New pump regulations in full effect

by brittney_cutler_2 | September 1, 2021 10:20 am

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By Kevin Harms

New Department of Energy (DOE) regulations which went into effect on July 19, 2021, mean all pool pump manufacturers must comply with new energy efficiency criteria that are based on the metric called weighted energy factor (WEF). WEF is the first industry-wide efficiency metric and will naturally impact both international and Canadian markets as well. It means more pool owners will soon be switching to variable-speed pumps (VSPs) as single-speed pumps fall out of compliance.

In fact, for many pool owners, this may be the first time they have considered the benefits of VSPs and, as a result, may be unaware of the real benefits that come along with installing them. It is also worth noting, because single-speed pumps are the least expensive pump option, having to switch over to a more costly piece of equipment may be a concern for customers—even if it provides more cost savings and improvements to their pool’s quality in the long run.

To help educate and empower pool owners to make the right decision for their new pool pumps, dealers and retailers should take the time to educate pool owners on the details of this new regulation. Additionally, pool builders and retailers should learn more about options available for VSPs and how to communicate the full benefits to their customers, including energy cost savings and improved pool conditions.

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DOE domino effect

According to the DOE, energy efficiency is one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to combat climate change, reduce energy costs, and improve the environment. However, it is likely the DOE has never crossed a pool owners’ mind. That said, the DOE is partnering with pool industry businesses to develop new, energy-efficient technologies and policies while also finding opportunities to boost the efficiency of current technologies on the market.

Second to heating and cooling, pool pumps can be the highest energy consumer in the house. To combat this issue, the DOE announced its new Dedicated Purpose Pool Pump (DPPP) regulations in 2017, specifically around the minimum energy efficiency of pool pumps which went into effect this past July. With a few exceptions, pool pumps manufactured for use and imported into the United States must meet these new regulations around minimum efficiency, which means most current inground, single-speed pumps will fall out of compliance. The single-speed pumps that meet the energy efficiency requirements may have limited performance for customers’ pools.

In addition to setting a new minimum of efficiency, the DOE is also changing how dealers and retailers label products. Of those items listed on the label, one is most known by professionals: the weighted energy factor (WEF). WEF is a measure of energy efficiency, like kilometres per litre in a car, only for pools. This can help make it easier for a pool owner to understand its importance in the conversation. As retailers know, energy savings and pool performance go beyond measuring WEF. Two additional considerations pool owners should keep in mind when considering pool pumps are the hydraulic horsepower (HHP) and the total horsepower (THP).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The retailers’ role

The implementation of this enormous regulatory change will ultimately come down to the retailer, builder, or service professional being able to explain to their customers how much better it is to have a new, efficient, VSP, despite the higher cost.

So, what makes a VSP or VSFP that much better than a single-speed pump, besides compliance with the new regulations? To help educate and empower pool owners to make the right decision when purchasing a new pool pump, dealers and retailers should learn as much as possible about the options available and how to communicate the full benefits to their customers, including energy cost savings and improved pool conditions.

Customers want better performance, which means selling them energy and cost savings, cleaner, clearer water, quiet operation, and environmentally friendly products will be key. By helping customers choose the right pump for the job, retailers can help make the most of their customers’ investment.

Not all pumps are created equal

VSFPs take effortless pool performance to the next level with auto-regulated flow technology. They automatically adjust their speed to keep flow constant and performance optimized. Homeowners can simply set it and forget it. Like a homeowner’s thermostat, it is easy to manage and adjusts to maintain a consistent temperature (or flow, in a pool’s case).

The pool pump keeps water moving through the circulation system. The rate of water flowing through (flow) is important because pool equipment, such as filters and water features, need a certain amount of flow to perform. As the filter loads, some VSFPs can sense a change in flow and will automatically adjust to maintain optimal performance. These pumps can offer a pool owner peace of mind due to benefits such as cleaner and clearer water, and the effortless pool experience homeowners expect.

VSFPs are also quieter than traditional single-speed pumps and are longer-lasting as there is less minor wear and tear on the equipment.

Dealers need to cater their approach based on their customer demographic and highlight the benefits that matter most to them. Depending on the region and, in some cases even the homeowner, the environmental argument for VSPs is enough to make the sale. In some neighbourhoods where homes are built closer together, the case for a quieter pump is another selling feature.

Some feel the cost is the biggest argument against VSPs and VSFPs, but it is one of the biggest arguments for them. Using online cost calculators, dealers can show customers the potential long-term savings in black and white.

Starting the conversation

Pool retailers need to have the pump conversation with pool owners but opening the door to this conversation can be challenging if a customer is not familiar with the benefits VSPs and VSFPs have to offer.

To better understand the customer, retailers should ask the following questions up front. The answers will help better understand the customer’s needs and what will help them feel comfortable about investing in an energy-efficient pump.

1. First, what size is the installed pump? For many sizes, VSP technology is required, and the larger the pump, the more savings.

2. Will the pump support additional features such as a spa or water feature? It may require a larger pump, and a VSPF offers more flow control options.

3. Where will the equipment be located? If it is close to the house, the quiet operation of the pump will be a key selling point.

4. Are energy savings important?

If a pool owner insists on not upgrading their pump or does not have the money to do so, the best approach a retailer can take is to highlight the cost savings the customer will see over time. A VSP could save homeowners up to 90 per cent on their energy costs compared to conventional single- or two-speed pool pumps[7].

VSPs consume less power and pay for themselves over time; typically, in two years or less. Depending on the region and/or municipality, reminding homeowners they may qualify to receive public utility rebates when switching to a VSP is also important to remember.

Next chapter

Many homeowners do not know the specifics about what their pool equipment does. If it works, they probably do not care about the mechanical ins and outs. Therefore, pool retailers, builders, and service pros need to be experts on the new pool pump regulations and how VSPs will not only allow customers to comply, but also provide them with benefits for a more effortless pool experience.

The pool industry is entering a new chapter and it is important for industry professionals to brush up on their sales skills and gain knowledge about the benefits of these energy-efficient products as their customers will appreciate it.

Kevin Harms is the product manager for residential pool pumps at Pentair. Prior to his role at Pentair, he spent 12 years working with pumps for industrial and commercial applications. Harms can be reached via email at kevin.harms@pentair.com.

Source URL: https://www.poolspamarketing.com/trade/features/new-pump-regulations-in-full-effect/

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