Variable Speed VS Single Speed Pump - Which is Right for You?

Every pool, spa, or swim spa needs a pump to provide the pressure needed to circulate the water through the filter and, if needed, to sanitize the system; then back to your pool. Regardless of your location or pool type (fiberglass or concrete), your pool pump selection is critical, not only for the filtration of your pool but also for the environment and your wallet!

While there are many different brands and sizes of pool pumps, the most common question we get is whether to buy a variable speed pump or a single speed pump. In this article, we'll outline the key differences between the two so you can choose the one that's best for you.

Traditionally, single-speed pumps are the most commonly installed pumps in the world. That's it - a pump runs at one speed until you turn it off. Variable speed pumps, on the other hand, use permanent magnet motors that can be programmed to run at different speeds at different times.

The upfront cost of a single-speed pump is much cheaper than a variable-speed pump. Typically, you can get a single-speed pump for $1,000 less than a similarly sized variable-speed pump. One thing to keep in mind is that when it comes to the cost of durable products like pool pumps, there are many other factors to consider, including ongoing costs.

Single-speed thermoplastic pumps have been the proven, reliable form of pool filtration since 1975. The history of this workhorse is hard to surpass.

There is a lot of talk about energy efficiency these days, and one thing you may not realize is how much impact your pool equipment can have on your energy usage. The pump you choose can affect your energy bills by hundreds of dollars. Of course, there have been some advances in maximizing the energy efficiency of single-speed pumps in recent years, but these still don’t compare to the energy savings when investing in variable-speed pumps.

Energy savings come from permanent magnet motors. You can start a filtration cycle at a similar speed to a single-speed pump, then run it longer at a lower speed to achieve the same turnaround results. Running the pump at a lower speed can save a lot of energy, even for longer periods of time. However, it is important to note that if a variable speed pump is always running at top speed, you will not save energy compared to a single-speed pump. Efficiency comes purely from reducing the speed of the pump after starting. We recommend looking for a variable speed pool pump with an energy rating of at least 8 stars.

While the upfront cost of a variable speed pump is higher, the cost savings, in the long run, are much greater due to the reduction in energy bills. You can pay off your pool pump in a few years.

Another benefit of a variable speed pump is reduced power, which in turn reduces noise. The variable speed pool pump has significantly lower decibels compared to its predecessor, so you won't bother your neighbors with a noisy pump. Many variable speed pool pumps are also fully programmable, so you can set the hours and speed of the pool, and off, and you can set them up to work with automated systems.

All in all, building a new swimming pool is an exciting time, and options like variable speed versus single speed pumps can be ignored, but it's important that you make the right choice. If you want an inexpensive workhorse as a reliable pump for your pool, and don't mind the convenience and noise, a single-speed pump is a good choice. If you and your family enjoy energy efficiency, convenience, and quiet afternoons by the pool, and are happy to pay for themselves over time with eco-friendly options, then a variable speed pump is the way to go. If you are planning to buy a swimming pool pump, please contact us.

MAYGO POOL is a professional custom pool pump manufacturer. We specialize in professional technical solutions for residential and commercial swimming pools. At present, we have provided swimming pool solutions to thousands of customers in North America, South America, Europe, Australia, etc. Since its establishment, MAYGO POOL has successfully developed the main component of CFD hydraulic design, the impeller. Our product range includes pool pumps, sand filters, cartridge filters, filtration systems, and pool accessories. The product is constantly updated and iterative, with more functions and more choices.