Here’s how to maximize your energy bill savings with pool pump settings.
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A backyard pool is a refuge from the summer heat. If you’re not careful, though, pools can be expensive on your summer energy bills. According to ENERGY STAR, pool pumps are often the second-highest level of energy consumption of any household appliance, costing households as much as $310 per year.
Fortunately, choosing the right type of pool pump and settings can help you avoid overspending. Here’s what pool owners need to know.
Installing an in-ground pool at your home is expensive in and of itself, but the upfront expense isn’t the only cost to consider. Pools are major energy hogs, with several components that will drive up your monthly electric bills.
All of the following pool equipment types require significant energy:
A pool pump is the main component for circulating and cleaning your pool water. As such, it is by far the heaviest energy user. According to OhmConnect, the average pool pump uses 3,000 to 5,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year. The current average U.S. electricity rate is 17.45 cents per kWh, meaning your pool pump usage could easily add up to $500–$870 per year.
Exactly how much energy your pool pump uses depends on several factors, including the pump size, pool size and configuration, runtime settings, local climate, and maintenance habits. However, the type of pump you choose will have the biggest impact on your operating costs.
The traditional pool pump — also known as a single-speed pump — is the most basic type you’ll find. It operates at a constant speed, typically around 3,450 revolutions per minute (RPM), whether it’s running the vacuum or simply circulating water for filtration.
That high speed isn’t always necessary, and running it full throttle all day leads to significant energy waste. Plus, most single-speed pumps are oversized for the job, pushing more water than your pool needs. That can lead to over-filtration, which doesn’t improve water quality and increases wear and tear on your pool equipment.
Besides being noisy and inefficient, standard pumps are quickly becoming outdated. States like California have effectively banned the sale of most single-speed pumps in favor of more efficient models, and other regions may follow suit.
If you’re still using a single-speed pump, you could be spending hundreds more per year on electricity than necessary just to keep your pool running.
If you’re searching for the best way to save on the costs of running your backyard pool, a variable speed pump (VSP) offers a significant payoff.
Unlike traditional single-speed models, VSPs use a permanent magnet motor, similar to the technology found in hybrid car motors. This motor allows them to run quietly and efficiently at multiple speeds, enabling you to fine-tune performance based on what your pool needs. Lower speeds are ideal for everyday circulation, while higher speeds are better for tasks like vacuuming or running a waterfall.
Having control over your pump speed can lead to major savings in the long run. Adjusting your pool pump settings to run at lower speeds helps you use less energy and lower your electric bills. It can also reduce wear and tear, extending the life of your pump. ENERGY STAR-approved pool pumps could save you up to $2,800 over the life of the equipment.
As a bonus, many utility companies offer rebates to offset the cost of more energy-efficient pool pumps. Plus, programmable timers allow you to run your pump during off-peak hours to save even more if you’re on a time-of-use (TOU) electricity plan.
Are you considering a new pool or searching for ways to make yours more energy-efficient? Here are a few important factors that can help you choose the right pool pump.
Start with your pool size and setup. Larger pools or ones with complex features like spas, waterfalls, or long plumbing runs often benefit the most from a VSP. The same is true if you live in an area with high electricity rates. And if you use your pool year-round, your potential return on investment is even greater than seasonal pool owners.
The age of your current pump also matters. If your pump is more than 10 years old, there’s a good chance it’s less efficient, noisier, and nearing the end of its lifespan. Replacing it with a new VSP could lead to substantial savings over time.
Features to shop for in a new pump:
Unsure how much your pool pump currently costs to operate? You can use a simple formula to figure it out. Start by finding the pump’s voltage and amperage rating and multiplying them to get the total wattage.
For instance, a typical single-speed pump rated for 115 volts and 18.6 amps would have a wattage of 2,139. Divide this by 1,000 to get the pump’s kWh rating, 2.139. You can then multiply this by your electricity rate and the number of hours you run the pump each day to determine your daily cost. For instance, if you run the pump for 10 hours a day at 17 cents per kWh, you’d pay roughly $3.64 per day or $109.08 per month.
2.139 x 10 x .17 = $3.64 per day
Choosing the right equipment and pool pump settings can help you cut down on your energy usage. But regardless of your chosen setup, you can save on the cost of running your pool pump by optimizing your energy plan.
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Most manufacturers and installers recommend running your pump for around eight hours per day for proper filtration and chemical mixing. The optimal run time depends on your pool size, pump type, and settings. Variable speed pumps may be more efficient when you run them at lower speeds for longer periods.
Most pool pumps last eight to 12 years, though regular maintenance can help extend their lifespan. VSPs often last longer than single-speed models because they run at lower speeds and experience less daily wear and tear.
The right pump size depends on your pool’s volume and plumbing system. In general, you want a pump that can turn over all the water in your pool in about 8 hours. Remember that bigger isn’t always better. Oversized pumps often waste energy, so it’s best to size your pump carefully or consult a pool professional to get the right fit.