In the summer of 2021 the Department of Energy put into effect Dedicated Purpose Pool Pumps (DP3) regulations to modify and improve the energy efficiency of swimming pool pumps. Essentially, making any one-speed pump greater than one horsepower obsolete in the very near future. These regulations not only help lessen the strain on energy resources, they also help lessen the strain on your wallet. 

Of course, like anything, there are a few downsides to replacing your single-speed pump with a variable speed pump. For starters, the upfront cost of a variable speed pump is more expensive than a single-speed pump, which could deter some buyers. When single-speed pumps were still being manufactured and sold, the price was about half of what a variable speed pump cost. 

Another drawback some buyers may find is the complexity of controls on many variable speed pumps. The programming and pump control settings can be a tricky maze to wander through when adjusting the various settings for optimized pump performance. This can become even more complex when there are compatibility issues with existing pool equipment such as automation controls and salt chlorinators, and may require additional equipment modifications to effectively make the system fully compatible. 

If not properly sized and programmed, a variable speed pump can be oversized for a particular system setup. An oversized and not properly programmed variable speed pump can lead to decreased energy efficiency and result in less cost savings. At lower speeds the variable speed pump may not provide the necessary flow or power to run a heater, or an automatic pool cleaner, which is why programming and drive settings are crucial. 

But for every downside, there are two upsides to owning a variable speed pool pump. Energy efficiency is at the top of that list. It’s what these pumps were made for. Variable speed pumps consume less electricity than single speed pumps, which can result in significant energy savings and reduced energy bills. Over time, the savings gained from using variable speed pumps can offset the higher upfront cost of variable speed pumps. Furthermore, homeowners can be eligible for utility rebates and incentives from their energy provider. 

Variable speed pool pumps are fully customizable for various applications. Flow rates and pump speeds can be adjusted to match the pool’s circulation and filtration needs, which leads to cleaner and healthier pool water. Speed and flow can be set to obtain optimal flow for spillways and waterfalls as well. And to make your pool area a bit more enjoyable, variable speed pumps are often quieter than single-speed pumps, which will result in less disruptive equipment noise. There are many options of variable speed pump pumps to fit any pool setup perfectly. 

Using a variable speed pump will not only help keep your pool in compliance with DOE regulations, but the environmental benefits of using less energy will reduce your carbon footprint and help to conserve energy resources, which is a good thing for all of us. Variable speed pump’s ability to run at lower speeds can reduce wear and tear on the pump and motor, which can extend the pump’s lifespan, compared to a single-speed pump’s lifespan, and can save you money on replacement costs. 

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An entrapment occurs when a person or an object attached to a person is sucked onto a swimming pool or spa drain and becomes stuck by the drains force. A force that can exceed 300 pounds of pressure, easily trapping the swimmer underwater until they are able to escape or they drown. Adults are more likely to have the strength to escape entrapment, so this problem mainly affects children. 

One of those children was seven-year-old girl Virginia Graeme Baker. Virginia was a member of the community swim and diving team, and was swimming unassisted since the age of three. The skills and knowledge Virginia had of swimming and water safety created a sense of comfort for her and the adults enjoying the backyard festivities. Another child who had witnessed Virginia go under the water in the spa and not return to the surface brought this to the attention of Virginia's mother, Nancy. Nancy desperately tried to pull her child to the surface but could not. Two gentlemen who were there were able to pull Virginia out, breaking the drain she was stuck to in the process. Virginia could not be revived, and the cause of death was drowning by entrapment. 

This incredibly sad loss of life is only one of several caused by entrapment. Many more have been lucky enough to escape with minor to major injuries. After the death of her child, Nancy Baker fought to have laws to protect swimmers from the hazards of entrapment. The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGB Act) became the law governing suction entrapment in swimming pools and spas. While there are still many pools and spas that are noncompliant with the VGB Act, pools and spas built after December 2008 were legally required to take various steps to prevent suction entrapment.

The most common cause of entrapment revolves around the drains at the bottom of the pool and spa. Drain covers must be designed in a manner that prevents entrapment and entanglement. Antivortex drain covers can be found with universal adapters and kits to retrofit onto almost any existing swimming pool and spa drain. If you’re unsure about the drain covers of your pool, or the pools you visit, it’s important to keep all swimmers away from the drain until it can be replaced. Broken or cracked drain covers should be replaced immediately and swimmers should not use a pool or spa with damaged drain covers. Have fun, enjoy the water, but always be safe.

Sand filters have the longest time between cleanings, but the largest micron rating. Sand can remove particles as low as 20 microns. Backwashing a sand filter should be performed once a month, or when the pressure rises by 10 psi, but the sand only needs to be changed every 3-5 years. Sand filters are more commonly found in commercial applications, but are found on residential pools as well.

The cartridge filter requires no extra media installation. The cartridges themselves filter down to 5 microns and offer water clarity that surpasses that of a sand filter. This type of filter has no backwash option and should be cleaned at least twice a year. The cartridges can last anywhere from three to seven years depending on various factors. 

The diatomaceous earth (DE) filter is the best when it comes to capturing particles. DE powder is made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms. The powder acts like sand catching particles but on a much smaller scale. DE is able to trap particles as small as 3 microns, which offers the clearest water out of the three filters we’ve discussed here. DE filters require backwashing once a month or when the pressure rises by 10 psi, and a full clean and inspection at least once per year.

Regular cleaning of any filter will offer the best water clarity and pool water circulation. Cleaning the filter will wash away all the trapped debris and particles to allow a fresh start and several more months of working hard to keep your water clean.

The overall look and vibe of a swimming pool can completely change when the sun goes down and the lights come on. What makes this nightly event even more spectacular is when using LED color changing pool and spa lights. Properly placed color LED's can accentuate water features and create dazzling light shows. Making them both aesthetically enjoyable and functional.

Color LED pool and spa lights offer a variety of vibrant colors to choose from. They produce a medley of customized light shows that provide captivating ambiance with various speed and color transitions. All in one light! The visual scene produced by color LED pool and spa lights is only half of the full benefits they truly provide.

Benefits such as the extended lifespan of LED lights compared to incandescent lights. LED's can last up to thirty times longer than incandescent bulbs. They offer the benefit of being virtually maintenance free since there are no light bulbs to replace. Another hidden benefit to LED lighting is the significant energy efficiency they provide compared to standard pool and spa light bulbs. While the upfront cost to install LED lights is a bit higher than standard incandescent lights, the initial investment is recouped through reduced maintenance and energy savings.

LED pool and spa lighting can transform your pool and backyard into a brilliant and dazzling display of color. To learn more about creating beauty at night with LED lighting check out the Jandy line of LED pool and spa lighting. ​