Understanding the labels
• WEF: Measure of energy efficiency. The higher the WEF, the more efficient the pump. WEF is required to be labelled on a pump.
• THP: Measure of the total horsepower created at the motor shaft, not at the wet end. This represents the potential output, not the actual output. THP is also required to be labelled on the pump.
• HHP: Measure of pump’s performance. The amount of water the pump can push to and through the pool. This is not equivalent to motor horsepower and is not required to be labelled on the pump, but some companies may put it on their products.
When pool water is not circulating optimally, it can cause stagnant, dirty water and poor performance of water features and other equipment. This is why it is important to choose the right pump that is energy efficient and fits the needs of the customer’s pool.
Impact of the changes
For those pool owners now asking the question: “How do I comply with these new regulations when purchasing my next pool pump?” The answer is quite simple: switch from a single-speed pump to a VSP or a variable-speed and flow pump (VSFP). These new regulations do not expressly state that VSPs must fulfil new requirements but technically require a minimum WEF score only a VSP can achieve in most cases.
With single-speed pumps, there are only two settings: on or off. While these pumps are the least expensive to purchase, when they run, they run at full speed, which can cause excess wear and tear on equipment. When they turn off to save energy, water is left stagnant and can become unsanitary.
In addition to high energy costs, pools with poor pump performance can face unfortunate consequences, such as unsanitary pool conditions, poor water quality, increased wear and tear, more frequent filter cleanings, shorter pump lifetime, and a need to use more chemicals. Luckily, many VSPs and VSFPs can address these challenges.
VSPs can be set at several different speeds. When better performance is required, the pump can be sped up. A VSFP is a great way to ensure energy efficiency and optimal pool performance with the ease of cruise control. This equipment adjusts its speed to maintain flow or water movement to ensure customers can easily enjoy all the benefits of their pool operating at optimal performance with little to no effort.
By incorporating VSFPs, pool owners will see energy and cost savings, along with cleaner and clearer water, better water feature performance, less noise, and a longer-lasting product compared to single-speed pumps. These factors combine to create a better pool experience with improved circulation and less wear and tear on equipment.
This begs the question—what happens to those single-speed pumps still installed in pools, or that are still on the shelf?
If a customer just replaced their single-speed pump, there is no need to rush to change their pump to a VSP. However, even if there is nothing wrong with a pool owner’s current pump, simply informing them of the changing legislation can start the conversation.
If a distributor or pool company has inventory of non-compliant pumps, they can still be purchased and installed as there is no time limit on how long it takes to purge the supply of non-compliant pumps. However, when these pumps are gone, they are gone, and no new non-compliant pumps will be manufactured going forward. It is likely by late 2021, leftover inventories will be exhausted.
