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.

• Keep your water balanced. Checking your water balance weekly is a great way to keep algae at bay. It means that your chlorine levels remain at 1–3 ppm, which is optimal for killing bacteria and algae. And you can identify and treat phosphate levels that may feed algae.

• Circulate your pool water. Make sure you run your pump for at least 8 hours a day to ensure that debris is filtered out of your pool. Follow this with a backwash or filter clean when your pressure gauge is 8–10 PSI above the normal level.

• Shock weekly. To nip algae in the bud, it’s best to shock your pool weekly during peak swimming season. This should be part of your weekly pool maintenance routine. It’ll help you catch anything that your sanitiser has missed. Heavy use, like pool parties, may require additional shocking.

• Remove phosphates. As mentioned earlier, algae loves feasting on phosphates, so it’s best to keep levels under control. Environmental debris, sweat and skin products can all add phosphates to your pool water, so test regularly and use Zodiac Phosphate Remover if required.

• Use algaecide. Even if you don’t have any signs of algae, monthly use of a metal-free algaecide like Zodiac Pool Algaecide can kill spores and prevent blooms from appearing or multiplying. Factors like heat, sunlight, rain and heavy use can all reduce the effectiveness of chlorine, predisposing your pool to algae, so this is a great preventative measure.

• Lower the temperature of your pool. There are a few reasons why lower temperatures are better for your pool. First, heat can deplete chlorine and affect pH, allowing algae to take hold. Second, algae thrives in hot conditions, so the warmer the water, the faster it can multiply. That’s why winterising your pool can promote the dreaded bloom, particularly if you’re not circulating your pool water as often, or if haven’t treated the water with a preventative algaecide.

Are some pool types more prone to algae?

In general, concrete pools are more susceptible to algal growth. This is because the surface is porous and algae can grow in the grooves and become difficult to remove. As a result, concrete pools require more aggressive treatment and can take up to a week to become algae-free.

Vinyl liner pools are more resistant, but algae can still grow in seams or tears. Fibreglass pools, however, a less prone because they have a smooth surface. If algae does develop, it’ll appear in the water, not on the walls, which makes elimination relatively easy.

Do I need to use an algaecide in winter?

If you’re closing your pool for winter, it’s a good idea to use a long-life or winterising algaecide to keep algae at bay. This is different to regular algaecide as it’s designed to last for much longer. Even if you’re only running your pump for a few hours a day and your maintenance is a bit sporadic, it’ll provide backup protection against algae. After all, there’s nothing worse than pulling back your blanket in spring and finding a green pool!

How long does it take to get rid of algae?

This depends on a range of factors, like the pool surface, the type of algae you have and how long it’s been there. Understandably, small traces of algae can be nipped in the bud with pool shock. Yellow and black algae, due to their resistance to chlorine, may take longer. In general, fibreglass pools will be faster to treat and take about 24–48 hours. A concrete pool could take up to a week, particularly if the algae is widespread and has entered gaps or cracks in the surface.

Final thoughts

No one enjoys finding algae in their pool – and getting rid of it is no easy feat. The best course of action is to take preventative measures, like keeping your pool chemistry balanced, running your filtration system for at least 8–10 hours a day, shocking your pool weekly, using algaecide, avoiding high water temperatures and reducing phosphates. These actions should make your pool unfriendly to algae – green, yellow or otherwise.

If the blooms have made themselves at home, follow our step-by-step guide above, and don’t use the pool until the blooms or stains are completely gone and the water is balanced and running clear. For those who want to reduce their risk, consider buying or upgrading to a fibreglass pool. The smooth, slippery surface makes it difficult for algae to gain a foothold, and even if you do get some spores or blooms, they can be removed a lot faster.

So don’t wait until your pool goes green! Contact one of our approved dealers to get everything you need to make your backyard pool algae-free all year round!