subject: Can A Pool Pump Save You Money? [print this page] Many homeowners are trying to go green these days buying green appliances, installing energy-efficient windows and doors, and ensuring their attics are properly insulated. When homeowners think about going green, however, they typically overlook their swimming pools. Did you know that an inefficient pool pump can waste energy and cost you money. If you aren't using the right size pump for your pool, you may be wasting energy and throwing money away each month when you pay your utility bills.
Maintaining a pool can be quite a chore. A pool pump is a great time-saver, helping keep the water in your pool clean and crystal-clear all year round. The filtration system in your pool pumps water out, removes dirt, debris and unwanted chemicals, and pumps the clean, filtered water back into your pool. A pool pump is being utilized in the pool filter system to do the cleansing job. The type and size of pump you need depends on the size of your pool filter and your pool capacity. In addition, if your pump will also be used for waterfalls or other water features, this will also determine the size of pump that is right for you.
Many homeowners have a pool pump that is more powerful than the size of their pool requires. Installing a pump that is too powerful can actually work to prevent proper filtration and can even cause damage your pool's filter or heater. This is why it is so important to purchase a pump that is the right size for your pool. Many pool builders will offer a free upgrade to a more powerful pump as an incentive to homeowners to use the company's services. However, upgrading to a larger pump is not always the best choice. Choose a pump that meets your specific pool needs.
If your pool was built more than a few years ago, you probably have a standard single-speed pool pump. As the name suggests, a single-speed pump has only one speed, which means that whenever the pump is on, it will be using the maximum amount of energy. Thus, with a standard single-speed pump running at 3450 revolutions per minute, you will be consuming the maximum amount of energy possible. Thus, you will never be able to do anything to save energy or lower your energy bill unless the pump is turned off completely. Doing this will allow for algae growth, pH imbalance, and accumulation of debris in your pool, however.
A better choice is a two-speed pump, which use less energy and are therefore much less costly to operate. Variable speed pumps have grown in popularity in recent years because of their energy-saving properties. The two-speed pump can be operated on low (1750 R.P.M.) or standard (3450 R.P.M.) speed, depending on whether or not you are using the pool. Installing a two-speed pump can really spell big savings of energy and money each month.
Do not just accept a pump upgrade just to save money. Instead, ask for a two-speed, multi-speed or variable-speed pump. In Arizona, Shasta Pools & Spas has been building quality swimming pools for over 45 years. We offer a variety of different pumps to meet the needs of any size pool. Visit http://www.shastapools.com/Contact/ or call 866.Shasta5 (866.742.7825) to schedule a consultation with a Phoenix pool designer and bring your dream pool to life.
