How to cut energy costs with variable speed pumps and deep bed filters
Variable Speed Pumps with Deep Bed Filters
Looking for a way to reduce your pool’s energy consumption and the costs it runs up?
Whether you’re considering variable speed pumps, deep bed filters, or AFM (Activated Filter Media), understanding your options is essential to keeping expenses more manageable.
Does a swimming pool pump use a lot of energy?
Yes, according to the inverter pool pump supplier, Aquagem, a typical pool pump works continuously, using about 1 kilowatt (kWh) per hour – which is equivalent to running a 100-watt light bulb for 10 hours!
With some energy suppliers predicting up to a 20% increase in these utility bills over the next four years, this excessive energy use is concerning for operators with older, inefficient, or higher horsepower pool pumps as well as those with larger swimming pools.
One way to help keep energy costs as low as possible is to upgrade a single speed pool pump to a more energy-efficient alternative; a variable speed pump.
What is a variable speed pump and why is it a more energy-efficient option?
A variable speed pool pump is a type of pool filtration pump that can be adjusted to move the water at different speeds, rather than running at a constant one.
By altering the speed of the pool pump motor in line with the functional requirements of the swimming pool, electricity consumption can be significantly reduced, resulting in tangible cost savings.
In many cases, the energy-saving capabilities of variable speed pumps mean they pay for themselves in the long term.
Why not speak to our team today to learn more about upgrading your pool filtration system with a more energy-efficient pump solution?
Can I combine a variable speed pump with AFM?
Yes, thanks to their energy-saving abilities, variable speed energy-efficient pool pumps and AFM are a match made in heaven.
Alongside providing superior water clarity by filtering particles down to just 1 micron and significantly reducing chlorine demand, utilising AFM in your pool filtration system reduces energy consumption by limiting the need for backwashing.
Swimming pool backwashing requires pool pump operation to reverse the water flow through the filter, removing dirt, debris, and other contaminants in the process.
An energy-efficient variable speed pool pump coupled with AFM therefore offers pool operators greater energy and money savings, but where does deep bed filtration fit into this equation?
Benefits of using a variable speed pump designed for deep bed filtration
Deep bed filtration for swimming pools is a water filtration method whereby a significantly thicker bed of filter media (be that sand, AFM, or another solution) is used to capture dirt, debris, and other containments.
The increased depth of the media bed not only supports superior water clarity and a more hygienic swimming experience, but also ensures a longer filter cycle.
As a result, the load on the pool pump is reduced, meaning less backwashing and fewer chemicals are required.
Crucially, deep bed filtration is even more effective when paired with modern, high-performance filter media such as AFM, making variable speed pumps, deep bed filters, and AFM an incredibly energy-efficient trio for comprehensive pool filtration.
Is it worth upgrading to a variable speed pump?
While it’s true that variable speed pool pumps are more expensive than standard single speed pool pumps, this upfront cost is often seen as an investment – especially for commercial pool operators and any other private owners who frequently use their pool.
Variable speed pool pumps can offer long-term savings by:
- Lowering electricity consumption
- Reducing backwashing frequency
- Indirectly saving water
- Minimising pressure on the wider system
- Reducing maintenance requirements
- Typically lasting longer than single speed pumps
Still unsure whether switching to a variable speed pool pump is a cost-effective solution for your commercial or residential swimming pool?
Contact our expert engineers to discuss your specific requirements and explore our tailored recommendations.
How Chemsol can help
Searching for advanced pool filtration for your pool or spa?
At Chemsol, we offer a wide range of pool filtration packages to promote high-quality water clarity and sanitary swimming conditions.
Whether you’re interested in a solution that utilises AFM and variable speed pumps with deep bed filters or a standard sand filtration setup, we’ll help you to explore your options and recommend the most suitable system for your pool.
Once installed and commissioned, we can also provide ongoing maintenance and servicing to help keep your new pool filtration system fully compliance with the relevant regulations and in perfect working condition.
To arrange an initial consultation for your private pool, leisure centre, hotel spa, or aquatic facility, please don’t hesitate to contact our helpful team today.
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“Reducing pool energy usage with variable speed pumps and deep bed filters”
“How to cut energy costs with variable speed pumps and deep bed filters”
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