Variable-Speed Pumps: Mandatory for Powering Pools in 2021

Variable-Speed Pumps: Mandatory for Powering Pools in 2021 - A new U.S. Department of Energy regulation will require that, in 2021, all pumps past a certain horsepower rating will have to meet an efficiency threshold. This means that variable-speed pumps will be mandatory for powering the filtration system of any spa or pool. This federal regulation sets forth minimum efficiency standards that a pool pump must meet to be sold in the United States. This decision came about after extensive collaboration between the U.S. Department of Energy, manufacturers, utility companies and energy-efficiency advocates. Referred to as “Energy Conservation Standards for Dedicated-Purpose Pool Pumps,” this is the second similar type of regulation that applies to the pool and spa industry, with the other one being an efficiency standards for heaters. Under the new regulation, commercial and residential self-priming filtration pumps past a certain horsepower threshold have to meet an established performance standard – a standard only currently satisfied by variable-speed pumps. The measurements for the threshold uses a different system from that of traditional motor horsepower. Pumps rated between 0.711 and 2.5 hydraulic horsepower have to meet the performance standard. When you convert that to motor horsepower, the regulation will apply [...]