Energy-Efficient Pool Pumps
5th November 2024
What do pool pumps do? How do I pick one that is energy-efficient? We’ve answered all your swimming pool pump questions here.
To keep your swimming pool sparkling clean, your pool pump needs to operate regularly. Since pumps consume energy during operation, opting for an energy-efficient model can help to significantly reduce your energy bills.
Changing the way you use your pump can also lead to substantial savings, whether it’s adjusting pump run times or ensuring proper maintenance. Read on for practical tips on how to choose and run a swimming pool pump that saves energy and lowers costs.
What does a pool pump do?
To keep your swimming pool sparkling clean and crystal clear for whenever the weather warms or the whim takes you, your pool pump needs to be plugged in and doing its job.
Simply put, a pool pump, driven by a pool motor, functions by drawing water through an attached suction hose or drain, filtering it to remove debris and contaminants, and then circulating the cleaned water back into the pool. This circulation process helps maintain water clarity and prevents stagnation. Depending on the specific model, a pool pump may also perform additional tasks like heating the water to a comfortable temperature and chlorinating it to maintain proper sanitation levels.
All of these functions consume energy. In fact, a pool pump’s water filtration system alone could account for about 20-30% of your total energy bill.
How much electricity does a pool pump use?
It’s difficult to give an exact figure for pool pump running costs and energy usage. It can depend on a range of factors, like:
- Pool size: Larger pools generally require more energy to circulate water effectively.
- Daily operating duration: The longer a pool pump operates each day, the higher its energy consumption.
- Additional functions: Pumps that also heat and chlorinate the water will consume more energy.
- Motor and pump quality: Higher-quality, more efficient motors and pumps can reduce energy usage.
- Speed options: Variable-speed pumps are generally more energy-efficient than single-speed pumps.
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Choosing and using an energy-efficient pool pump
As mentioned above, pool pumps can guzzle a lot of electricity. If you’re looking to reduce your energy consumption, look to upgrade your pool pump to a more energy-efficient model. For example, swapping a 2 star unit for a 6 star unit can save between $200-300 annually.
To find the best energy-efficient pool pump for your specific pool and get the most bang for your buck, follow these handy tips:
- Check the star rating: While energy ratings aren’t mandatory for pool pumps in Australia, many manufacturers now voluntarily include an Energy Rating Label and star rating on their products. This makes it easier for you to compare energy-efficient pool pumps side-by-side. To learn more, read our article on appliance energy star ratings.
- Go for the right size: Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to pool pumps. Choosing the smallest pump that can handle your pool size will help keep energy use in check.
- Opt for variable speed: Multi-speed or variable-speed pumps tend to be more energy-efficient than single-speed ones. You can dial down the speed for everyday tasks like filtering, saving energy.
- Run the pump only when needed: Chat with a pool expert to nail down how long your pump really needs to run to keep your water squeaky clean. Often, default settings are set higher than necessary.
- Invest in a timer: Installing a timer lets you automate when your pump switches on and off, cutting down on unnecessary energy use.
- Keep it clean: It’s important to clean out the filter, the skimmer basket and any other pump parts that have recommendations for regular cleaning. By doing so, the pump won’t have to work as hard.
Best time to run your pool pump to save energy
Running your pool pump at the right times can make a significant difference in your energy usage and costs. Here’s how you can schedule your pool pump operation to maximise energy efficiency:
- Off-peak hours: Consider running your pool pump during off-peak hours when electricity demand—and often rates—are lower. This can potentially reduce your energy expenses compared to peak hours.
- Time-of-Use (TOU) rates: Check out TOU pricing, where electricity rates vary based on the time of day. Adjust your pump’s schedule to take advantage of lower rates during off-peak periods.
- Optimal runtime: Chat with a pool professional to determine the minimum runtime needed to keep your pool water clean and safe. Running the pump longer than necessary can unnecessarily increase energy consumption.
- Use of timers: Install a timer on your pool pump to automate its operation during times of lower electricity demand or when rates are favourable. This ensures efficient pump operation without manual oversight.
- Weather adjustments: Adjust your pump’s schedule based on weather conditions and pool usage. During periods of high heat or heavy pool activity, you may need to increase pump runtime to maintain water quality.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to squeezing every drop of efficiency out of your pool pump while keeping your energy bills in check.
The final word
Now that you’ve wrapped your head around just how much electricity a pool pump uses, you can start taking action to reduce this energy consumption. With an energy-efficient pool pump in place, plus some simple strategies to use it more efficiently, you can divert those dollars saved on energy to some new inflatable pool toys.
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