Mike the Poolman
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The Return on Investment

Variable Speed Pool Pumps:
The Return on Investment

Variable speed pool pumps are the first to use exclusive permanent magnet motor technology. Variable Speed Pool PumpThis 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.

The Pool Pump Affinity Law

Pentair Pool Pump Affinity Law Pool Pump Affinity Law

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:

  1. Motor speed
  2.  Flow rates
  3. Energy consumption.

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!

What Does This Mean 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!

Customer Testimonials

All testimonials are written by actual real-life customers

  • Thank you for the AMAZING pool service you and your team provide us. Your customer service is top notch. I really appreciate the attention to detail on our pool and the quick communications anytime you guys detect the slightest of issues with our pool. It is a great peace of mind knowing your team is servicing and monitoring our pool each week. I highly recommend your services to all my friends who have pools. Thank you Mike and Team for everything you guys do for us!

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  • We needed a hand rail installed in our older pool.  Mike was consistently very responsive.  He offered a fair price and was always punctual.  He was especially helpful when we ran into a challenge installing the hand rail due to the age of the brick surrounding our pool.  His quick thinking enabled us to get the much-needed hand rail installed.  I can't recommend him highly enough!

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  • I needed a pool railing put in for my new pool as my partner is disabled and requires it to safely use our new pool. Mike was super helpful and responsive in the selection and installation of the rail.  Great customer service, outstanding installation service. I would highly recommend him for all pool needs.

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  • I can't say enough good about Mike the Poolman.  When he came to my house to evaluate my pool issue, he first did a thorough review of my pool physically, looked at my pool controller settings, made several recommendations to me about how to take care of my pool better, and adjusted my pool controller settings right there on the spot for me!  Most importantly, he fixed my issue quickly and took great care in his work.  Mike's very friendly and reasonable in his rates.  Highly recommend!

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  • Mike and his company did a great job installing our swimming pool hand rail. Super responsive, very professional and true to his word!

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  • Our pool heater hadn't been working for the past two years. It was time to replace it so I didn't hesitate to contact Mike. He had installed a variable speed pump a few years ago and did an excellent job. He had also done other equipment maintenance over the years. Mike was going to take a look at the heater to see what was wrong but I decided to just replace it as it was about 21 years old and continued to breakdown. Mike made a recommendation on a model and just finished installing it. He had to redo some plumbing to adjust to the new heater. He did an excellent job. He even repainted all of the plumbing pipes so it looks new.

    I can always rely on Mike if I have a swimming pool issue. He's friendly, kind and most of all very competent with any swimming pool issue. I can trust he will do the right thing and he always does. He even removed a few automatic valve actuators and converted them to manual without charge.
    I am grateful to have someone who I can trust in the swimming pool business who does outstanding work.
    Thank you Mike!

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  • I cannot say enough good things about Mike! We had him install a new pump and controller and he was upfront and honest every step of the way. He gave us lots of good options for our needs and the quality of work was top notch. Most importantly, I felt that Mike was one of the rare ones out there that truly knows his stuff. His expertise and friendly demeanor made us feel very comfortable with the whole project. We will definitely be calling Mike whenever we have our next pool project!

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  • I've had pools serviced in various places I've resided; Davis, Encinitas and Folsom; Mike The PoolMan (Mike Stinson) has been the best service provider that I've experienced. Mike's made complete repairs that most Pool Servicers won't touch. Mike is the complete service provider for regular maintenance, equipment repair/replacement and starting your pool back up after you've had it resurfaced! Mike's been outstanding and Victor has performed in an excellent manner with my weekly as part of Mike's crew! Thanks Mike!

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  • I was made aware of Mike's pool company by seeing one of his service trucks in my neighborhood and thought to give them a call. I recently moved into a new home with a pool that had been neglected over the past few years, and needed advice on how to bring it back to life.

    Mike immediately got back to me and let me know he would personally stop by my property to give it a look. He let me know what was needed for repairs, and what wasn't necessary in the short term. He never tried to up-sell me, just gave me an honest answer and good advice.

    I ended up having Mike install a new filter and variable speed pump. The equipment purchase was made through him, and along with labor, the price was incredibly fair. After the install, Mike gave me a full rundown on the new equipment, and provided several suggestions and advice on maintaining the pool.

    All in all I was very pleased with his professionalism and service. Will be calling him again if needed.

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