Quote:
Originally Posted by l2ridehd
... pool pump big expense (two in 4 years, first one was $300, second 3 years later was $1500 do to federal variable speed motor requirement)....
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I think you were suckered on being required to install the variable speed pump. This rule/law if it exists can only be applicable to new installations by pool companies.
I had a pool installed a few years ago with a dual speed pump, which according to the builder was required by the "new" rules to reduce energy consumption (federal variable speed motor requirement?). We never use he low speed option as it is useless. Can't even develop enough head to push water to the top of the roof. Shortly after the install, I wanted a larger pump to increase the flow rate on my open weir overflow from the spa to the pool and told the builder I would accept a single speed 2.5 hp (the pump manufacturer did not make the 2.5 hp pump in a two speed version) in lieu of the existing 2 speed 2 hp pump. They said they could not do because of the "rule" but I was at liberty to buy a single speed and install it my self. I opted to live with the smaller pump, but if it ever fails I will be doing just that.
Variable speed pumps in an of themselves do not save energy but somehow the industry has convinced the regulatory bodies that they do. Good for them as they typically cost 3 to 4 times the cost of an equivalent single speed pump. A more efficient motor/pump combo will save energy, whether it's single speed, dual speed, or variable speed. You can reduce energy consumption if you run the variable speed pump at a low speed but this is because you are pumping less water. You can achieve the same result by running a single speed pump less hours in a day.