Splish, splash, having your swimming pool at home could bring you joy and relaxation, especially in the hot summer. But wait, are pool maintenance and costs spoiling the fun? A contributing factor to high operating costs is the pool pump. It is responsible for filtering and circulating the water in your swimming pool.

Variable speed pool pumps are known as an energy-saving and more cost-efficient alternative to traditional single-speed pumps. Read on as we discuss ways to optimize your swimming pool with variable speed pool pump recommended settings.

What is a Variable Speed Pool Pump?

A variable speed pool pump is the type of pump that will let you adjust the motor speed according to your specific pool needs. It can run at different speeds, unlike the traditional and more common single-speed pumps.

Single-speed pumps are less expensive, and it has been a popular option for pool owners on a budget. However, variable speed pumps are becoming popular due to their energy efficiency and cost-saving benefits. Having variable speed pump settings will let you filter your pool water at a lower speed, reducing your electrical consumption. You can also set it at a higher speed when you run a pool cleaner.

Benefits of A Variable Speed Pool Pump

Reduction of operating cost is the main benefit that one gets in using a variable speed pump. A regular pool pump uses more power - as much as 3,500 watts per hour! But the best variable speed pump uses only a little bit of that power and can save up to 90% of your electricity.

Another advantage of using a variable speed pool pump is that it preserves the life of your pool equipment. With a regular pump, your equipment runs fast, making it work hard, and causing it to break down sooner than it should. Variable speed pumps work differently - they run at lower speeds. It makes your equipment last longer and not wear out so fast.

Best Settings For Variable Speed Pool Pump

Knowing the right settings will let you get the most out of your variable speed pool pump. It usually depends on the size of your swimming pool, the number of accessories used and the climate in your area. To maximize your pool's potential, follow the general guidelines as best settings for a variable speed pool pump:

1. It is important to run your pool pump for 8-12 hours every day so the water gets filtered and moved around. To lower your energy usage and extend the lifespan of your pump, you can divide the recommended running time into several shorter sessions in a day. It enables you to keep clear and clean water for your pool.
2. When you are cleaning your pool water, you can set your pump to run at a slower speed. This usually means it will go between 1200-1500 RPM. When you do this, you will use less electricity and it won't cost as much to run the pump. Just remember to use the right speed for filtering to keep your pool water clean and fresh.
3. When using a pool cleaner or other accessories that need more water movement, you should set the pump to go faster. This usually means it will run between 2200-2500 RPM. This will allow for the water to move around more, and the cleaner will do a better job. Just remember to use the right speed for cleaning to make sure everything works well. When you are not cleaning or using special features, you can set the pump back to a lower speed.
4. Reduce energy usage of your pool pump by using a timer. Have it turned on and off automatically using your desired schedule, or use a smart timer that adjusts the speed based on what your pool needs.
5. Always check the chemistry of your pool water. Your variable speed pool pump will let you adjust a flow rate ideal for maintaining a proper pool water chemistry. For instance, with a very low pH level, the flow rate must be increased to help distribute the chemicals evenly.

Tips for Maximizing Your Pool's Potential

In addition to knowing the settings for variable speed pool pump, there are other steps you can take to maximize your pool's potential:

Keep your pool clean: Regular cleaning of your swimming pool is necessary for keeping it in tip-top shape and reducing the amount of work your pool pump has to do. Remove debris by skimming the surface,  brushing the walls and floor, and regularly vacuuming. It helps maintain the clarity and cleanliness of your water. Hence, it reduces the workload of your pump and extends its lifespan.

Maintaining proper water chemistry : It is crucial for keeping your pool clean and healthy. Regularly testing the water will ensure it is always balanced and catch any imbalances or issues early on. Adjust your chemicals as needed. It can prevent problems like the growth of algae and cloudy water. You get to enjoy crystal clear water in your pool that is safe for swimming. Remember to use only  reliable testing kits.

Install a pool cover: It brings many benefits. First, it can reduce water evaporation and keep debris out of your pool. It lessens the amount of water and chemicals needed to top up your swimming pool. Then, it can maintain your water temperature to keep it comfortable for swimming. Overall, when you reduce the workload for your pump, you save money on operating costs. Don't forget to immediately fix/replace any broken  pool cover parts.

Use a pool heater wisely: The warm water can be tempting, and you may tend to put the temperature too high at all times. However, only heat your pool when you plan to use it, to reduce energy consumption and environmental impact. You can use a solar cover to retain the heat and reduce the time you need to run your pool heater.

To wrap up, utilizing the recommended settings for your pool pump is a smart way to optimize your pool's performance and reduce operating costs. Along with proper water chemistry management, pool cleaning, and energy-saving measures like a pool cover and efficient heater use, you can ensure your pool is enjoyable at all times.