When pool equipment is being discussed and explained, the pump and filter are always initially referenced because they are required equipment for any pool. Proper pool maintenance and operations starts with a properly-sized pump and filter system.
The pump circulates water to and from the pool. Conventional single speed horsepower-driven pumps are still the most common type of pump. And some pools are still equipped with a dual speed pump. But variable speed pumps are becoming more-and-more popular...so much so that they will soon be the most common type of pump.
NOTE: A new federal regulation (enacted in 2021) will expedite the replacement of your current pump for those of you whose pools are not currently equipped with a variable speed pump.
A variable speed pump is unlike any other out-of-the-box pool pump. Once programmed, it is literally a pump that is custom-made for your pool, given its size, gallons, filter, plumbing schematics, and other specifications and considerations.
After years of research and countless field tests, it has been conclusively proven that a variable speed pump should be the pump that circulates your pool water.
This is truly an upgrade to any conventional single speed horsepower-driven pump as well as any dual speed horsepower-driven pump. A variable speed pump will provide a real monetary return on the investment.
Plus, many utility companies are offering rebates to those pool owners that get rid of their current horsepower-driven (single speed or dual speed) pump and replace it with a variable speed pump. Make sure to ask your local utility company about any such rebates.
A variable speed pump will ensure proper circulation - and therefore filtration - to help keep your pool water clean and clear. That is a bonus.
A variable speed pump will create a pool that is significantly less expensive to operate, compared to any of the horsepower-driven pumps. That is a bigger bonus.
And a variable speed pump will create a safer pool. That is the biggest bonus.
Within this pool manual, the following information is available about variable speed pumps: