Nothing lasts forever, and that includes swimming pool pumps. Sooner or later there will come a day when your pump needs to be replaced by a new and more-efficient model. There’s no question you’re going to have to lay out a bit of money when purchasing a new pump, but you’ll save in the long run by replacing the old one. Many new pumps have variable programmable speeds and built-in timers which are designed to save a considerable amount of energy which will result in lower costs. These pumps are designed to run at the optimum duration and speed and most of them come with a magnetic motor design. This results in reduced vibration and noise and can extend the life of the pump.

Reasons to replace a pump

It may be time to replace your pump for the simple reason that your existing one can no longer do the job. But there are several other reasons, with the reduction in energy costs being one of the main ones. You may also want a quieter model and have the option of setting the pump’s speed. All of this can be achieved by using a smaller, but more efficient model and using it less frequently. The cost of energy can typically be reduced when you downsize the pump. The larger the pump is the greater the cost will be for maintaining and operating it. While a smaller pump can do the job, you still need to make sure it’s the right model for the size of your pool. The best way to do this is to visit a swimming pool supplier and ask to look at a design chart. This will enable you to match pump’s hydraulic characteristics to the flow characteristics of the pool and its piping. Generally, a 0.75 horsepower pump is large enough for residential pools. However, a smaller model can be used if you decrease the hydraulic resistance of the pool’s circulation system. This can be done by using a larger filter that is rated a minimum of 50 per cent higher than the design flow rate of the pool. You can also decrease the length of the pipes or increase their diameter as well as using 45-degree elbow pipes instead of 90-degree pipes. When the hydraulic resistance is decreased in the pool’s circulation system the pump can save up to 40 per cent in energy.

Operating a pool pump

Many owners run their swimming pools 24 hours a day, but this isn’t necessary. Yes, it’s true that water circulation will remove debris and mix the chemicals, but the chemicals will mix with the water as long as the pump is running when they’re added. Once the chemicals have circulated in the water they will stay that way. In addition, you can remove debris from the water by using a vacuum or skimmer and you won’t have to run the pump all day long. When it comes to algae, studies have shown that water circulation doesn’t necessarily cut down on it and the best methods are to use chemicals and scrub the walls of the pool. Most pool owners should be able to keep their pool water at the same level of cleanliness and quality by operating their pumps between six and eight hours per day. This will reduce the energy costs by about 60 per cent. If you’re worried about debris collecting in the pool you could use a pump with a timer as this will allow you to activate the pump several times during the day for periods of about 30 minutes a time.

Variable-speed pumps

A pump uses more energy than any other article of swimming pool equipment. But a variable speed pump could reduce the energy costs by as much as 90 per cent. Induction-motor pumps with just one or two speeds use more energy than needed when circulating the water. A good variable-speed pump, like Pentair pool pumps,  can be programmed for different speeds to make sure they’re not wasting energy. Some of these pumps have built-in software which will automatically adjust the speed for whatever task is at hand. But whatever type of swimming pool pump you’re using, more energy will be saved when the pump is being used at a lower speed. A lower speed is also quieter and there will be less wear and tear on the pump as well as the heater, chlorinator, filter and any other piece of equipment that the water flows through. Just be aware that a single-speed pump typically costs more to operate and maintain than a variable-speed model. Have a question about the right pool pump for your swimming pool?  We are Canada's swimming pool experts and can help you choose the best pump for your pool at the best price.  Contact us here, we offer free shipping across Canada.