Variable Speed Pumps — The Best Pool Investment You Need To Make Today
By: Nick B
Tags: Pool Service, Pool Cleaning, Pool, Pool Maintenance, Startup

Pooli Pro Series — Delivering Essential Advice to Save Hundreds on Pool Care

Every pool owner must understand the value of installing a variable speed pump compared to a standard single speed. Although the upfront pricing of a variable pump is twice as high, the return on investment is immediate. You’ll essentially be making your money back in the first year, and be saving over $700 or more each year after. It’s a simple no brainer and Pooli is here to walk you through all the details.

We’ll cover the following details:

How does a variable speed pump save you money?

What does the cost savings look like in the long run?

What are the pros and cons of a variable speed pump?

Where is the best place to buy a variable speed pump?

How do I find professional installations & warranties?

Let’s dive in as we’ll highlight the key benefits and value we see with the variable speed pumps available today!

Efficiency & Overall Energy Use

A standard pool motor is incredibly inefficient and usually operates at 40–60% efficiency. While a variable speed pump motor usually boasts an efficiency rating over 90%. This massive gap highlights a clear reason why variable speed pumps are valuable to every pool owner. They stay cool to the touch as all the energy consumed is converted into the motion of pumping water.

A Longterm Cash Saving Machine

For a 20,000 Gallon Pool used year round, the installation of a variable speed pump vs single speed pump would save you over $10,000 over 10 years just on energy savings alone.

When you factor in rebates and repair/replacement costs, the savings would be closer to $12,000!

Calculate your own savings here with Jandy’s Pool Calculator for instant pool pump savings.

Dynamic Flow Rates Are Essential

With standard pool motors, you have a “fixed” flow rate which means there is only one setting. This requires you to run your pool at high speeds 365 days per year which uses a ton of energy & electricity. The cost breakdowns are drastic:

With a Variable Pump you can save over 90% on energy costs for maintaining your spa (average 14 cents/hour), your pool circulation (average 3 cents/hour) and your pool cleaning (average 4 cents/hour.)

Compared to a Standard Pump with a fixed flow rate which averages over 30 cents an hour.

15 Gallons per Minute (GPM) flow rates consume about as much energy as a standard 100W light bulb.

Dynamic Flow Rates help you optimize and be more efficient across all pool care needs. You can schedule high flow rates during off-peak periods to save an additional 50–80% in energy costs.

The Durable Choice

Standard pool motors last 2–3 Years on average which is an incredibly low lifetime and can lead to unexpected costs.

While variable speed motors on average 10 years or more and have a high user satisfaction rating.

Longer lasting motor means less hassle & cost of replacement which is the case with Variable Speed Pumps.

Leverage Technology for Easy Pool Care

Remote monitoring with your mobile device is one of the essential first steps for a smarter home.

Wireless capability is a major feature available with most variable pumps. You can program, monitor and adjust settings anytime and anywhere.

Keep track of your savings and ensure you pool is up to date during vacations or unexpected trips!

A Peaceful Backyard

With a total enclosure, the noise generated from variable pumps is limited and muffled. Operating at low speeds, you can’t even tell if a motor is running.

Variable Speed Pumps usually operate at 30–50 Decibels. While most Single Speed Pumps are between 60 and 90 Decibels. That’s as loud as a noisy restaurant!

Effortless Install

All of the original components of your single speed can be transferred to a variable pump. (Except the pump seal as we recommend to always replace when a new motor is installed.).

The wiring is the same if you have a variable speed compatible control board. We’d start with the Polaris IQ 900-Rs Aqualink Upgrade Kit.

Here’s how you can update or install the above control board YouTube video.

Here is our collection of video links on how to install yourself from Double Wide6 Repairs & Chlorine King:

Legal Requirements Across Each State

The California Energy Commission (CEC) requires you to use a dual, multiple or variable speed motor. Additionally motors with a total horsepower greater than .75 must operate at two or more speeds.) You can View the Title 20 Code Here for all the details for California.

Make sure you are up to date with your state’s legal requirements when it comes to variable speed pumps and your pool.

Rebates For Extra Cash

SMUD offers up to $250 in Rebates when installing a Variable Speed Pump. Check here to see how you can qualify!

The Los Angeles Department of Water & Power offers up to $1000 in Rebates for Variable Speed Pumps. Check here to find out more details.

Be sure to contact your local service provider and ask if they provide rebates or discounts for variable speed pump installation. You can visit pooli.app/rebates for all the latest links! Every dollar counts.

As you can see, it’s simply the best decision to invest in a variable speed pump now! This is the smartest investment you can make right now to not only save money but also conserve energy on behalf of our community.

Below are Pooli’s best variable speed pool pump deals for 2020:

Sta-Rite Variable Speed Pump

https://amzn.to/2XvtxXB Sta-Rite P6E6VS4H-209L 3 Horsepower 5k-35k Gallons

Pentair IntelliFlo Variable Speed Pump

https://amzn.to/34wajD2 Pentair 011028 IntelliFlo VS Pool Pump 4 Horsepower 8 Programmable Speed Settings

Hayward TriStar Variable Speed Pump

https://amzn.to/2xpUVfb Hayward W3SP3206VSP TriStar VS Variable-Speed Pool Pump 2.7 Horsepower 8 Custom Timer Functions

Be a Pooli Pro and make the switch today!

Also download our app to be able to get the latest savings and news when it comes to all things pool care. Lastly you can sign up to the Pooli Pro Series and get the latest content directly to your inbox. Including this quick infographic that highlights all of the core points.