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.
One of the most significant consumers of energy in homes with swimming pools are pool pumps, which keep pools clean by circulating water through filters. Pool pumps can consume 3,000 to over 5,000 kWh per year.
In fact, Certified in-ground pool pumps use up to 65% less energy than standard pool pumps and can save more than $450 a year in energy bill costs. Certified above-ground pool pumps use about 17% less energy and can save more than $130 over the lifetime of the product.
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.
It's not uncommon for a 1.5 horsepower pump to use 1500 – 2000 watts. This is unfortunate, because most pools only need 1/4 to 1/8th horsepower for circulation. Higher power may be needed for tasks like vacuuming the pool. Modern pool pumps like the EcoPump offer a circulation mode, and a vacuum mode.
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.
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.
Our 1 hp example pump uses 1.75 Kw per hour; whereas a 2 hp motor of the same type (UST1202) would draw 2.4 Kw per hour. That's around 24 kWh per day, or around 720 kWh per month, just running only 10 hors per day. During the heat of the summer, many pumps need to run longer to maintain clear water.
It may be cheaper to run the pump at night, but honestly you should run it 1 hour a day per 10 degrees of temperature at least, and it should be during the day. Running the pump at night should only be when you are doing a major chemical treatment such as algae clean-up.
They are also much quieter, vibrate less, run cooler, last longer, are digitally controlled, and have advanced diagnostics. Basically, variable speed pumps are the Cadillac of pool pumps, and most studies show that they are 90% more efficient than standard one-speed pumps.
If you are running your pool pump to filter and turn your water over, we recommend using the middle and lower speed settings. For example, for the first few days, you might run the pump at 2500 RPMs to see what your pool looks like. Next, you might dial it down to 1600 RPMs.
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. When your pool pump is not running, the water is sitting stagnant in your pool allowing bacteria to survive and grow.
Depending upon the panel size, 4 - 6 solar panels are needed to operate a solar-powered pool pump. Place them in an area exposed to the most sunlight.
Their heavy-duty, high-performance motor and airflow ventilation provide quieter, cooler, more efficient operation for virtually any pool or spa, while their exclusive service-ease design offers quick 4-bolt access to all internal components.
Under normal operating conditions, the motor end of the pump is hot enough that you can barely touch it — but not searing hot. If you check your pool pump motor and find it is far too hot to be able to touch with your hand, that's not good.
The Sta-Rite brand exists since 1934 and is sold in over 100 countries worldwide. In Europe, Pentair already produces a wide range of Sta-Rite swimming pool pumps and cleaners for its pool division, which have gained a reputation for quality and durability.