How to calculate the energy savings of a variable speed swimming pool pump?

Author: Poolking - Swimming Pool Equipment Manufacturer

Swimming pool pumps are a crucial part of keeping your pool clean and well-maintained. A variable speed pump, as opposed to a traditional single-speed pump, can save a significant amount of energy and reduce your operating costs. In this article, we'll explore how to calculate the energy savings of a variable speed swimming pool pump.

1. Understanding the Difference between Single-Speed and Variable-Speed Pumps Single-speed pool pumps run at one constant speed, typically at 3,450 revolutions per minute (RPM). This speed is often higher than necessary to maintain proper pool circulation, resulting in excess energy usage and higher costs.

In contrast, variable-speed pumps can be adjusted to run at different speeds to meet the specific needs of your pool. Lower speeds are used for routine pool maintenance, while higher speeds can be used for tasks such as backwashing or vacuuming. The ability to adjust speeds can save a significant amount of energy and operating costs.

2. Determining Energy Costs To calculate energy savings, you need to understand how much energy your pool pump is currently using and the associated cost. Your electricity bill will include information on the cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy used.

Next, determine the wattage of your existing pool pump. This information can be found on the label of the pump. For example, a single-speed pump may use 1,500 watts.

3. Calculating Energy Usage To calculate energy usage, multiply the wattage of the pump by the number of hours it runs each day. For example, if your pool pump runs for 8 hours per day, and uses 1,500 watts, the daily energy usage would be 12,000 watt-hours (1,500 watts x 8 hours).

To convert watt-hours to kilowatt-hours, divide the total by 1,000. In the example above, the daily energy usage would be 12 kilowatt-hours (12,000 watt-hours / 1,000). 4.

Comparing Energy Usage Next, compare the energy usage of your existing single-speed pump to that of a variable speed pump. A variable speed pump can run at a lower speed for routine maintenance, saving a significant amount of energy. The exact savings will depend on the specific pump model and how it is programmed.

For example, a variable speed pump running at 2,400 RPM for 8 hours per day may use only 600 watts. This would result in a daily energy usage of 4.8 kilowatt-hours (600 watts x 8 hours / 1,000).

5. Calculating Energy Savings To calculate the energy savings, subtract the energy usage of the variable speed pump from that of the single-speed pump. In our example, the energy savings would be 7.

2 kilowatt-hours per day (12 kilowatt-hours - 4.8 kilowatt-hours). Finally, multiply the daily energy savings by the cost per kilowatt-hour to determine the daily savings.

If your electricity cost is $0.12 per kilowatt-hour, the daily savings in our example would be $0.86 per day (7.

2 kilowatt-hours x $0.12 per kilowatt-hour). In summary, calculating the energy savings of a variable speed swimming pool pump requires understanding the difference between single-speed and variable-speed pumps, determining energy costs, calculating energy usage, comparing energy usage, and calculating energy savings.

By selecting a variable speed pump and following these guidelines, you can reduce your energy usage, lower your operating costs, and maintain a clean and well-maintained pool.