10 Signs You Should Invest in a Variable Speed Pump

10 signs you should invest in variable speed pump

Do you have any of these problems? Then it might be time to upgrade to a Variable Speed Pump!

My monthly bill is very high

The initial price of Variable Speed Pumps might be higher than other pump options, but you can usually recover this cost within the first 2 to 3 years. After that, you can just bank the incredible savings.

For example: If I live in Arizona and would like to upgrade from my 1.5hp Single Speed Pump to a 3hp Variable Speed Pump like the Pentair Intelliflo, then the Savings Calculator predicts that my monthly savings would be around $50. This totals over $600 per year, and can pay off the pump in less than two years! Check out your estimated savings HERE!

My current pool pump is too loud and annoying the neighbors

Since Variable Speed Pumps usually run at a lower speed, and have a magnetic motor similar to that of a hybrid car, the sound level is significantly lower than single and dual speed pumps. Your neighbors will thank you! Per Pentair, the IntelliFlo is so quiet, you may not even realize when it is running! The IntelliFlo pool pump comes in at 45dB, which is around 30% quieter than moderate rainfall.

IntelliFlo DecibelsImage courtesy of Pentair.

I live in a state that requires a ‘multi-speed’ pump when I upgrade my old pool pump

For states such as AZ, CA, and TX, pool owners are now required to purchase a multi-speed pool pump when upgrading from a single speed pool pump. Single speed pumps can still be used for water features, but multi-speed pumps are more often required to run pool filtration systems.

Per a 2011 report by the Consortium for Energy Efficiency, there are over 10.3M residential swimming pools in the US. Knowing that pool filtration systems are typically the 2nd highest energy consumer per household after the AC unit, can you imagine how much energy is being used nationwide from pool pumps? Check the full report HERE.

My current pool pump can’t control the flow rate between my water features and the pool filtration system

Variable Speed Pumps can be programmed to control different features at varying speeds. Variable Speed Pumps allow you to find the exact right flow rate coming out of your water feature so that you have the perfect water stream. Single speed pumps only have one level of flow, locking the pool owner into one water stream type.

If you have water features, a spa, or a pool cleaner connected to your pump, you can increase the flow when needed and decrease the flow when not in use. This type of customization also allows you to program your pump to take advantage of lower rates when you are on off peak hours.

Keep in mind that water features may use their own separate pump. Variable speed pumps will alleviate the need for multiple pumps and control each feature with the correct water flow level.

Local utility companies are offering rebates for Variable Speed Pump purchases

If you need more incentive, many states not only require variable speed pumps, but incentivize pool owners with utility rebates of up to $400, depending on your state and local utility company. For more info, find your qualifying rebates HERE.

Why are Utility Companies offering rebates? Per the SRP (Arizona-based energy company), “Switching to an ENERGY STAR®-certified variable-speed pool pump can reduce pool-related energy costs by approximately 70% a year.” This rebate will help offset some of the initial investment cost of your Variable Speed Pump purchase.

Example: In Texas, Austin Energy company is currently offering a $300 rebate to pool owners when they update an old pool pump to a VSP. If you purchase a VS Pump at $800, and then receive the $300 utility rebate, you’re only paying around $500 for you new Variable Speed Pump. This is only slightly higher than the average cost of a Single Speed Pump.

I need to replace the controller or timer for my old pump

The average automatic timer costs around $230. If you plan on purchasing a new controller, along with a new dual speed pump, you’d be spending around $700-$800 total, compared to a Variable Speed Pump which start as low as 343000 for the Sta-Rite SuperMax. Most Variable Speed Pumps include a built-in digital timer and program speed settings, making them the most reliable, efficient and user-friendly pumps on the market.

I have a large pool, which means higher operational costs

Someone who lives in an area which charges $0.15/kwh with a 25,000 gallon pool and water features will save more than the pool owner who is charged $0.07/kwh on electricity with a smaller 15,000 gallon pool. Pentair reports that if you have a 20,000 gallon pool run 3.6 to 12 hours a day at the national average of $0.15/kwh, you can expect to save $324 to $1,356 a year by switching to a variable speed pump, and could potentially save more than $2,000 in higher-cost areas. With the large potential gap between $324 and 1,356, we suggest that you check out our Savings Calculator for your own localized savings.

I love technology!

Variable Speed Pumps are just plain cool! Yes, this is a legitimate reason to own a Variable Speed Pump. Even if you purchase a Variable Speed Pump because they’re fun, look sleek next to your pool, and you enjoy the flexibility of controlling the exact pump speed, the cost and energy savings will be VERY COOL! What’s really cool is that many Variable Speed Pumps can connect to optional automatic control systems, allowing you to control the filtration system from your mobile device while at the office, on the run, or across the country. This gives pool owners full control and monitoring 24/7.

I am updating other pool equipment or building a new pool

Are you planning on updating your current pool filter, water feature or other equipment? Variable Speed Pumps can be adjusted to perfectly match up with your filter size. This will ensure that your filtration system is running as efficiently as possible. It will also enhance the life of your pool’s system, putting less strain on the equipment.

Tired of constant maintenance

Are you tired of the constant upkeep, like new plumbing, equipment breaking, flow too low or too high with water features, and more? Variable speed pumps last significantly longer than single and dual speed pumps, and can also extend the life of your attached pool equipment. These pumps last longer than single and dual-speed pumps because the motor is undergoing less strain by running at the lowest optimal speed.

Looking for more reasons to upgrade?

  1. Extended Warranty

    2. If you are buying multiple Pentair items through PoolSupplyWorld, you will get a 3-year extended warranty on the IntelliFlo when you purchase 2 additional qualifying items.

If you have any questions about your current pump, or thinking about upgrading to a Variable Speed Pump, contact us at 800.772.0467.

Credit for physics calculation on dB levels: Andrew from PoolSupplyWorld

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