Swimming pool pumps are a vital part of a functioning pool. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the important factors you need to consider for your pool pump. Before you go any further here are the highlights / top tips: Choose a pump which is the right size for your pool so that it can pump water efficiently without using excess energy; a swimming pool pump should run for roughly 8 hours a day, depending on a few factors; single speed pumps are significantly cheaper upfront than variable speed options but may be less energy and cost efficient in the long run.
What do swimming pool pumps do?
Swimming pool pumps perform an essential job for your pool: they take water from the pool and move it through filtration equipment that cleans water before returning it to the pool. Without a good pump, keeping your pool water clear becomes a tough job.
How much do swimming pools pumps cost?
When deciding the right pump, understanding the costs involved is an important part of making the right choice. There are two main things to consider: Upfront cost and ongoing operational cost.
1. Upfront Cost:
The initial cost a swimming pool pump can vary significantly depending on the type of pump, brand, size e.t.c. Generally, the price range for pool pumps stretches from roughly £240 to £2000. However, vary greatly depending on the size and spec of your pool. Much larger pools may require pumps costing over £4000. Let’s briefly breakdown the cost based on different types of pumps.
Single-Speed Pool Pumps: have the lowest upfront costs. Despite being budget-friendly, they tend to be less energy-efficient and may contribute to higher energy bills.
Dual-Speed Pool Pumps: offer a middle ground, dual-speed pumps can cost upwards of £400. They provide more energy efficiency by having two settings (high and low), allowing users to adjust the speed based on their needs.
Variable-Speed Pool Pump: Although the most expensive upfront, are cost-effective in the long run. Priced upwards of £1000, variable-speed pumps offer fully adjustable speeds, optimising energy and cost efficiency.
Understanding your pool's requirements and your preferences will guide you in choosing the right pump type and, consequently, managing upfront costs effectively.
2. Operational Expenses:
The ongoing cost of running a pool pump involves electricity expenses, and this can be a significant factor in your overall pool maintenance budget. The electricity consumption of a pump is determined by its type and operational efficiency. Here's a brief overview of the main pump types and their energy usage:
Single-Speed Pool Pumps: are known for high energy consumption and may lead to higher energy bills.
Dual-Speed Pool Pump: More energy-efficient than single-speed pumps, dual-speed pumps allow users to run the pump at a lower speed, reducing energy consumption during routine operations.
Variable-Speed Pool Pumps: Offer the highest energy efficiency and allow users to adjust speeds according to specific pool needs. The initial higher cost can often be justified by significant energy savings over time.
Understanding the ongoing operational costs is crucial for budgeting and ensuring your pool pump aligns with both your financial and environmental considerations. If you’d like to know more about the different types of pumps, see the single speed vs variable speed section below.
Pump Size - Choosing the Right Pump Size for Your Pool
Selecting the right pump size is an important decision that directly impacts the efficiency of your pool's circulation. The key is to strike a balance between a pump that is powerful enough to circulate the water effectively and one that doesn't consume unnecessary energy. Consulting with a pool professional can help you identify the optimal pump size for your specific pool requirements. If you are browsing for the right pump and already have an idea of what you want here are some things to consider:
- Plumbing system design
- The volume of your pool
- Minimum flow rate
- Maximum flow rate
- Flow rate range
However, we would always recommend getting advice from a professional when deciding which pump to go for.
When and How Often Should your Pump Run?
An essential aspect of pool maintenance is understanding when and how often to run your pool pump. The pump plays an important role in maintaining the clarity and hygiene of your pool water.
Why Running Your Pump is Important
Before delving into the timing specifics, let's briefly highlight why running your pool pump is crucial. The pump circulates water through the pool's filtration system removing debris and helps to circulate chemicals which remove contaminants and bacteria. This process is vital for keeping your pool water clear, clean, and safe for swimming.
Determining Your Pool's Turnover Rate
The turnover rate refers to the time it takes for all the water in your pool to pass through the filter, ensuring thorough filtration. While we won't delve into the particulars here, calculating your pool's turnover rate involves understanding your pool's volume and determining the appropriate flow rate for effective filtration. If you would like to know more, feel free to contact us.
Optimal Pump Running Time
Most pools benefit from running the pump approximately 8 hours a day to achieve at least one complete turnover. However, this doesn't necessarily mean running the pump continuously for 8 hours. You have flexibility in scheduling pump operation and can do this at multiple different points throughout the day.
Considerations for Pump Operation:
Non-Consecutive Running: You can split the pump runtime, for instance, running it for three hours in the morning and five hours in the evening.
Off-Peak Hours: To save on electricity costs, consider running the pump during non-peak hours when electricity rates are lower.
Chemical Distribution: Running the pump after adding chemicals ensures proper dispersion, particularly after shock treatments.
Tailoring Pump Operation to Your Needs
The ideal pump runtime can vary based on factors like pool size, water features, and local electricity rates. Here are some additional considerations:
Pool Conditions: During startup, algae treatment, or major chemical adjustments, you might need to increase pump runtime for better water distribution.
Maintenance Frequency: If your pool requires frequent maintenance, adjusting pump runtime may be necessary. Indoor pools with fewer debris and environmental changes may require less frequent operation.
Finding Your Ideal Runtime
Determining the perfect runtime for your pump might require a bit of trial and error. Starting with a baseline of 4 hours per day is common, and you can adjust based on your pool's unique needs. The goal is to strike a balance that keeps your pool water clean without incurring unnecessary energy costs. If you would like help on what the ideal run time for a pool is, contact us today!
Single Speed vs Variable Speed Pumps
Single-Speed Pool Pumps
Single speed pumps offer a lower upfront cost. This represents an initial budget friendly option; however it comes with a trade-off. Single-speed pumps operate at a fixed speed, often a high speed setting, which can result in higher energy consumption, an issue which is both expensive and environmentally inefficient.
While the initial investment is attractive, it's crucial to weigh the ongoing operational costs against the upfront savings. Single-speed pumps are less energy-efficient compared to their variable-speed counterparts. This means that, over time, the cumulative cost of running a single-speed pump could surpass the initial savings.
Variable-Speed Pool Pumps: Efficiency and Long-Term Savings
On the other end of the spectrum, variable-speed pool pumps offer a more energy-efficient solution. With an upfront cost often surpassing £1000, they present a higher initial investment compared to single-speed pumps. However, the benefits arguably outweigh the hefty price tag.
Variable-speed pumps provide flexibility by allowing users to adjust the pump's speed according to specific needs. This adaptability improves their energy efficiency, meaning lower energy costs over time. Pool owners can optimise the pump's speed to suit various functions, such as filtration, heating, or water features. For example, if you are having a few guests in the pool, a higher speed can be chosen to ensure it remains in good condition. Likewise, if no one is using the pool for a while, a lower speed will suffice, using less energy.
While the higher upfront cost may seem daunting, the potential for substantial long-term savings, coupled with the environmental advantages of reduced energy consumption, makes variable-speed pumps a great option. With a variable speed pump, if you have concerns about the clarity of your water, you can speak to your pool maintenance provider, and they can adapt the pumps speed to suit what you are needing.