What do DPPP Regulations Mean for Your Next Variable Speed Motor Purchase?
In-ground residential pools in the United States consume around $1.5 billion in energy costs per year, making pool pumps one of the biggest energy users in a home. After the Department of Energy's DPPP regulations go into effect on July 19, 2021, most pool pumps will need variable speed motors. While there are exceptions, up to 80% of single speed pumps will become obsolete.
Since single-speed pumps typically run at high RPM’s, they over-circulate water and waste precious energy and money. A variable speed pump motor can circulate water at the minimum turnover rate for water quality at a lower RPM, reducing the energy needed by up to 80%.
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 be used to explain the relationship between motor speed, flow rates, and energy consumption. As motor speed is reduced, the flow rate is as well. This relationship to energy consumption (watts) is not linear, though. When motor speed is cut in half, the flow rate is cut in half. However, the power consumption is reduced to 1/8 of the original consumption. Variable speed motors are preferred over single and two-speed motors for their ability to conserve energy.
Converting from Single Speed to Variable Speed
Variable speed pump replacement motors can be installed on existing single-speed pumps. While pool owners are not required to upgrade to a variable speed motor at this time, many single speed pumps will no longer be available as they are impacted by DPPP. Variable speed retrofit motors will be available for customers who choose to upgrade their existing pumps.
Service technicians should select the variable speed motor that is appropriate for the size of pool, plumbing and pump. Installation is simple, without the need for additional plumbing or wiring.
Additional Benefits of a Variable Speed Pump
The slower circulation rates of a variable speed pump equate to a noticeably quieter motor. Operating at lower speeds also lowers the temperature of the motor, extending the life of the motor. A variable speed motor’s robust design equates to a longer life and less maintenance compared to a 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. The VGreen motors are available in a variety of total horsepower (THP) options and in square, C-face(round) and through bolt flanges.
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.
Talk to one of our expert sales professionals about how our solutions can efficiently power your business.