Energy efficiency

[Hankc]

Our local utility rate is 8.2cents/kwh. For a pool my size should I consider changing to a variable speed pump motor?

 

[Bama Rambler]

At 8.2¢/KWH you'll never offset the cost of a VS, and I don't think LA offers any kind of incentive for switching. I'd definitely consider getting a 2-speed especially if your current pump is getting some age on it, as it'll pay for itself in a few years. You'd do even better switching that booster pump cleaner out for a robot.

 

[PoolESQ]

What seems to be the break even point from a KWH standpoint? My rates are tiered: First 450 are 9¢, Next 450 are 14¢ and anything above that is 16¢. I use ~2200 KWH per month in the summer.

 

[BoDarville]

Purely from an energy usage standpoint, the breakeven point between going with a variable-speed vs. a 2-speed is around $0.20 per kWh. Aside from energy usage, other factors to consider in deciding between a 2-speed and VS pump include the number of water features and how much control you want over each of them. The more water features you have and the more you want to control them individually, a VS pump will give you more options. OTOH, if you don't have many (or any) water features, the 2-speed is the better choice, especially given your electric rate.

 

[PoolESQ]

Thanks Bo. I do not have any water features, but I do have an in-floor cleaning system. Not sure how a VS or 2-speed would work in that situation.

 

[Bama Rambler]

Is the infloor system the only returns in the pool?
How often does the infloor system run?

Infloor systems require a lot of pressure for the heads to operate properly, and if they're the only returns to the pool then a 2-speed will most likely only work on high, and a VS will have to be ran at such a high speed that it may not save much over a single speed pump. Especially at 8.2¢/KWh

 

[Hankc]

Thanks for the valuable info.