Krisdan Klear Pool Service

Pool pumps account for 70-90% of all electricity used to operate swimming pools. Pumps are sized according to the volume of water in the pool, the resistance of the plumbing and the design flow rate of the pool filter. Pool filter pressure of more than 5 psi indicates a fair amount of resistance that the pump must overcome.

In many cases, pool pumps are oversized to compensate for static and friction losses, as well as dirt load in baskets and filters. They are also often oversized to handle a range of duties in addition to filtration, including powering in-pool or in-floor cleaners, attached spas or water features.

Standard pool pumps spin the impeller at 3450 RPM all the time. Flow rate can be further controlled with bypass valves or throttling plugs in the skimmers. Increasing pipe diameter (to 2” PVC), or reducing plumbing turns will reduce resistance and resulting pressure in a pool system.

Variable speed pumps can select from a number of different speeds from to operate at most efficiently. The advantage of a lower speed is less energy required to do the pumping work. It also translates to less stress on pool equipment and plumbing, with a corresponding increased lifespan.

Variable speed pumps such as the Hayward Superpump VS or Max-Flo VS are essentially fully programmable 3-speed pool pumps. The Hayward EcoStar is also a variable speed pump that offers 8 speed settings in a wider range, and will connect to pool controller systems easily.

The Pentair Intelliflo VF model however, is different. Variable Flow pool pumps can sense the pressure and adjust pump speed automatically to provide the correct speed for filtering, heating, cleaning or for using attached spas or water features. VF pumps automatically calculate and program the minimum flow requirements for any pool task, optimizing energy savings.

For most pools, a 3-speed variable speed pump would be sufficient. Larger pools with spas, waterfalls or in-floor cleaners could benefit from a variable flow pump, for convenience in set-up and operation, and greater energy savings.

Benefits of Variable Speed Pool Pumps

Lower energy consumption, as much as 75% less.
Optimum flow rate for every pool system task.
Permanent magnet motor runs cool to the touch.
Quiet operation; much quieter than standard.
Durability; magnet motors can last twice as long.