Pool Pumps that Will Pay You Back
Installing a new pool pump will save you money on your pool operating cost and improve performance.
As a pool owner, you already know that proper pool water circulation and filtration is one of the most essential factors to manage the quality and clarity of the water in your swimming pool. With all the different types of pool pumps currently available, choosing the right pump for your pool can be a bit overwhelming. We have provided the following information to help you make an informed choice for your next pool pump purchase.
Factors in Choosing the Right Pool Pump
The first and most important factor in choosing the correct pool pump is your current pool filter. The type and size of your pool filter, along with your pool's capacity and the plumbing line diameter, all determine the type of pump that is right for you. If you wish to use your pool pump for more than just water filtration, such as various water features, this will also determine which pump is right for your pool.
When it comes to matching a pool pump with the filter, here are some simple facts to consider: - Cartridge and D.E. poool filters require a slower water turn-over rate compared to sand filters.E.) filters. Sand filters are currently the most popular filters and are easier to maintain than D.E. filters, although D.E. filters strain out finer particles. - D.E. and a pool cartridge filter performance is adversely affected if you were to use a high rate performance pump. - To avoid possible pool filtering issues, we recommend that you always replace an existing pump with one that matches the voltage, horsepower and water flow rate.
Single Speed versus Variable Speed Pool Pumps
Most pool owners have a standard single speed pool pump. Single speed pumps are just that -- they pump at only one speed. If a pool pump has only one speed it uses the maximum amount of electrical energy. Electrical energy consumption and the cost of operation are determined by the pump size, in horsepower, and the RPM, or speed. With a standard pump speed set to 3450 revolutions per minute (RPM), the single speed pump uses quite a bit of energy. Because the pump has only one speed, you can never save on your energy bill from month to month unless you simply shut the pump completely off.
Two-speed pool pumps have become increasingly popular becuase they use less energy and therefore save so much on electrical cost. A two-speed pool pumps operates at 1725 RPM on low speed - a satisfactory speed for many pools and spas. If necessary, the speed can increase to the standard 3450 RPM. Many spas are equipped with two-speed pumps, using the low pump speed for filtration and the higher speed for water therapy and fast jet action.
Why a Two-Speed Pump Will Save You Money
In simple terms, without getting into the details of pool pump physics, a pool pump's energy needs increase or decrease at four times the rate of change made to the pump speed and power. In other words, when you reduce a pool pump's speed to half (50%) of full speed, the kilowatts needed reduce to only one-eighth the energy required for a standard single speed pool pump.
Therefore, for half the rate of speed, you quadruple your energy savings! If your single-speed pool pump costs approximately $50.00 per month, you can expect to to pay only $7.00 per month by replacing your single-speed pump with a two-speed pump.
Will running a pump at half speed still properly filter the pool? The simple answer is yes, absolutely. In nearly all cases, running at a lower speed still provides plenty of filtration for pools and spas.
Save Even More with a Variable Speed Pump
With a variable speed pump, you can enjoy even greater cost savings. Unlike a two-speed pump, a variable speed pump also allows you to control the desired speed and/or flow rate. This extra control, in turn, can reduce your electrical cost even further, up to 75% compared to a single speed pump.
Variable speed and variable flow in-ground pool pumps work with any type of pool filter or flow requirement by allowing you to set the exact flow you want. The pump RPM can adjust to deliver flow rates from the equivalent of a one-half to three horsepower pump.
The Bottom Line
You can save at least half the cost of your investment in the new equipment using an energy saving variable speed or two-speed pool pump. An energy saving pool pump will pay for itself in a short period of time. You will be able to relax in your pool this summer knowing that you have made a good investment, you are saving money, and you are doing something good for our environment.
As a CPO, Certified Pool Operator, with over 22 years experience working in the field of pool and spa care, we have helped thousands of pool owners to resolve their water care issues and how to choose the right type of poolpump for their pool. To know more about pool pumps and how to save money =>> http://www.AmericasBestPoolSupply.com
