
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.
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.