-speed pool pump can cost just $123 a year to operate. That leaves a lot of money for barbecues, floaties and a nice swimsuit, and isn’t that why you got the pool in the first place?

Of course, you may not live in a warm climate. If you only use your pool during the summer, pool pump replacement may not be a big priority since you’re not running it for most of the year. But a variable-speed pump can still save you money. You’ll spend just $41 a year to operate your variable-speed pump in a cool climate, while it’ll cost $354 to operate a single-speed pump just for the summer.

And these numbers may be higher still in states where electricity is more expensive, such as California or Hawaii.

If you have a large pool, a variable-speed pump can save you even more money. A large pool requires a larger pump, and if you’re using a single-speed pump – the most common kind in the U.S. – you’re going to spend even more to operate it. Those higher operational costs mean a variable-speed pump is an even better idea.

You Have Options

The much lower operational costs of a variable-speed pump are offset somewhat by the higher upfront costs. They’re simply more expensive to buy. But you may not need to buy a whole pump. You might be able to replace your single-speed pump motor with a dual-speed motor, if the pool pump cover and housing are still in good shape.

A dual-speed pump isn’t quite as efficient as a variable-speed pump, but it still brings cost savings. A dual-speed pump will cost about $327 a year to operate year-round and about $109 to operate for just a summer. It will pay for itself in the first 6 to 12 months of operation, whereas a variable-speed pump will pay for itself in the first 15 to 24 months of operation. Make sure you have a dual-speed timer attached, so you can switch between the two available speeds. Also make sure you purchase an American Home Shield® Home Warranty, so your new pool pump is protected in case of a covered breakdown.

You’ll Have More Control Over Water Features

Do you have a spa, waterfalls, water features or other fancy stuff attached to your pool? A variable-speed pump allows you more control over the flow of water through these features. Take charge of how fast the water flows through your spa or fountain with your new efficient pool pump. New variable-speed pumps allow you to dial your pump up or down to the exact RPM you need.

It’s Quieter

Single-speed pool pumps are loud, and that can be annoying if you have neighbors close by or if you simply like your own peace and quiet. Variable-speed pumps are the quietest on the market because they are Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled (TEFC) devices. Your new pool pump may be so quiet that you’ll have to double-check that it’s still on.

Match Your Horsepower

If you do decide to upgrade to a new, more efficient pool pump, make sure you match your new pump’s horsepower to your pipe size. The horsepower you can use will be determined by the size of your pipes. If you have smaller pipes, you’re not going to be able to install a larger horsepower pump, at least not if you hope to use the higher speeds effectively. For a pipe of one to one-and-a-half inches, stick to a horsepower of about 60 gallons per minute (GPM). If your pipe is two or two-and-a-half inches wide, you can go up to 100 or 140 GPM, respectively. If you have a three-inch pipe, you can go up to 225 GPM.

Installing a new, energy-efficient pool pump can slash your energy costs and make operating your pool much more cost-effective. You can help reduce your pool-related costs even further with a home warranty from American Home Shield. We cover the repair or replacement of certain components of your pool and spa system, so you can get back to enjoying it. Learn more about our home warranty pool coverage today.

*Source for pool-related costs: http://www.inyopools.com/Blog/variable-speed-pool-pump-or-dual-speed-which-is-best-for-me/