Pump DOE Regulations

The US Department of Energy (DOE) implemented Federal Energy Efficiency regulations, as of July 19, 2021, on Dedicated Purpose Pool pumps (DPPP). Don't you love government acronyms? If you do, there are more to come courtesy of the DOE.

Pool pumps manufactured for use in and imported for use into the U.S. after July 19, 2021, must meet new minimum efficiency standards. Any pumps that are in the US before July 19, 2021 can continue to be sold. So for some period of time the old non-compliant pumps will be available and you can buy them until they run out of stock. At the same time manufacturers will be selling and promoting their new energy efficient pumps.

There is no requirement for a consumer to replace any old pump until it fails and needs replacement. At this time there are no regulations restricting repairs on old non-compliant pumps although regulations on pool pump repairs are being proposed in Congress.

The regulations do not differentiate between residential or commercial use of pool pumps and apply to all uses.

To understand the way pool pumps will be sold we need to explain the new pump categories and terminology for horsepower and energy efficiency. Then we will explain what it means to you the pool owner and consumer.

Different Type of Pool Pumps Have Different Energy Standards

The DOE regulations create the following pump classifications with minimum efficiency standards:

• Self-priming - these pumps used to be called inground pumps
  • Large inground filter pumps (self-priming0 - These are typically 1 horsepower (HP) or greater.
  • Small inground filter pumps (sslf-priming) - These are typically 1/2 HP and 3/4 HP pump.
• Non-Self-priming - these pumps used to be called aboveground pumps
• Pressure cleaner booster pumps

The following pumps do not have minimum performance requirements:

• Waterfall pumps that run at 1,800 RPM max
• Filter pumps with integrated sand and cartridge filters (e.g., small inflatable pools)
• Rigid (permanent) and storeable (inflatable) electric spa pumps (e.g., pumps for hot tubs)

The following pumps are exempt from the DPPP efficiency requirements:

• Three-phase pumps
• electric spa (hot tub) pumps
• pumps greater than 2.5 HHP (approximately 5 total horsepower [THP])

How Has The DOE Regulations Changed Pump Terminology?

In addition to defining pumps as self-priming and non-self priming the regulations change the definition of Horsepower. With the old pumps the power of the pump was stated as it's horsepower (HP) which would be on the pump motor. Motors would also have a Service Factor (SF) and the Total Horsepower would be the HP x SF. This would all be listed on the motor data plate. All of these horsepowers on the old pumps stated what the motor could do but did not tell how effeciently or effectively the pump could move water.

Three new labels will be on new pumps and replace the old HP and SF ratings:

• WEF (Weighted Energy Factor)—This is a measure of the pump’s energy efficiency (how much much water is pumped divided by how much energy it takes), similar to miles per gallon in an automobile. The higher the WEF, the more efficient the pump. Each pump must be labeled with its WEF.
• HHP (Hydraulic Horsepower)—This is the amount of hydraulic power produced by the pump’s wet-end
• THP (Total Horsepower) or SFHP (Service Factor Horsepower)—This is the new pump HP rating and is determined by the total HP created at the motor shaft. Each pump must be labeled with its THP.

HP ratings will be redefined so that all pumps have a Service Factor of 1.0, and the HP displayed on the pump will be the THP (also referred to as Service Factor Horsepower [SFHP]).

It is HHP, not HP or THP, that defines the performance of a pump. When comparing the performance of new pumps HHP and WEF are the important factors.