The pool pump helps keep your water clean and clear, so it certainly pays to think long and hard about the right type to get. Dual speed pumps used to be popular, but here are just five reasons why you should choose a variable speed pump instead.
1. Added Efficiency
Dual speed pumps might seem efficient since they can run at low or high speed. The problem is, they actually consume the same amperage regardless of speed. In contrast, a variable speed pump will use less energy when running at low speeds, making for vastly more efficient operation.
2. Less Wear
Replacing a pool pump can be a real pain, and an expensive one to boot. Even if you can swallow the cost, you'll probably be without a properly functioning pool for a week or two. Luckily enough, you can reduce the risk of breakdowns by choosing a variable speed pump. Unlike dual speeds, they use permanent magnet motors that are much like what you'd find in a hybrid car. They produce less heat and vibration than traditional motors, so components tend to last much longer.
3. Quieter Operation
Unlike dual speed pumps, variable speed pumps adopt an enclosed fan-cooled design. This means they run as close to silent as you can get. Whether you're having a relaxing morning swim or cooling down with your friends, you'll never be bothered by the annoying whir of a traditional pool pump.
4. Added Versatility
You can't rewire or reconfigure dual speed pool pumps to work at different speeds; those two speeds are set in stone by the manufacturer. This makes it hard or impossible to add new equipment or features. If you feel like adding a solar system down the line or adding a waterfall or other water feature in a few years, you won't be able to adjust pump speed to match those new demands with a dual speed model. With a variable speed pump, it won't be a problem.
5. Minimal Price Difference
Maybe you've heard of all these benefits but are still put off by the supposed high price of a variable speed pool pump. Conventional wisdom says they're by far the most expensive type. It's true that they're still more expensive than dual speed pumps, but not by nearly as much as you might think. Widespread adoption has reduced prices, and the difference between a dual speed and a variable speed isn't nearly as much as the difference between a single speed and a variable speed. If cost is all that's holding you back, you might want to reconsider.
