In our previous article, we have already talked about why you should invest in a Variable Speed Pump so there’s no doubt that a variable speed pump is a superior choice and will save you money in the long run. Here we want to take a closer look at how much money a variable speed pump can actually save you and how it is calculated. There is so much discussion nowadays about energy efficiency and one thing you may not realise is just how much of an impact your pool equipment can make on your energy usage. This pie chart from Energy Rating’s E3 study shows that your pool pump can take up 18% of your household electricity consumption.

How does it work?

Single-speed pumps operate at only one fixed rate, even though that speed may not be necessary for a particular task. This means most of the time, you pay for the energy more than you really consume by using a single-speed pump. Variable speed pumps allow you to run filtration at different motor speeds (different flows) during the day. They allow you to run your pool at the optimum speed to get the job done. This creates less friction on your piping, filter, and accessories allowing your pool to run at a much lower energy level, as well as less wear and tear, saving you money and increasing the lifespan of your equipment. You can begin your filtration cycle with a similar speed to that of the single-speed pump, then run it for a longer amount of time at a slower speed to achieve the same turnover result.

How much are you saving?

The amount of electricity used by a pool pump is measured in units of Watt-hours (Wh) or Kilowatt-hours (kWh), where 1 kilowatt = 1,000 watts (W). The amount of electricity a pool pump uses depends on how many hours a day the pump is run and for how many days per year the power consumption of the pump, measured in watts, as well as the size of the pool. Here's how the calculation goes: Step 1: Volts (230 volts in Australia) x Amperage = watts Step 2: Watts/1,000 = kWh used by the pump Step 3: kWh x run time per day =kWh per day Step 4: Electrical rate x kWh per day=electricity running cost of your pump per day Credit: https://www.mrpoolman.com.au/blogs/news/standard-pool-pumps-vs-eco-pool-pumps-by-the-numbers

Check out the table below for a specific comparison:

But we would say the most significant difference might be the time of operation. The operation cost that keeps a variable speed pool pump 24-hours a day for a month will make any single speed pump run only 3-hours a day. Although the upfront cost of a variable-speed pump is higher, the cost savings in long-term care are a lot greater due to the reduction in energy bills. We recommend looking for a variable speed pool pump that has an energy rating of at least 8 stars. To see a list of pool pumps registered in a voluntary energy-rating scheme run by the Australian Government, please click here. This bar chart that illustrates the annual energy consumption of pool pumps by star rating shows you the difference your VS pump can make in energy consumption based on its star rating.

Credit: Decision Regulation Impact Statement: Swimming pool pumps

Always consult your local pool professionals to determine the most suitable pool pump for your needs.

Above Ground Pool Cost

Above ground pools offer an affordable entry point into pool ownership. Their installation costs are generally lower than inground pools, which affects the supplementary expenses associated with them. These pools are often constructed using materials like steel, resin, or aluminium, each with pros and cons. Alternatively, you can choose a vinyl liner, which costs around $10,000.

Inground Pool Cost

Inground pools, on the other hand, come at a higher price point, ranging from $20,000 to $100,000 or more for the installation. The cost of an inground pool largely depends on your choice of materials:

Vinyl Liner Pool Cost

A vinyl liner pool comprises a vinyl sheet separating the water from the pool structure. Vinyl liner pools have lower initial costs compared to fibreglass or concrete pools. The price of complete installation can range from $20,000 to $70,000, with the average cost typically around $35,000. However, this type of pool is less cost-effective because the vinyl liner needs to be replaced every 5 to 10 years, which costs $3,000 to $6,000.

Fibreglass Pool Cost

A fibreglass pool is a type of swimming pool that is made from a single piece of fibreglass shell. The shell is manufactured using a mould in a factory. The cost of a fibreglass pool can vary depending on several factors, including your design preferences and additional features. These components can play a significant role in determining the overall cost of the pool. Factors that can affect the price of a fibreglass pool include the size and shape of the pool, accessibility of the location where the pool will be installed, soil excavation issues, and how well you want the pool to blend in with your backyard. Therefore, the cost can vary from $25,000 to $45,000.

Concrete Pool Cost

Concrete pools are durable, long-lasting, and can be customised according to your needs. However, known for their unlimited customisation options, concrete inground pools are the most expensive and take longer to build. You can expect the installation to average around $50,000, with costs ranging from $30,000 to $100,000, depending on your design choices and the extent of customisation.

Typically, the cost of a concrete pool is determined by its dimensions, which include size, shape, and depth. Naturally, larger pools are more costly than smaller ones because they take up more space. Additional factors such as accessibility and excavation difficulties can also impact the overall expense.

Additional Costs

Apart from the primary pool costs, you should also consider the following expenses:

Pool Architect

The benefits of this process?

1. MagnaPool® generates 40% less chloramine than salt electrolysis + traditional filtration systems. 2. Chloramines develop 4 times slower with a MagnaPool® System than with manually-treated water or with salt electrolysis. 3. MagnaPool® treatment does not generate any very basic soda unlike salt electrolysis so there are no harmful effects on water balance.

After adding MagnaPool® minerals to the water, it passes through the Hydroxinator cell (clear canister), where the Anode and Cathode create a reaction that produces active chlorine. A byproduct of this reaction causes scale to form on the plates, to combat this, the polarity of the plates is reversed regularly.