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Energy-Saving Variable Speed Pool Pumps
Pool Owner’s Guide · Your Equipment
The Pool Pump: How the Heart of Your Pool Works
by Spectrum Pool Care
Every drop of water that reaches your filter, heater and return jets gets there because of one machine. Here’s what’s inside a pool pump, how it moves so much water, and why slower is often better.
A pool pump is a simple idea done very well. Water arrives from the skimmer and main drain, passes through a basket, and meets a spinning wheel that sends it on its way. Four parts do nearly all the work:
The strainer basket
Behind the clear lid at the front, the basket catches leaves, hair and debris before they reach the moving parts.
The impeller
A small wheel of curved vanes. As it spins, it flings water outward, pulling new water in behind it.
The motor
The electric motor at the back turns the impeller, often thousands of times a minute.
The seals
A shaft seal and lid O-ring keep water in and air out, so the pump stays primed and quiet.
A Little Physics
Why Slower Can Be Better
Here’s a surprising bit of pump physics: a pump’s power use rises much faster than its speed. Run a pump at half speed and it moves about half as much water, but uses only about an eighth of the energy. That’s the whole idea behind variable-speed pumps.
Single-speed pumps run flat out whenever they’re on, which is more than most pools need for everyday filtering.
Variable-speed pumps can run longer at a gentle speed for filtering, then speed up for cleaning, a spa or a waterfall.
Quieter, too. At low speed, many are barely audible from the house.
The California standard. Most replacement pool pumps sold in California today are required to be variable-speed models.
Getting to Know Yours
What a Healthy Pump Looks and Sounds Like
Water in the lid. Through the clear lid, the basket should look full of water, with few bubbles.
A smooth, steady sound. Every pump has its own voice; a change in that voice is worth noticing.
A clear basket. An empty basket lets water flow freely and keeps the pump comfortable.
Dry ground beneath it. The area around the pump should stay dry while it runs.
Good surface movement. Strong flow shows up as a gently moving surface and active return jets.
From our routes: if something about the pump catches our eye during a visit, we’ll let you know. And if you notice it first, a new sound, a pump that won’t start or one that shuts off, give us a call and we’ll arrange a visit to take a look.
