Replacing single speed pump with dual or variable speed

[82 OO]

Hi all,
I’m looking to replace a single speed pump that died at the end last season with either a dual speed or variable speed pump.I live in the northeast, so the pool is open for about 4 months a year and it’s not very large (9k gallons) or a very complicated setup.
My pool guy recommends a variable speed, but I’m not sure if he’s just trying to upsell me.
At the end of the day, I’m trying to understand if the added cost of the variable speed pump is worth it for me given the short season, small pool and uncomplicated setup. Also, if I buy a dual speed, would I have to manually adjust from high to low speed every single time?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

In the United States, variable speed (VS) motors will be required for all pumps over 1.1 total HP as of July 18, 2021. Purchasing a single speed pump or a 2-speed pump now for a new pool is discouraged.

If you don't want a VS pump better buy what you want in the next 4 months.

You can wire the speed controls for a 2 speed pump to be on a mechanical timer to change speeds automatically.

 

[YippeeSkippy]

Hi there 82 00 Welcome to TFP.

Do you know the size of the pump you are using now? Do you pay a lot for electricity??

Come *this* summer federal law stipulates that all new pool pumps over a certain size *must* be variable speed. For many their electric rates are so high that a variable speed pump pays for itself in a year or three. Many power companies are/were offering rebates on the switch also.

Folks using VS pumps can often run the quiet pump on low 24 hours a day at less cost than their single speed for few hours.

Maddie

 

[82 OO]

Thanks for the input!
I have a 1.5hp currently, and electricity rates are generally on the higher side. Given the upcoming law, it sounds like dual speed pumps will be out of fashion pretty soon, so it probably makes sense to go with the variable speed just to be current. I will definitely look into any rebates!

 

[hwy17]

In the United States, variable speed (VS) motors will be required for all pumps over 1.1 total HP as of July 18, 2021. Purchasing a single speed pump or a 2-speed pump now for a new pool is discouraged.

Is this true? My reading of the DOE regs was that only single speed pumps 1HP or greater will be barred and that 2-speed pumps will be compliant. Not that I would recommend them over a VS either way.

 

[ajw22]

Is this true? My reading of the DOE regs was that only single speed pumps 1HP or greater will be barred and that 2-speed pumps will be compliant. Not that I would recommend them over a VS either way.

https://www.poolspanews.com/business/legal-regulatory/federal-pump-rule-established_o

The new federal regulation states that self-priming filtration pumps past a certain horsepower threshold – whether residential or commercial – must meet an established performance standard. Right now, that performance standard is only satisfied by variable-speed pumps.

 

[hwy17]

@ajw22 I see, thank you

 

[Darin]

He is not upselling you rather he will be saving you money and noise with the VSP. Everyone wins.

 

[csconner]

For some real world perspective.

I have a VSF, I run it 7x24 at 550RPM all winter (I do a soft close) at 970RPM spring, summer, fall to drive my swg and skimmer. I ramp up to 1100, 1600, 2200 RPM for 15-120 min to drive skimmer, disperse chemicals, drive waterfall, heat or chill, prior to swim, after big swim party, etc. 3300RPM when I vacuum for 15 min every week or two.

My electrcal bill runs $45-$55 per month not counting my HP/Chiller.

it’s quite, pool stays clear, minimal leaves, pollen, etc.. all year, and lots lower cost than most others running single/two speed pumps.

All of this was primarily based upon my learning from the forum, go TFP!

 

[Mongo]

Hi all,
I’m looking to replace a single speed pump that died at the end last season with either a dual speed or variable speed pump.I live in the northeast, so the pool is open for about 4 months a year and it’s not very large (9k gallons) or a very complicated setup.
My pool guy recommends a variable speed, but I’m not sure if he’s just trying to upsell me.
At the end of the day, I’m trying to understand if the added cost of the variable speed pump is worth it for me given the short season, small pool and uncomplicated setup. Also, if I buy a dual speed, would I have to manually adjust from high to low speed every single time?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

You've probably already moved forward, but I'm in CT with Eversource as my provider.
I DEFINITELY recommend moving forward with the variable speed. I used to run my single-speed for 10-12 hours a day. I now run the VAS for 18 hours a day, with it ramped up to high speed for a couple of hours each afternoon.

The VS paid for itself in one just over one swimming season. My pool generally gets opened in April and closed in November.