Variable speed pool pumps are saving pool owners hundreds of dollars each year, though how exactly does variable speed pump work? Why are they so good? And how much will one actually save you?
A single-speed 1.5hp pump will start up and then run at a consistent speed, flow rate, and power consumption level for the entire time. More often than not, it's pumping more than what is effectively required, costing you money. For this comparison, we have used the Astral Viron P320 XT Variable Speed Pump to show you the difference between variable-speed pumps and single-speed pool pumps.
Variable Speed Pump technology
A variable speed pump such as the Astral Viron P320 XT allows you to tailor the flow rate to suit your pool and filtration requirements. Once a pool pump has started up and the water moving, it’s about keeping the water circulating as efficiently as possible, this is where the variable speeds come into play.
By reducing the speed of the pump, you're reducing the power consumption, as well as the flow rate, though this can be set to whichever setting is most effective.
The challenge for swimming pool filtration design is that 90% of the time, effective filtration and circulation of the pool water is achieved with a gentle flow rate of between 120 to 200 litres a minute. Occasionally, however, vacuuming, backwashing, and specific applications such as water features, spa jets and in-floor cleaning require higher flow rates and pressures.
The Viron XT has 4 flow settings
Overdrive - up to 600 liters/min
High Speed - 2850 RPM (around 400 liters/min, great for backwashing)
Medium Speed - 2000 RPM (around 200-300 liters/min, ideal for larger pools or where equipment is much lower than the pool level)
Low Speed - 1125 RPM (around 100-150 liters/min, perfect for smaller pools with equipment nearby)
Power Savings
If you were to halve the speed of your pump, the flow rate will also halve however, the energy consumed drops by more than 85%. Compared to conventional single-speed pumps, the Viron XT pump will save you anywhere between $700 and $1,200 every year in operating costs, which, over the life of the pump will pay for itself many times over!
Benefits of the Viron XT Variable Speed Pump
Two sizes to suit the most demanding applications
Save between $700 and $1,200 every year in operating costs
High-performance overdrive mode and fast priming programs Reduce carbon emissions
Whisper-quiet operation
Longer pump and equipment life
Comparison between 1.5hp pump vs Variable Speed Viron P320 XT
Viron Annual Operating Cost* $818
Viron Annual Saving $809
Viron Saving over 7 years $5,663
Environmentally Friendly
Warranty
Built in Australia for Australian conditions the Viron XT Pumps are covered by a limited 3 year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
Astral Viron XT Variable Speed Pool Pumps
*Annual operating cost based on operating pumps at factory preset low speed for 8 hours a day, each day of the year. Actual operating costs may vary according to time spent on higher speeds and the actual speed required to effectively circulate water throughout the pool, filtration, and plumbing system.