Saving MONEY on the operation of your pool

Who wants to save money while operating your swimming pool, EVERYONE!

There are many ways to operate a pool more economically but one of the newest kids on the block when it comes to savings is the variable speed pump. It is still basically the same pump but the new technology is in the motors being installed on the pump. 2 speed motors have been out a long time. Their application has been more commonly used in spa applications because in a pool the low speed was generally too low to provide much benefit and any significant value to the operation of the pool. The advent of the Variable Speed Pump has changed that.

The pool industry is no different than most, it looks for change and improvements. Some times change comes from studying customer preferences, government mandates, environmental concerns, or safety related issues. In my opinion, the most exciting changes come from pure innovation. I love it when the freedoms we enjoy allows the American Spirit to shine. The variable speed pump in the pool industry is an example of great innovation that provides true benefit to the consumer.

The theory behind its operation is that it takes far less energy to move water slowly than quickly. This concept is based on facts derived from the Affinity Law. The Affinity Law states that by basically reducing motor speed by 1/2, that can result in 1/8th of the energy used. The more the speed or RPM is reduced, the more the spread in energy savings. The pool industry is taking this technology and now designing hydraulic systems to operate at 18 to 20 hours and producing greater savings than a conventional pump at the traditional 8 -12 hours per day of operation.

Some might ask why or what additional benefits can come from running 20 hours per day, there are many:

• the water in your pool is now moving almost non stop, this is a huge plus.
• surface debris is skimmed rather than sinking to the bottom making skimmers more effective
• pump baskets could receive fewer debris, reducing priming or low psi operation
• water is more evenly treated reducing algae bloom potential and better pH control
• the motor design is much quieter than the conventional motor.
• the motor has a totally enclosed fan-cooled design. This creates less heat and vibration making this motor has a dramatically extended life. Who doesn’t like the idea of replacing fewer motors

Most manufactures have energy calculators that can prove the units can pay for themselves in months. Check out Pentair.com and their calculator. You should also be aware that the switch to this technology requires a pool professional to calculate the hydraulic needs of your pool. You must know the gpm of water features, pool turn over rate, pool cleaner gpm requirements and minimum gpm requirements for heaters, heat pumps and chlorine generators. All these things must be calculated into the various speeds needed to properly operate a pool successfully at 20 hours per day.

You cannot just buy this pump, put it on low speed and expect to rake in the doe. If you do that, you will most likely spend a lot more doe on a green pool. Do it right and you will save some big doe!

Happy swimming!