Benefits of a Variable Speed Pool Pump

Steven Goralnick
2022-01-12T10:09:08-05:00

Although a variable speed pump will cost you more at first, it will save you more in the long run and therefore the better choice for your swimming pool.
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Good circulation is central to making your pool safe and pleasant to bathe in. Every chemical you put in the pool works to the extent that it is circulated in the water. Getting rid of impurities in the pool also depends on circulation. Circulation helps your pool filter work better and the pool pump is the equipment responsible for the circulation in a swimming pool.

The kind of pump you install in a pool determines how well this essential function is carried out. Key factors for the efficiency of a pool pump are the flow rate of the water and how many times swimming pool water turns over in a day. The more times the full volume of water in your pool passes through the circulation system, the easier it will be to keep pool water healthy, explains Innovative Property Solutions.

What kind of pool pump is best for your swimming pool?

There are two types of pumps you can buy for your swimming pool: a single-speed pump or a variable speed pump.

Single-speed pumps: With a single-speed pump, you get one speed, which is usually the maximum operating speed of the pump. If the pump runs at 3450 RPMs that is the speed you are going to get every time you use the pump, regardless of how long you run it.

Variable speed pump: This type of pump lets you decide the flow rate of the water through the circulation system. You can vary the speed at which the pump operates. As an example; the pump may be set to operate at 1500 rpm or 3450 rpm

Which of these two pumps is better for your swimming pool?

Usually, when deciding the pool pump to buy, primary considerations for pool owners are the cost of the pump, its durability and efficiency, and how much energy it will use. Although a variable speed pump will cost you more at first, it is cheaper in the long run and therefore the better choice for your swimming pool.

5 reasons to buy a variable speed pump

In spite of the higher initial cost of buying a variable speed pump, it offers advantages in other areas that make it more economical than a single-speed pump. Below are the five benefits of using a variable speed for your swimming pool.

Energy savings

A variable speed pump uses less energy than a single-speed pump. By adjusting the speed of the pump, you lower the RPMs (revolutions per minute) of the engine. The engine’s rate of work is directly proportional to its energy use.

Lower speeds not only mean money saved in energy costs, but it also means a lower risk of premature pump failure, since the equipment is less likely to be overworked. In a relatively short period of time, a variable speed pump will save you enough to recoup the initial cost of purchasing it.

Better filtration

A variable speed pump will result in better water clarity since your pool filtration system will be more efficient. Pool owners are often led to believe that a powerful pump working at max output all the time is better. This appears to make sense because faster speeds mean you can turn over the pool water more times in a day.

However, the ability of the filter to grab articles diminishes as speed increases. Lower speeds may actually be better for water clarity. How clean the pool is dependent on a combination of the pump speed and pool water volume. Because you can vary the operation of a variable speed pump, you can find the optimum speed for your filtration systems.

Flexibility and ease of use

A variable speed pump puts a range of options for controlling the pool pump in your hands. Variable speed pumps can be programmed to suit your swimming pool and lifestyle. In addition to the ability to vary pump speed, there are lots of other settings.

Moreover, the control interface for the pump is as simple as using a Smartphone. Also, the pump can be installed as a stand-alone system or as part of your home automation system. If you have a water feature in the home, you may also use the pump to control it.

Near-noiseless operation

Pool pumps can be very loud and this is often a major source of irritation for your neighbors. A variable speed pump working at lower RPMs is so quiet you may not realize the pump is on. Although the system can be as loud as other pumps when working at max RPM, its advantage is that, unlike a single-speed pump, this noise will only be for short periods. With a variable speed pump, you have less noise pollution.

Longer warranties

Lastly, buying a variable speed pump means peace of mind because it comes with longer warranties. A single-speed pump will usually come with a standard warranty of one year. But with a variable speed pump, you can get 2-3 years warranty on parts and labor.