Conserve101 - Swimming Pool Energy Savings Tips

Comment

Comment by Bob Kretvix on June 23, 2011 at 8:54am

I should also mention that the video showed a sand filter.  My experience as a pool owner for the last 50 yrs (since I was 7 yrs old) is that the sand filters have to be run much longer.  And in many cases they don't ever get the water really crystal clear no matter how long they run.  I think many people could run their pumps for shorter periods of time by converting to a high efficiency DE or cartridge filter, which of course are more expensive.  I saw a dramatic improvement when I did this several years ago and was able to cut down on my run time. Although I haven't seen any studies on the energy cost savings of running a pump for a shorter time with DE compared to a sand filter.

Comment by Mike Majors on June 23, 2011 at 8:04am

Bob - thanks for the heads-up on this new technology. We will definitely do some research on it. Appreciate the comment!

 

Comment by Bob Kretvix on June 23, 2011 at 8:00am

Mike - Good video.  But also be aware of some new technology out this year that can decrease pool pump energy costs dramatically.  Hayward and Pentair just introduced new high efficiency pumps this season. Rather than running full out all the time, these pumps conserve energy using built in timers that reduce the rpm of the motor when it isn't needed.  You really only need full rpm when vacuuming or during periods when high filtration is needed.  Until now, all residential pool pumps run full out for their time of operation.  Great energy savings can be gained by running at even modest decreases in rpm.  These new pumps even show you the energy usage in watts at each rpm. 

 

The costs of these new pumps are high at the moment considering their first year release.  I unfortunately was forced to get a new pump this season when mine failed at initial startup.  Even though the new energy efficient models were 3 times higher in cost, I calculated a payback of only 2.5 yrs due to energy savings.  My estimated seasonal usage of the pool pump went from about $440 for the old 2 HP pump down to only about $90 (or less) using the new type.  That's a $350 or 1944 kWhr savings per season!  And that's with the new pump running 24-hrs per day, much of the time at a very low rpm.  PS - running at low rpm also gives better filter efficiency because smaller particles are captured better.

I think this new technology is something every pool owner should look into.  Obviously its best to make the purchase if you really need a new pump.  But even existing owners can benefit a lot in energy savings.