Is A Bigger Pool Pump Better??
Pool pumps are like Goldilocks – you must make sure the right size pool pump is installed for your pool – not too big or too small but just right. Pools are great. They can be relaxing, refreshing, and so much fun! We all want to enjoy our pools as long as possible without any worries.
The Right Size Pool Pump Is Key To Efficiency
When you are installing your pool pump, it is important to consider that the size of the motor and flow rate can affect how much energy gets used. A larger than necessary pool pump will use more electricity because a higher flow rate means extra stress on pipes and filters.
If an installer tries to sell you a larger-sized pool pump as an “upgrade” when one might not be needed, make sure they tell you what benefits this new upgrade will offer for your home’s swimming capabilities before making any decision.
We are often asked what HP a pump should be. The most important thing to know is that pool pumps should really have the gallons per minute of water flow rating, not the motor’s horsepower.
It’s important to find the right pump for your pool, and remember that it should be able to filter all of the water in no more than 8-10 hours. The flow rate typically ranges from 40 GPM (gallons per minute) for smaller pools up 80 GPM when you have a larger size pool.
The original installer may have oversized your previous pool pumps, which means that the rated horsepower of your current pump is not a good indicator for what to look for in a replacement.
Pool pump efficiency has increased since manufacturers introduced newer models, meaning they need less power than older pumps!
Furthermore, before 2021 motor horsepowers weren’t standardized, so manufacturers sometimes rate one with the same motor at two different ratings. This can make it difficult to compare new and old motors without contacting an engineer or manufacturer directly.
Understanding the efficiency of pool pumps is key to saving energy and maintaining a safe, clean swimming environment. With that in mind, we have compiled some easy tips for shoppers:
1) Compare WEFs when comparing two pool pumps
2) Look at the horsepower
3) Keep it simple-a lower number means less power being used
4). Remember to compare both input flow rates (the amount of water an hour the pump can filter from dirty sources like rain or leaves before they enter the pool), as well as output gallons per minute
5). Lower HP models work just fine if you are not running many other devices
6.) Don’t be fooled by higher wattage ratings–higher numbers don’t always mean more powerful!
7.). Consider using a timer
Variable Speed Pool Pumps - An Efficient Choice
It is important to have the right size pump for your pool and its filter, but if you get a variable speed model, it will not only save energy while in operation, as most of these can operate at lower flow rates than single-speed models. This also means they are better on our pools because they won’t stress either themselves or their filters out with high water pressure levels.
When choosing a pool pump, look for efficiency ratings, including the United States Government Energy Star rating. Also, engage the services of a qualified professional pool contractor and go with the smallest, variable speed pump that meets the requirement for your pool. While some may think it’s just easier to go with the highest GPM and HP without worrying about anything else, note that your pool pipes can only take so much movement. For this reason, each pool has a maximum flow rate which is determined solely by its size as well as its shape.
