Published by Brooke Sardella on 01/14/2022
Do This & Reduce Your Pool Energy Bill By 70%
Meet new energy regulations and save money!
“If every pool pump in the U.S. were ENERGY STAR certified, families could save $770 million in energy costs every year and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equal to more than 1 million cars.” - Energy Star
In July 2021, The Department of Energy (DOE) introduced Dedicated Purpose Pool Pump (DPPP) regulations. These regulations require all new pumps to meet new energy efficiency standards. This essentially means many single-speed pumps will be replaced by more efficient variable speed models.
Single-speed pumps only have 2 settings - on and off and only run at full speed. This means that an energy-efficient singe speed pump in compliance with DOE may not be powerful enough to keep a large pool clean. Yet, variable speed pumps can run at multiple speeds and at their lower speeds put less wear on the system, use less energy, save money, and are even quieter!
Just how much money can you save with a variable speed pump? The DOE estimates variable speed pumps consume 70% less energy than single-speed pumps by circulating and filtering water at lower speeds. They also estimate average life-cycle cost savings for owners to be $2,140 with a payback of less than one year.
Which Variable Speed Pumps are in compliance?
If your pool pumps needs replacing in the 2022 season, the pumps listed below are in compliance with the new DOE regulations. Remember that saving every is saving money!
Pentair
Hayward
TRISTAR® VS 900 VARIABLE-SPEED
Speck (Above-ground)
SPECK PUMPS E71-II VHV VARIABLE SPEED PUMP
It is also important to replace your variable speed pump motor with the correct part. If a variable speed pump is replaced with a single-speed motor, all of its energy benefits will be wasted - including decreased noise!
Considerations
It is also important to note there are special considerations and exemptions to the new regulations imposed by the DOE:
Special consideration:
- Some states offer rebates for installing energy-efficient pool pumps. Check with your local utility company!
- Most pool pumps with a motor rating of 5.0 THP or less will be required to meet the minimum energy-efficiency standards.
- Many single-speed and two-speed pumps < 1.0 THP, including booster pumps, will meet the requirements.
- July 19, 2021, is the date non-compliant pumps will no longer be manufactured
- Customers will not have to return their products
Exemptions:
- Pumps for small in-ground pools pumps for above-ground pools, and pressure cleaner booster pumps can continue to be single-speed ( though they come in variable speeds as well)
- Waterfall Pumps that operate at ≤ 30 feet of head with a maximum speed of ≤ 1,800 RPM
- Integral Sand- and Cartridge-Filter Pool Pumps
- Storable Electric Spa / Rigid Electric Spa Pumps
- Pumps with 3-Phase Motors
Keeping all of this information in mind, it is exciting to see the pool industry taking strides towards a more sustainable future. Variable speed pumps are more energy-efficient and cost-saving than single-speed pumps. So, when replacing your next pump, making the switch keeps less waste from the environment and more money in your wallet!
You can browse all of our pumps here or contact us with any questions about this new regulation.
