Replacing a typical 1.5-horsepower single-speed pool pump with an efficient variable-speed pump will result in energy savings of 50% to 75%, according to the Department of Energy. Actual savings may be even higher; savings depend in part on how many hours per day you have been running your pool pump.
In fact, Certified in-ground pool pumps use 18% less energy than standard pool pumps and can save more than $300 a year in energy bill costs. Certified above-ground pool pumps use 11% less energy and can save more than $115 over the lifetime of the product.
TriStar® VS variable speed pool pumps are the most energy efficient on the market, according to EPA ENERGY STAR 3rd party testing data. Saving pool owners up to 90% on energy costs, they are specifically designed to replace most single speed pool pumps.
Typically, pool owners who switch to variable-speed pumps recover the cost of the pump in energy savings in less than two years. You could save up to 83 percent in annual energy costs (give or take, depending on where you live and other variables) just by upgrading your pool pump.
Outside of the air conditioner, the pool pump is the largest electricity consumer in the average pool-containing home. According to the study, at the national average of 11.8 cents per KWh, a pool pump alone can add as much as $300 a year to an electric bill.
A Worthwhile Investment
Even at a higher initial cost than single-speed pumps, the best variable speed pumps are the superior investment because they offer prolonged filtration, more water turnover, and lengthier sanitation durations. These benefits make it easier to maintain your pool.
Your pool pump should be replaced anywhere between 8 to 15 years depending on the quality, and a full replacement may cost over $800. Your pool pump is the “heart” of your swimming pool as it circulates water throughout, bringing water through the filtration and heating systems.
A pool pump that is larger than needed has a more powerful motor and circulates water at a higher flow rate. This uses significantly more energy to pump the same amount of water and puts additional stress on your pipes and filter, meaning you'll need to replace them sooner.
Energy efficient pool pumps are a great way to save money on your home's energy costs. If you're considering a new pool or renovating your old one, it's important to look towards long-term costs, rather than short-term payments. Your wallet and the environment will thank you in the long run.
When it comes down to it, both pumps have their own strengths and weaknesses. The Hayward EcoStar has better energy efficiency and the Pentair IntelliFlo has a reputation for longevity with a proven track record. It's a close battle between the two pumps and it really comes down to personal preference.
Most Energy Efficient Pool Pumps
Calculating Pool Pump Energy Use: Each horsepower uses 746 watts. For a 1.5 hp pool pump, multiply 746 watts by 1.5 hp, for a total of 1,119 watts. Most utilities charge from 10¢ to 15¢ per kilowatt-hour, and to know kilowatt-hours, multiply watts X hours and divide by 1,000.
Unfortunately, the IRS does not allow a deduction for your personal use swimming pool pumps, even when they are energy efficient. To see a list of what energy saving improvements do qualify for the Residential Energy Credit, please see this EnergyStar Webpage.
Dangers of having an Oversized Pool Pump
If your pool pump is too large then you can end up with a number of issues that can be avoided with having the right pool pump size. For Sand Filters, having an oversized pool pump can cause channeling because of the water pressure.
On average, pool pumps last eight to 12 years before needing replacement. Over time, it's normal for pool parts to begin to wear down. In addition, swimming pool technology has come a long way in the last decade.
How long does a pump motor last? Most pool pump motors last at least 6-8 years, often longer. But that's if you're referring to magnetic drive pool motors, which are used in newer variable speed pumps.
On average, pool pump replacement costs about $440, average prices ranged from $80 to $800 for pool pump replacement in the US in 2020.
However, it is important to note that a variable speed pool pump should ideally be running 24 hours a day to ensure proper and optimal water circulation.
These Variable Speed type pumps do not save energy, and do not make pumps last longer. To the contrary, varying the speed of these type pumps can increase the energy used by as much as 500% per gallon produced.
For a relatively small investment, a variable speed pool pump can reduce pool pump energy use by 50% to 75%. The majority of the savings is derived from a variable speed pump's ability to reduce the rpm of the motor, thus reducing energy use.
Every pool must turn over at least once a day, so most pool pumps should run approximately 8 hours a day. But here's the thing: you don't have to run your pool pump consecutively. You can choose to run it for three hours in the morning before you leave for work and another 5 hours in the evening.
Although it's generally recommended that all the pool water undergo filtration every 24 hours, the pump does not need to run all the time. A proactive, productive and energy-saving maintenance activity is to remove the debris floating on the pool surface with a hand-held skimmer.
It's best to run your pool pump during the day
Not only does sunlight give fuel for algae to grow, it also destroys your pool chlorine and this is why you should always run your pool during the day!