A variable speed pump is one that can be run at different speeds in order to use only as much energy as is absolutely necessary to effectively filter your particular pool. In contrast, a traditional pump runs at only one set speed, whether necessary or not.
Why to use a variable speed pump?
Why Variable Speed Pumps?
- They Save A Ton of Energy. Yes, that means you are going to be saving a lot of money! ...
- They Will Last Longer. This will also save you a bunch of money. ...
- Your Pool & Equipment Will Thank You. This one lost me at first, but hang in there. Let’s think about this. ...
- Can Be A Safety Device. How can it be considered a safety device? ...
Is a variable speed pump worth the investment?
Your 1 1/5 single speed pump running 10 hours will use about 594 kWh a month. A variable speed pump running 24/7 (at 250 watts) will use about 180 kWh a month so you save about $600 a year. A variable speed pump will clean the pool better and save you money. Enjoying this content? Support TFP with a donation.
How long to run a variable speed pump?
You could run your VS pump on 1100 or 1200 RPM for around 64 hours for the same electrical costs as running it on full speed for one hour. This is why variable speed pumps are so great, and save so much money, but misusing one can basically invalidate all the savings potential.
Who makes the best (vs) variable speed pool pump?
The Hayward SP23115VSP pool pump is the perfect choice for replacing your existing pump with a high-quality, energy-efficient variable speed pump. This amazing pool pump helps you save money by saving energy. In addition to being extremely quiet, these pumps can help you save up to 80% in energy costs.
Is a variable speed pool pump worth it?
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.
When would you use a variable speed pump?
Variable-speed pumps allow you to use only the amount of power you actually need. In fact, lowering the pump speed when the pool filter is running will allow for more effective filtration, all while saving energy. Variable-speed pumps are the best way to have a truly energy-efficient pool pump.
What does variable speed pump mean?
Variable-speed pumps get their name from the fact that they operate at different speeds, measured in rotations per minute (RPMs). They can be adjusted up to 3,450 RPMs to suit the specific function. VSPs use less energy when their speeds are reduced.
What is the advantage of a variable speed pump?
Variable-speed pumps help maximize energy efficiency and result in huge cost savings. Operating a variable-speed pump at 50% of its maximum speed uses 85-90% less energy and reduces energy bills greatly. It is an investment that will often pay for itself in less than one year.
Do I need a variable speed pump?
With a variable speed pump a pool owner can circulate their water at lower flow rates for a more prolonged period of the day without added energy consumption. This study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory confirms that variable speed pumps are significantly more energy efficient than single speed pumps.
What speed should I run my variable speed pump?
Variable speed pool pumps should run longer, based upon the operating speed. Most pool owners run their variable speed pump for 12 hours per day (3-4 hours on high speed for the pool cleaning system and 8-9 hours on low speed for filtration).
What is better single speed or variable speed pool pump?
Variable speed pool pumps are far more efficient compared to single-speed and two-speed pumps as they allow you to control the speed (RPM) of the pump, whether low or high or anywhere in between. When you choose a variable-speed pool pump , you'll have a higher up-front cost, but bigger savings over time.
Do variable speed pumps last longer?
0:252:44How Long Do Variable Speed Pool Pumps Last? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe pump to operate for most variable speed pumps are recommended. By manufacturers to be good forMoreThe pump to operate for most variable speed pumps are recommended. By manufacturers to be good for sixty. Months of operation.
Do variable speed pumps save money?
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.
How long do variable speed pool pumps last?
eight to 12 yearsOn 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 do you vacuum a pool with a variable speed pump?
0:291:46how to vacuum with a variable speed or a 2 speed pump with a spill over ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFor the main suctions. Point it to each other and then you have two skimmers in this pool. SoMoreFor the main suctions. Point it to each other and then you have two skimmers in this pool. So whatever skimmer you want to use the deep end one or the shallow in one you take this valve.
How do I know what size pool pump I need?
Determine how many gallons you need to pump per hour to clean all the water in your pool in eight hours. Divide the gallons of water your pool holds (answer from step 1) by eight. Using the example number of gallons previously given, this equation would look as follows: 24,000 gallons ÷ 8 hours = 3,000.
How much more efficient are variable speed pool pumps?
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.
Are variable speed heat pumps worth it?
If you're replacing an HVAC system and have the budget for a superior system, you simply can't beat a variable speed system for energy efficiency and overall comfort.
How do you use a variable speed pool pump?
6:348:09How To Program A Variable Speed Pump Schedule - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe higher rpm maybe double that amount at the mid-range rpm. And then the rest of the day. Run yourMoreThe higher rpm maybe double that amount at the mid-range rpm. And then the rest of the day. Run your pump at the low rpm speed. You don't want to turn your pump off if you have a variable speed pump.
What is variable speed pool pump?
Variable speed pool pumps, as the name implies, automatically alter their own pump speeds based pre-programmed settings and pressure sensors, allowing you to be much more efficient with your power without sacrificing the option of pumping at a much higher rate when needed.
How does a pool pump work?
Pool pumps work via an electric motor. These convert electricity into mechanical energy via a stator and rotor, creating torque (a measure of force over distance) to rotate the motor shaft. An impeller attached to the motor shaft is what ultimately moves water through the pump via rapid spinning.
How is a pool pump measured?
The pump’s speed is measured via its rotations per minute (RPM). Pool pumps are also measured by horsepower, which is expressed by torque x RPM / 5252. In other words, a pool pump with 1 horsepower and 3 ft/lbs of torque has 1800 RPM. To make things even more confusing, note that you can also measure torque in Newton-meters rather than foot-pounds.
Do pool pumps come in all sizes?
Yet as with most pool components and installations, pumps come in all shapes and sizes. And while the best pump for you depends on a number of circumstances, many pool owners are making the switch towards variable speed pool pumps over the old single speed and dual speed pumps. Let’s see why.
Is a variable speed pool pump more expensive than a single speed pool pump?
There’s no question that variable speed pool pumps are more expensive than older single-speed models. However, it should be noted that pool pumps are a serious investment in general, and because you’re saving a lot of dollars on those kWs, you do end up eventually getting back the difference (and saving in the long-term), especially if you leave your pump running for several hours every day, as you should.
Do pool pumps have anti-freezing?
Not only do you have to take pool size and flow rate (based on your piping and filter) into consideration, but you have a selection of additional features to consider as well. Some variable speed pool pumps come with anti-freezing technology to prevent pipe bursts during winter, for example.
Why do pool pumps have variable speed?
This is because variable speed pool pumps allow you to run your pool at a lower speed for a longer period of time, as opposed to single speed pumps that run at higher speeds for a shorter period of time. Single speed pool pumps typically run at a much higher speed than necessary, which means they are constantly wasting energy.
How Much Can a Variable Speed Pool Pump Save You?
One important thing to understand about how pool pumps work is that running your pump at lower speeds for longer periods of time will cost much less than running it at high speeds for shorter periods of time.
Why do pool pumps only run at night?
This is even worse because their pool water sits stagnant during the day when the sun is out which leaves the sun’s UV rays to degrade the pool’s chlorine.
Why is my pool pump running at a higher speed?
Single speed pool pumps typically run at a much higher speed than necessary, which means they are constantly wasting energy. Reducing the speed of your pool pump causes a disproportionate decrease in energy consumption – so even the slightest decrease in your pump’s speed can save you a significant amount of money.
How long should a pool pump be running?
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.
How long does a speed pump last in a pool?
Due to the high energy costs and loud operating noise, most pool owners who use a single speed pump end up running them for eight hours a day or less. This means that for most of the day their pool water is sitting stagnant and building up bacteria and other contaminants.
What are the different types of pool pumps?
Here are the three top types of pool pumps on the market today: 1. Single Speed Pool Pumps. The original style of a pool pump, and also the least expensive, is the single speed pump.
What is the efficiency of a 60 Hz pump?
This represents an excellent range of efficiency and will have a large impact on energy savings and the cost of operation. The slope of the efficiency isomer is also important. At 1,000 gallons per minute, the efficiency of the 60 hz curve is 80 percent. However, at the reduced speed required by the system curve, efficiency increases to almost 84 percent due to the leftward migration of the 1,250 gallons per minute efficiency point.
What is the pump head tab in Figure 2?
Figure 2 represents the types of charts shown by the tabs (“Pump Head” tab through the “Cost per 1000 Gal” tab) on the site. The one shown is the pump hydraulic efficiency versus system head across the range of flow. It also shows the slope of the efficiency isomers as pump speed (in hz) is reduced and how they intersect the system curve.
Why do engineers want to vary the speed of a pump?
Many engineers want to vary the speed of the pump because it is easier, or they don't know how to properly design and size a pump system. Make no mistake about it, most are lying about VFD's to line their own pockets. These Variable Speed type pumps do not save energy, and do not make pumps last longer. To the contrary, varying the speed of these ...
What is CSV pump?
The CSV is a disruptive product. It really does make pumps last longer and use smaller pressure tanks. The CSV really does eliminate cycling and water hammer. The CSV really does save you money, which is why it is disruptive to the pump industry. Don't let a fast talking salesperson force you into a money pit.
Why is a CSV valve disruptive?
The CSV is disruptive to the pump industry because, it may well be the last time you need spend any money on your water system.
How many hours does a pool pump run?
A pool pump only needs to run 6 to 8 hours a day. If you can't turn the pump off, of course a VFD is going to show $2,000 a year savings. But slowing the pump down with a VFD is not doing any good.
Does a VFD reduce RPM?
Still others will make a big deal about how the motor amps are reduced as the RPM is reduced with a VFD. However, they conveniently forget to mention that the flow is reduced 5 times faster than the amps, which makes the VFD cause 500% more energy use per gallon.
Do variable speed pumps save energy?
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. Likewise, varying the speed increases the heat in motors, causes excessive vibration, and shortens the life of motors from other undue ...
Can you put in the head of a pump without a VFD?
Other so called "energy saving calculators" won't let you put in the head or pressure required. This way they can show tremendous energy savings when the pump speed is reduced by 90%. However, because the pump still has to produce head or pressure, the pump can only be slowed by 10%, which actually makes the pump use more energy than a properly sized pump without a VFD.
