New Energy Regulations: What Pool Owners Need to Know

The Department of Energy (DOE) has recently introduced updated efficiency regulations affecting all pool pumps. Effective from July 19, 2021, these new guidelines stipulate that any pool pump manufactured after this date must meet specific minimum efficiency standards. Importantly, these regulations apply to all pumps, not just those used for pool filtration.

 

The new federal regulations impact self-priming filtration pumps (often referred to as in-ground pool pumps) that exceed a certain horsepower threshold. Unlike traditional motor horsepower, this threshold is based on hydraulic horsepower. Specifically, self-priming filtration pumps rated between 0.711 and 2.5 hydraulic horsepower are subject to these new standards. For a practical conversion, this equates to pumps with horsepower ratings ranging from approximately 1 to 5.

 

For both in-ground and above-ground pools, variable speed pumps offer significant advantages in terms of energy efficiency. They operate at lower speeds for extended periods, reducing energy usage by 40%-80% compared to single-speed pumps. To maximize savings, ensure that your pump’s flow rates are well-matched with your filter’s flow rate, avoiding excessive flow at high speeds.

 

Pool pumps often run for several hours each day to maintain water quality through mixing and cleaning. Single-speed pumps, while initially less expensive, operate at full speed continuously when turned on. In contrast, variable-speed pumps can adjust their speed to match the required flow rate, significantly reducing energy consumption and operational costs. Besides being more energy-efficient, variable-speed pumps are quieter, cooler, and reduce wear and tear on other pool equipment.

 

If you currently own a single-speed pump, there is no immediate mandate to replace it. However, new single-speed pumps will no longer be available for purchase. The DOE is allowing suppliers to sell off their existing inventory of single-speed pumps without a deadline. Manufacturers must cease production of pumps that do not meet the new efficiency standards.

 

Certain pumps are exempt from the new DOE regulations, including:

• Waterfall Pumps: Must be labeled specifically as waterfall pumps.
• Integral Sand- and Cartridge-Filter Pool Pumps
• Storable Electric Spa / Rigid Electric Spa Pumps
• Pumps with 3-Phase Motors 

It’s worth noting that California and Arizona have enacted additional bans on the sale of all single-speed pumps, regardless of their manufacture date.