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Last Updated: Jul 2nd, 2008 - 21:15:22 |
(NAPSI)-More homeowners are choosing to install pools to cool off on those hot summer days. While many owners spend a lot of time focusing on the size, shape and style of pool that works best for them, they tend not to spend as much time researching what type of pool pumps will cause the least drain on their energy bills.
Finding the right energy-efficient pump can make a huge difference. In California, it takes the equivalent of the entire output of a nuclear power plant just to run the state's public and private pools for a year.
Thus, America's 5 million in-ground pool owners are hit with a double whammy: Electric rates are going up nationwide, plus the increasing demand for electricity is taxing the country's existing energy infrastructure, leading to a greater possibility of blackouts and widespread power failures.
Often, pool pumps are a big culprit, as old technology and old usage practices are both energy intensive. Since electric bills aren't itemized, consumers may not realize just how much power the pump uses: more electricity than all other appliances combined. In fact, running the pool pump alone can often cost more than $100 per month.
The vast majority of pool pumps operate at just one or two factory-set, unchangeable speeds and use energy-inefficient induction motors. This traditional pump design almost always ends up overpowering most pool operations and using far more energy than needed.
Fortunately, new variable-speed pump technology is capable of reducing energy consumption by a minimum of 30 percent, and all the way up to 90 percent. New IntelliFlo(r) pumps from Pentair Water Pool and Spa feature permanent magnet motors (used in hybrid cars) that deliver a 30 percent base savings. Next, the ability to custom program optimum operating speeds for different functions-filtering, heating, cleaning, running spa jets and waterfalls-adds to these savings and, in total, can reduce costs by more than $1,000 per year.
Making a Quiet Splash
The key to pump efficiency is adjusting pump speed to the lowest needed to accomplish a specific task. It takes far less energy to move water slowly than quickly. It's like your car that gets far better gas mileage at 30 mph than 90 mph.
There are other benefits of pumping at lower speeds, too. Filters work better when water flows through them more slowly, as they are able to capture more dirt. Algae is less able to form when water circulates for longer periods. Plus, automatic chlorine generators are more effective as well.
Another plus with the new variable-speed pumps is their far quieter operation. According to Pentair, their IntelliFlo pumps are the quietest ever built and can barely be heard when operating at typical speeds.
For more information on variable-speed pumps, visit www. pentairpool.com. Or check out the site's pump cost calculator to learn what your current pump is costing you and get an estimate on how much the new technology can save.
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