Variable speed pool pumps are the first to use exclusive permanent magnet motor technology. 
This provides typical “base savings” of 30% over pumps with traditional induction motors. Base savings only compares a permanent magnetic motor to an induction motor running at 3,450rpm for the same number of hours. It does not consider the additional savings gained by reducing the rpm’s with the use of variable speed technology.
These special pumps include a variable speed capability, along with digital controls and proprietary software that allow custom programming for optimum pump speeds for specific tasks. Different speeds can be set for filtering, heating, cleaning, spa jets and waterfalls. There are eight individual, adjustable speed settings at your command. Optimizing the speed takes advantage of the Pump Affinity Law, slow down the pump and you can cut energy use dramatically.
Where x= the reduction in pump speed
1/x RPM = 1/x2 GPM = 1/x3 Energy Used
Or 1/3 RPM = 1/9 the GPM = 1/27 the energy consumption
Here are realistic estimates of annual savings when comparing a traditional energy efficient (EE) single-speed, 2 horsepower pump to IntelliFlo in a 20,000 gallon pool. Savings are calculated using common run times of 6 and 12 hours.
At $0.15/kWh estimated savings range from $620 to $1,360 per year.
At $0.20/kWh estimated savings range from $825 to $1,810 per year.
At $0.30/kWh estimated savings range from $1,240 to $2,710 per year.
Savings may vary based on hydraulic conditions, pump models, etc., however, as you can see, the savings with IntelliFlo can be dramatic and the return on investment almost immediate. Over the long life of the pump, savings can reach thousands of dollars and kilowatt hours.
This is where the magic happens! Savings occur when the speed of the motor is reduced. Even though you also reduce the flow rate you’re still cutting the power consumption dramatically. The charts above illustrate this.
The pump affinity law for pool pumps shows how all of this is possible between the three main components:
Most of the savings is from the reduction of motor speed (RPM’s) even though some of it is contributed to how efficient a permanent magnet motor is. One would think that if you cut the speed in half, you also cut the power in half. However, that isn’t the case.
According to the pump affinity law, when you cut the power/speed by half, you also cut the flow by half but that’s where the similarities end. The power consumption drops at a different rate (nonlinear) than the other two. In this example, you actually reduce the power so drastically that you’re only using about 1/8 of the original power you used with the single speed after cutting the speed in half. How awesome is that! The chart above shows the slower you run the motor you exponentially lower the power consumption. Again, this equals MONEY for you!
This equates to huge savings in your electricity bill. To achieve this you want to install a VSP like the Pentair or Sta-Rite line of pumps. The installation alone does not guarantee savings! We need to program your pump to work FOR your TYPE of pool.
You’ll enjoy savings and a quieter equipment pad than every before.
Below is the pump that started it all. If this is confusing please don’t hesitate to CONTACT US and we’ll be happy to help!
All testimonials are written by actual real-life customers
