Need a new swimming pool pump, but not sure which pump you should be shopping for?
Up-Rated, Full Rated, Energy Efficient, Variable Speed, 2-Speed,
Single Speed, etc. Which pump is right for you? This is a breakdown of
everything you should know when shopping for a new swimming pool pump.
Let’s first define some common terms you might run across when looking
around:
Up-Rated or Full Rated?
Pump motors are classified using two pieces of information, it’s
Horsepower(HP) and it’s Service Factor (SF). These are both clearly
marked on the pump motor. Up-Rated pump is one a pump that has been
“up-rated” based on a service factor multiplier. It is possible that a
3/4 HP up-rated motor is the exact same thing as a 1HP full-rated
motor. Manufacturers can change the SF on a motor and classify it as
two different HP’s. The most important thing to know is you can
multiply the HP by the SF to determine the pump’s real horsepower. This
allows you to compare apples to apples instead of apples to bananas.
What are Energy Efficient Pumps?
These swimming pool pumps are designed to use less energy. Most
people do not consider the cost of running their pump throughout the
year when shopping for a replacement. These can save you up to 20% on
the cost of running your pool pump.
Single Speed, 2-Speed, or Variable Speed?
This is another way to save money running your pool pump. 2-Speed
and Variable Speed pumps are designed to run at a low speed during
regular pump running hours and have the ability to turn it up a notch to
run water features, cleaners, pop-ups, therapy jets, etc. This allows
you as the homeowner to only pay for the speed you need. Most
homeowners have a single speed pump that runs at the same horsepower all
the time. This waste’s electricity as the pump usually is over sized
for regular operation to have the power to run the extras associated
with the pool. For example, your pool may have a 2HP pump installed on
it, but may only need a 3/4HP or 1HP to run properly during circulation
hours. Unfortunately, you have a water feature that needs the extra
horsepower to work properly, so you were given the 2HP pump, wasting
valuable energy during the time the water feature isn’t in operation. To
combat this manufacturers have made both a 2-speed and a variable speed
pump, to help save you on your energy costs. These allow you to run
them as one speed when circulating and another higher speed when needed.
Now that you have a basic understanding of some of the terms you will
see when shopping for a pool pump, here is some rules to follow:
Rule#1:Determine the horsepower and speed needed.
Do you have a basic pool with little to no extras? Or do you have a
small water park in your backyard? Knowing what you have will help you
determine what you need. If your the first one, a small single speed
pump might work perfectly for you. If your the guy with the water park
you may want to take a look at our variable speed pumps.
Rule#2: Bigger isn’t better.
When shopping for cars, homes, etc. bigger can be a good thing.
When shopping for a swimming pool pump, smaller is better. You want the
least horsepower that your pool will allow. This will not only save
you money on your original purchase, but your wallet will be thanking
you every month when your electric bill comes in.
Rule#3: Look into Energy Efficient or Variable Speed pumps.
Not only will you be saving yourself money on your bill every month,
you can do your part for our environment. Also, some states and
electric companies have started giving rebates to consumers who purchase
these items, as an added incentive.
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