Are variable speed pool pumps really better? It’s a simple question and fortunately there is a simple answer.
Yes, variable speed pool pumps are better by most any measure when compared to single speed pumps.
Why are they better?
We’ll get into that in a moment. First a quick refresher on what a variable speed pump is.
The easiest way to understand what a variable speed pump is to think of a dimmer switch on a light. You can adjust how much power it is delivering. If you don’t need to have it running at full power, you can reduce its output.
What are some reasons you’d want to do this? There can be many reasons, but even if you just consider that in London (and many communities) energy costs are higher during peak hours than during off peak hours. With a variable pump you can reduce the pump speed during the more expensive times and increase it during the less costly times.
So now that we’ve covered that, lets round back to that second question… why is a variable speed pump better than a single speed pump?
Well we have sort of already answered this question, at least when it comes to your electricity bill to run the pump. Studies show that running a pump at 50% of its maximum speed can reduce energy usage by up to 90%. This will undoubtedly save you money. How much?
Again, studies show that depending upon how the pump is used and the cost of electricity in your specific community, but savings of upwards of $500 per year are not uncommon.
When you multiply this by 5 or 10 years, the savings are beyond substantial!
But there are other benefits.
- They are quieter. Tired of hearing the endless humming of your pool pump when you’re trying to have a conversation? Then all you have to do is lower your pump speed. When the variable speed pump is running at a lower output, the sound the pump makes is proportionately reduced as well.
- They can filter better. When a pump is driving the water through at a slower speed that allows your filter to catch more debris. This again can contribute to more money savings as it will reduce the amount of chemicals and maintenance your pool requires.
- They typically last longer. Since a variable speed pump won’t always be running at full bore like a single speed pump does, there is less stress on the pump helping it to last longer.
If you have any other questions, give Hollandia Pools a call. We can quickly discuss various options when it comes to variable speed pumps and quickly have you on your way to reducing your pump energy costs as well as the other benefits we mentioned.
