The Merits of Variable Speed Pool Pump Motors
Reduce the Cost of Pool Ownership and Help the Environment By Upgrading to a Variable Speed Pump Motor
If you own a pool, your pool pump is one of the biggest energy users in your home. In-ground residential pools in the United States consume around $1.5 billion in energy costs per year. Single speed pumps typically run at high RPMs around the clock. Running like this, single speed pumps over-circulate water, wasting precious energy and money. A variable speed pump motor can circulate water at the minimum turnover rate for water quality at a lower RPM. Changing from single speed to a variable speed pool pump motor could reduce the energy needed by up to 80%.
Variable Speed Pool Pumps and Energy Savings
For a relatively small investment, a variable speed pool pump motor can pay for itself in energy savings alone. The Pump Affinity Law can explain the relationship between motor speed, flow rates, and energy consumption. As you reduce motor speed you also reduce the flow rate. This relationship to energy consumption (watts) is not linear, though. When you cut motor speed in half, you also cut the flow rate by half. However, this reduces power consumption to 1/8 of the original consumption. Table 1.1 shows the dramatic energy savings associated with running a motor at lower RPMs.
States recognize the energy-saving impact that variable speed motors have on the environment. The U.S. Department of Energy established the first national energy efficiency standards for Dedicated Purpose Pool Pumps (DPPP) in 2017. California lawmakers enacted Title 20 to oversee pool pumps in the state. Variable speed motors are increasingly preferred by regulatory agencies. The ability of variable speed motors to conserve energy has made them more attractive than single and two-speed motors.
Converting From Single Speed to Variable Speed
Pool owners can install variable speed pump replacement motors on existing single-speed pumps. Upgrading to a variable speed motor is all you need to do to convert a pool into a high-efficiency system. Service technicians should select the variable speed motor appropriate for the size of pool, plumbing and pump. Installation is simple without the need for additional plumbing or wiring.
Table 1.1 Variable Speed Motor Energy Consumption
| RPM |
Max Power Consumption |
| 3450 | 1500W |
| 3100 | 1175W |
| 2850 | 930W |
| 2600 | 720W |
| 2350 | 540W |
| 2100 | 395W |
| 1850 | 280W |
| 1600 | 195W |
| 1350 | 130W |
| 1100 | 80W |
| 850 | 45W |
| 600 | 35W |
Other Benefits
Thanks to slower circulation rates of a variable speed pumps, users will notice a quieter motor. Operating at lower speeds also lowers the temperature of the motor, extending the life of the motor. Variable speed motors also have totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) construction. This type of build means longer life and less maintenance compared to traditional open drip proof design.
The VGreen® line of variable speed replacement pump motors offer premium energy savings along with an integrated user interface with fully programmable schedules and overrides. VGreen motors are available in 0.85, 1.65 and 2.70 total horsepower in square, C-face (round) and through bolt flanges. These energy savings can be quantified using the VLink® Wireless User Interface. The interface connects the VGreen motor to mobile devices to set, adjust, and monitor pump motor schedules. Thanks to its flexibility, users can monitor and manage energy consumption. Users can also set custom overrides for parties and cleaning. The VLink Wireless User Interface works with both Android and iOS mobile devices. Energy conscious pool owners have the ability to wirelessly monitor and manage their VGreen pump motor anytime, anywhere.
Upgrading to a variable speed motor will lower the cost of pool ownership through energy savings of up to 80% without replacing the pump. These motors run cooler, quieter and last longer. Owning a pool with a variable speed motor just became more affordable and better for the environment.
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