As of March 15th, State of Florida Building Code regulations will require your new pool pump be a two-speed or variable-speed pump that will reduce dramatically electric usage. These pumps deliver immediate savings on your electric bill that can range from 75% – 90%, and the Pentair Intelliflo VS Series Starts At $1,250.00.
• Variable-speed pumps can be set to run at a lower speed but still obtain the same or better cleaning by running for longer periods of time
• Lower speeds reduce energy use to 1/4 of what it was, despite the increased run time.
• Lower speed also means less noise from the pump and better filtration.
• High speed is still available for other needs such as spa therapy jets, pool cleaners or water features.
Why is now the right time to address this portion of your home energy budget?
• Pool filtration costs are listed as the 2nd or 3rd largest energy cost in the home, following your AC and hot water expenses.
• New regulations mandate more efficient equipment.
• Energy savings will decrease your monthly costs.
• To be environmentally responsible.
An Example of potential savings:
You have a 1 1/2 HP, Single-speed Filtration Pump: Running speed 3,450 rpm 2.76 Estimated Kilowatts used per hr. x $0.14 Average cost per Kw = $0.39 Cost per hour
Average running hrs. 10 Est. cost per day (10hrs x $.39) $3.90 Est. cost per month $117.00 Est. cost per year $1,404.00
Replace it with a 1 1/2 HP, Two-speed Filtration Pump: Running speed 1,725 rpm .368 Estimated Kilowatts used per hr. x $0.14 Average cost per Kw = $0.05 Cost per hour Average running hrs. 20 Est. cost per day (20hrs x $.05) $1.00 Est. cost per month $30.00 Est. cost per year $360.00 That is a savings of over $1,000 per year!
Once the savings have paid for the upfront cost of the pump, that is money in A small increase in your upfront cost will save a significant amount of money over the pump’s lifetime! The pump can pay for itself in energy savings in as little as two years.

Why Slower Is Better
The surprising secret to minimizing pump energy costs is to operate at the lowest flow rate needed to accomplish a job. It takes far less energy to move water slowly than quickly.
Why?
Because there’s lower resistance in the filter, accessories and plumbing system. Even though a pump will work longer at a lower flow rate, this is far more efficient. A good analogy is your car: you get much better gas mileage at 30 mph than at 90 mph. The same is true with pool pumps—run slower for greater efficiency (and many other good reasons, too).
Public pools and spas built prior to January 1, 1993 are required to have a safety device to protect against entrapment. This device can be chosen by the consumer, but must be installed by a licensed pool/spa contractor and must protect against evisceration and limb/body entrapment. This new code goes into effect March 15, 2012. Contact us for more information about these two important pieces of Legislature.