The cost of operating a pool doesn't have to be expensive, but if you’re a pool owner with the traditional style single speed pool pump, it's costing you daily!

Apart from the energy saving, a variable speed ECO pool pump also lowers the flow rate. A lower flow rate takes the pressure off the pool plumbing and other equipment, increasing equipment life and further reducing maintenance costs.

Older style pool pumps have a fixed speed and flow rate, and, therefore, a fixed running cost that adds up over time. The average swimming pool pump will cost the pool owner around $1,000+ per year in electricity to operate on a standard eight hour per day cycle. Variable speed ECO pool pumps, on the other hand, can reduce running costs considerably - by as much as $800 per year!

Some variable speed pump models allow the three operating speeds to be further refined, saving energy and ensuring efficiency in any pool application. While standard ECO pool pumps have three preset speeds, some cleaners may need the medium or high setting to operate a suction cleaner, which defeats the purpose of installing an ECO pool pump.
SEE ALSO: Are Cheap Pool Pumps worth it?

ECO pool pumps typically have three operating speeds:

• Low - Low speed is where most of the power saving occurs and should be used in most situations. To enjoy maximum power savings, this can also be used in variable speed pumps where you can further increase or decrease the preset low speed for optimal efficiency.
• Medium - This is for when the pool is in use and to make sure that the water is circulating properly when everyone is enjoying a quick dip. This can also be used for those minor cleaning jobs where you don't need to vacuum the entire pool or backwash.
• High - The only time you need to run a pump on high is when you need to manually vacuum the pool or when backwashing a sand filter. The medium speed can be used if using a suction pool cleaner on a standard three speed ECO pool pump.

To know more about the difference between a standard pool pumps and an ECO pool pumps, click here.

Tip: It’s important to understand that with an ECO pool pump, you must run it longer than your older fixed speed pump, as it is important to get the same volume of water filtered or turned over each day.

All variable speed pumps will start up at the highest speed setting for a short period of time to ensure the pump and pool equipment is in full prime, then will drop back to the preset speed that you have chosen.

A select few variable speed pool pumps can now be connected to a controller system via a data cable, allowing for intelligent interface between the pump and chlorinator or chemical dosage systems. This allows the system to control the pump flow and operational time so minimal run time and power is consumed, meaning greater savings again!

Fact: The power savings in one year will pay for the extra cost of any eco pool pump installation over a standard replacement pump and more!

Equipment manufacturers are not obliged to post or promote the energy rating on their pool products, but many do with ECO and variable speed pumps to make it easy for consumers to see the potential energy savings.

Speak to your local pool technician or drop us a line to discuss the right operational times for your equipment. Too long could be using excess power, while too short could be causing you problems in maintaining your pool.

Utilise the timers in salt water chlorinators or dosing machines. These can allow the pump to operate during off peak times. If you don't have a salt water chlorinator or dosing machine, purchase a timer from a local hardware store.

Basic weekly maintenance of the pool isn't a hard task, and, in the long run, will ensure the operational equipment and appearance of the pool is spot on, saving you time and money.

We're now going to go over the different pool pumps that are available in the market and what sets each one apart from the others.

Engineered to perform, designed to last and priced for value, Water TechniX is the new range of pool equipment that's making waves and regarded as the “best in class” for all pool applications. If you are thinking of upgrading your existing equipment then The Water TechniX range is an easy, affordable solution.

Recognised by its quality, durability and quiet operation, Water TechniX products are designed with the gentle art of relaxation in mind while delivering high-flow performance, easy operation and is quick to install, giving you more time to enjoy your pool instead of maintaining it. Paired with extensive warranty, after sales support and backed by Mr Pool Man's customer satisfaction guarantee!

• Suits swimming pools up to 90,000 litres
• Suits in-ground and above ground pools
• Low operating noise
• Retrofits Poolrite SQI pumps
• 7 Star Energy Efficient
• 3 Year warranty

• Ability to run pump during off peak electricity times
• 2 Pre-set modes - Normal & ECO (Low)
• Super quiet operation in all installations
• Proudly Assembled in Australia
• Extremely reliable and proven induction motor technology for longevity
• Clear pump lid provides a full view of its operation
• Easy access to the lint pot with swing-aside knobs
• Large capacity Strainer
• Double insulated, heavy duty motor

SEE ALSO: The Math is in: Save up to $7,727 with the Water TechniX VorteX

It’s quality that makes Astral one of Australia's leading manufacturers of quality swimming pool and spa products. Astral's aim is to provide the best quality equipment for commercial and private swimming pools, and spas, at competitive prices.

Ideal for the average sized pool, the Astral Viron P320 has a flow rate sufficient to backwash up to 30″ or 800mm diameter sand filters, provides a powerful vacuum when cleaning the pool and drives up to 6 spa jets.

The large liquid crystal display clearly shows the RPM of the P320 motor, enables adjustment of the start up priming time and priming flow rate, and provides a visual display of each speed setting.

The inbuilt 24 hour timer is easily enabled and provides up to four time periods each day with different speed settings to provide the perfect flow rate for your pool.

• Low speed means less noise, allowing operation at night or early morning
• Low speed means lower pressures, extending the life of other pool equipment
• Low speed means better filtration, resulting in sparkling clear water

• 9 star energy rating
• Adjustable variable speed settings, from 600 RPM to 3600 RPM
• Save up to $700 per year in operating costs
• 3 year warranty

• Each Astral P320 pump is tested at factory preset speeds, but each speed, (low, medium and high) can be changed to suit your individual swimming pool application.
• For purposes of comparison with single speed pumps, the Astral P320 on maximum speed has a similar flow rate to most other 1.25 hp or 1.5 hp pumps.
• The total head represents the total friction losses of both inlet pipe to the pump and returns to pool plumbing, including fittings and equipment.

The variable speed PMECO pool pump, allows you to switch and program speeds between ECO Flow (lowest speed) for pool filtration, Mid Flow for pool cleaning and High Flow for all other pool sanitisation and pool heating applications.a

Allows for fully programmable speed options between Eco, Mid and High Flow speeds, maximising your pool efficiency, use and performance.

8 star energy efficiency rating, with super low emissions and even lower energy usage.

Quiet at only 60.5db, allowing you to run your pump at any time of day or night.

Using the latest brushless DC motor technology, the PowerMaster® ECO series offers you the reliability you have come to expect from all Davey products.

Peace of mind from an Australian owned, designed and engineered pool pump.

• Ability to adjust the speed settings of the pool pump to ensure the optimum solution for any pool application
• The Davey PowerMaster ECO is both energy efficient and environmentally conservative
• The compact and rigid design allows for easy installation and operation, leaving you more time to enjoy your pool
• The reputable and durable 3-speed motor will ensure years of hassle-free pool maintenance in even the harshest of conditions
• Backed by a 3 year warranty (2 years on the mechanical seal)
• You can be assured of many hassle-free years of use
• Suitable for domestic swimming pools up to 80,000 litres
• Save up to 70% of electricity, when compared to a traditional pool pump
• 8 star energy efficiency rating, with super low emissions and even lower energy usage
• Lower noise levels at only 60.5db, allowing you to run your pump at any time of day or night

Unlike most multi-speed pumps the Gemini Twin is powered by a traditional induction motor that has been proven to stand the test of time. Most other ECO pool pumps on the market are DC. The Gemini Twin is a standard AC electric motor with a high and low speed winding.

The Gemini has the same plumbing as all model SQ/SQI Poolrite pumps, so it will slot straight in.

The Poolrite Gemini is a two speed pump. To get the most savings, you should run it on low speed. The only time you need to use high speed is for backwashing or vacuuming your pool.

A typical 1.25HP pool pump costs approximately $600 per year to operate. The Gemini Twin, like all multi-speed pumps, can slash these costs if operated effectively, with the added benefits of proven motor technology and simple operation.

• Ability to run pump during off peak electricity times
• Remote control included as standard
• Pre-set modes.
• Super quiet operation in all installations
• Proudly Australian designed and manufactured
• Extremely reliable and proven induction motor technology for longevity
• 7 star energy efficiency
• Made in Australia

Equipped with an energy saving three speed motor, Supatuf ECO is capable of lowering its energy usage and reducing its operating noise level

• Variable three speed control panel, IP55 rating
• Permanent magnet brushless
• Variable three speed DC motor
• UV stabilised and corrosion resistant
• 50mm quick connect barrel unions for UPVC pipe
• Clear basket lid and large strainer basket
• High grade carbon/ graphite mechanical seal with 316 stainless steel spring assembly
• Strong single piece glass filled thermoplastic pump body
• Hydraulically efficient impeller and diffuser design
• Fan cooled thermal overload protection

• Energy saving variable speed motor
• Low noise operation
• 7 star energy rating
• Variable permanent magnet brushless DC motor
• 2 year warranty

The range of Davey energy efficient variable speed pool pumps has been upgraded to include app control via Bluetooth connectivity. Davey’s ProMaster® Variable Speed pool pump offers water-cooled, super-quiet operation with high efficiency, making it the ideal choice for today’s swimming pools. The energy efficient 8 star energy rating offers up to 70% lower energy use than a traditional fixed speed 1hp pump.

• Ability to adjust the speed settings of the pool pump to ensure the optimum solution for any pool application
• The Davey ProMaster VSD is both energy efficient and environmentally conservative
• The compact and rigid design allows for easy installation and operation, leaving you more time to enjoy your pool
• The reputable and durable three speed motor will ensure years of hassle-free pool maintenance in even the harshest of conditions
• Backed by a 3 year warranty (2 years on the mechanical seal)
• Suitable for domestic swimming pools up to 80,000 litres
• Save up to 70% of electricity when compared to a traditional pool pump
• 6 star energy efficiency rating, with super low emissions and even lower energy usage
• Lower noise levels at only 50db, allowing you to run your pump at any time of day or night

With all of the available choices out there, it's easy to become afflicted with analysis paralysis or simply put "Oh no! I can't make up my mind!"

Here at MrPoolMan we've tested and put every single ECO Pump through the hoops and we can confidently say that the Water TechniX Pump Dual ECO Variable Speed is our recommendation when it comes to ECO Pool Pumps.

It has all of the features that most High-End ECO pumps have at a much lower price point. Not only that, but it's made in Australia (no cheap imports here) and it's covered by our iron-clad MrPoolMan guarantee and extensive after-sales support!  

SEE ALSO: Investing in an ECO-Friendly Pool

Do you have any questions about this topic or the featured products? No worries, we're here to help! Drop us a question down below and we'll get back to you ASAP.

Happy swimming :)