For the past few years the pool industry has been aware of new legislature concerning variable speed pumps. The Department of Energy as enacted a new set of minimum performance standards for homes and businesses in the United States. This new law will likely eliminate special-rate (aboveground) and max-rate (up-rate) /full-rate motor horsepower ratings. The regulation does not require variable speed, however, variable speed is the only current technology that meets the DOE requirement. Manufacturers have to comply with the new DOE regulations beginning July 19, 2021. *

• Dedicated Purpose Pool Pump (DPPP) Regulations FAQ
• Pool Pump Regulation Impact on Commercial Pool Market

Information courtesy of Pool & Hot Tub Alliance

The new variable speed pool pump legislation, took years to develop. Lawmakers included input from suppliers, trade organizations, service providers, and consumer groups. Their collective feedback was used in helping establish that the new pump regulations are both fair and feasible.

“Does this new pool pump law mean that homeowners are required by law to upgrade their pump?”.

Nicholas Angler – Pool Magazine Reader

No the law does not require that consumers upgrade their pool pump from a single speed to a variable speed pump. Unless your current pool pump fails, you do not have to consider replacing your single speed pump with a variable speed pump. After July 19, 2021, all new or replacement filter pumps over .711 Hydraulic Horsepower (HHP) — roughly 1.15 Total Horsepower — establish much higher efficiency standards. “The majority of existing single-speed pumps will not meet the new minimum requirements.” – Pentair

The law doesn’t specifically state that consumers must upgrade their single speed pool pump. Experts however seem to agree that if you’re still using a single speed pump that you probably should consider upgrading to a variable speed model. The biggest advantage to upgrading to a variable speed pump is the cost savings consumers typically see in their utility bills.

Pool owners who opt for a pool equipment upgrade typically experience an average 40-80% monthly energy savings on their electric bill. Over the lifetime of ownership of an inground pool, the cost savings can potentially be over $10,000-$20,000 dollars or more depending on the size of the pool.

Variable speed pump owners experience the biggest energy savings when running their pump at lower speeds. Higher speeds are typically used only as needed for filtering, cleaning, or heating needs. Furthemore, variable speed pumps are typically quieter than their single speed counterparts. Variable speed pumps also last longer compared to single speed motors.

How to Choose The Right Variable Speed Pump

1. Flow Rating: Your filter is designed to withstand a certain amount of water flow. Check the flow rating of your filter to see how much horsepower your setup can handle.
2. Pipe Size: If the PVC used to plumb your pool is too small in circumference size to accommodate the horsepower of your pump, you’ll have issues. Pipes in older pools were usually 1.5 inches in diameter, which were not wide enough to accommodate the water flow from a high-horsepower pump.
3. Horsepower: Extra horsepower isn’t necessarily always needed. Even if your pipes are capable of supporting a three-horsepower pump, you might not need it. It’s a waste of time and money to pick a pool pump that’s too big.
4. Voltage: Pool pumps are available in two voltages: 115 volts and 230 volts. You can check the voltage coming into your current pump with a multimeter. Using the multimeter on the output terminals of your pump timer is easy. If you’re not sure how to use a multimeter or deal with electricity, enlist the assistance of a pool contractor.
5. Side or Top-Mount: Depending on your configuration, you’ll need a specific style mount. Since water is pumped into the filter, the position of the filter determines whether a side- or top-mount pump is needed. If you’re starting an installation from scratch or moving things around in your pool equipment setup, side mounts can make things alot easier.

“Does the new variable speed pump law pertain to above ground pools?”

Katherine Lopez – Pool Magazine Reader

The new law does not apply to single speed pumps for above ground pools. It’s interesting to note that there are several other exemptions to the new variable speed pump law.

• Booster pumps used for pressure pool cleaners.
• Waterfall pumps. Single speed pumps manufactured and labeled as a waterfall pump.
• Integral sand and cartridge pump and filter units used on portable pools.
• Rigid spa pump filter pumps and circulation pumps.

“Will I still be able to buy a single speed pump after July 21, 2021?”

Frank Aldridge – Pool Magazine Reader

As time progresses it may become increasingly difficult to locate one. Consumers might be able to find some remaining stock of single speed pumps greater than 1.0 THP for a year or two. After July 21, 2021, most online retailers will no longer offer such pumps.

*Revised 4/23/2021 with information provided courtesy of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance