Historically most pool pumps have been single speed units rated at between 500w and 2kW. A number of variable speed pumps are now available which significantly reduce electricity consumption.

Variable speed pumps offer lower speed modes which are adequate for filtering the water and high speed modes for driving cleaning equipment and water features.

When operating a reduced speed, the reduction in energy consumption is disproportionately greater than the the reduction in flow volumes. For example, the flow rate may be reduced by 1/2 but the corresponding energy consumption becomes 1/4 resulting in a 50% saving for the equivalent volume of water filtration.

Variable speed pool pumps available in Australia:

• http://www.astralpool.com.au/products/viron-p300-pump
• http://www.pentairpool.com/pool-pro/products/product.php?id=77

References:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swimming_pool_sanitation

See also