Camille LeFevre
Variable Speed Pool Pump
Variable speed pool pumps use a permanent magnet (which are used in electric cars) and generally the most popular amongst pool pumps as they are the most efficient. This type of pool pump allows you to set the flow rate to the speed that best fits your pool. The less motor friction the pool pump makes the more efficient it is.
Much like a heat pump for a home, a pool pump needs to be the right size (horsepower) for your pool. The goal is for your pool pump to clean your pool water in 8 hours. Ensure your pool specialist has calculated the following:
- Required gallons per minute (GPM) based on the amount of water in your pool
- Feet to head (commonly referred to as resistance) which is the average length between your skimmer and your pool pump (measured in feet)
- The appropriate filter size to ensure your pump is pushing the required amount of water without encountering resistance which could potentially burn out the motor
Variable speed pool pumps can operate at lower speeds overnight resulting in less energy consumption and lowering your costs.
The first recorded swimming pool dates back to 2600 B.C. to the Pakistani city of Mohenjo-Daro.