New Pool-pump Technology Cuts Energy Costs

By Wendy Mitchell

Few pool owners realize that their pool pump may be using more electricity than all other household features and appliances combined - often costing more than $100 per month. That's because most pool pumps are inefficient, single-speed or two-speed models with induction motors and unchangeable speed settings.

Fortunately, far better options are now available. The most dramatic energy savings come from digitally controlled, variable-speed pumps using today's most energy-efficient motors, permanent magnet motors, the same motors used in hybrid cars. Variable-speed pumps use energy-efficient motors that can be programmed so they don't overpower or underpower different water- moving tasks.

According to Pentair Water Pool and Spa, their IntelliFlo variable-speed pumps can reduce energy use by 30 percent to 90 percent or more, depending on the application circumstances. This is good news for the 5 million in-ground residential swimming pool owners in the United States as well as the environment. If every pool owner in the country uses a more energy-efficient pump, the total energy savings could equal more than $3 billion, or the output of sixteen 500-mega watt power plants burning more than 16.3 billion pounds of coal.

The pump can be programmed to exact water flow requirements for different jobs. You can set the flow at the lowest level needed to accomplish a task (filtering, spa operation, etc.). Single-speed and two-speed pumps only operate at set speeds, so they are almost always overpowering an application which wastes energy, or underpowering an operation, which can damage pool equipment. Variable-speed pumps move only the exact water required for a specific aquatic task.

Besides cost savings, there are additional advantages: Pumps with permanent magnet motors make much less noise and are often barely noticeable when operating. Since variable-speed pumps can be set at optimum (usually slower) speeds, they keep water moving longer, which also helps to reduce the formation of algae that occurs more easily when water is allowed to rest for long periods. Longer run times at lower flow rates also help make filters more effective because contaminants are more easily trapped when pressure is low.

Longer run times also make automatic chemical dispensers and chlorinators more effective. Permanent magnet motors in new variable-speed pumps run cooler and with less vibration, too. This translates into far longer service life for the pump and other pool equipment, according to Pentair.

Variable-speed pumps also allow pool owners to vary the operation of water features with the touch of a button, such as the height of jets and fountains or the flow rates for waterfalls. Rebates available in states like California, coupled with the pump's dramatic energy savings, quiet operation and longer service life, have prompted many pool owners to switch to variable-speed pumps. Even those with relatively new pumps have elected to make the change, because they will be quickly paid back in energy savings and longer pump service life.

Variable-speed pumps offer many environmental benefits and using them could result in the following emission reductions: 938 million lbs. of carbon dioxide 131 million lbs. of sulfur dioxide 53 million lbs. of nitrogen oxides. The annual carbon dioxide emission reduction is equivalent to 3.2 billion trees planted and 51 billion auto miles not driven. Innovative new pool pumps can benefit pool owners, communities, the environment, and the country as a whole.

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