Variable-speed pumps are designed to run at the lowest flow rate necessary to maintain peak performance while saving energy. While every pool is different, variable-speed pumps do not need to run at full speed or a high flow rate all the time to do their job effectively—in fact, it is often the opposite.
A pump must accomplish two primary goals, the circulation of chemicals and the skimming of debris. The pump can run at a low flow rate (or speed) for a lengthy period to circulate the chemicals and turn over the water throughout the day. While the low speed is effective at circulating chemicals efficiently, it would not do a sufficient job skimming the pool. As such, the pump will need to be programmed to run at a higher flow rate for short periods throughout the day to generate more surface water movement from the return jets and allow the skimmers to collect floating debris from the surface. Finding the optimal flow rate is both an art and a science and should be considered carefully when servicing a pool.
Tackling debris
If the pump’s speed and flow rate have been adjusted but a customer is still experiencing a lot of debris in their pool, the return jets should be checked. Return jets, sometimes called eyeballs, need to be arranged near the surface of the water to optimize circulation. Improved circulation at the surface allows leaves and debris to be skimmed before they sink.
Seasonally, especially around the end of summer into fall, pool owners start experiencing more leaves, seeds, acorns, and debris in their pools. This debris has the potential to fill a skimmer basket quickly. It is important to check the basket as often as possible for blockages as well. Blockages add friction to the pool system, and added friction means higher energy usage and costs. Keeping baskets empty allows pumps to work more efficiently to get the job done.
Watching for water leaks
Watching for and mitigating leaks is crucial to maintaining a variable-speed pump for years to come. Water leaks can be caused by a variety of factors, such as putting extra stress on a pipe when servicing the filter, accidentally leaning against a piece of plumbing, and even aged O-rings. In areas with changing temperatures, not draining the pipes effectively and subsequent freezing and thawing can also create leaks.
If a pump is experiencing a water leak, it is helpful to slow down or stop it to see if the leak can be traced to its origin. Often water leaks leave trace mineral trails which can be a helpful clue to follow. Another common source of a water leak is the pump’s mechanical seal; if it is worn out, a leak may appear in the middle of the pump and likely in front of the motor. However, if the mechanical seal is intact and the source of the leak cannot be determined, additional parts to investigate are the filter band clamp and the filter O-ring.
