Variable speed pool pumps cost more than single speed pumps, but the extra investment is worth it. Variable speed pool pumps are more energy efficient than single speed pumps and they cost less to run. In just a year or two, your new pool pump will pay for itself in electric bill savings. Plus, they’re better for the environment and will reduce your carbon footprint.
The Difference Variable Speed & Single Speed Pool Pumps
Single speed pool pumps can only run at one speed. Since it only has one speed, they must operate at a high flow rate, even when a lower flow rate would do the job. That means unnecessary energy consumption and wasted money.
Variable speed pool pumps, on the other hand, can be programmed to run at different speeds throughout the day. Since they can speed up and slow down, variable speed pumps can balance flow rate needs with energy consumption to minimize energy use and save you money.
Why Variable Pool Pumps Save Money
Variable Speed Pool Pumps are More Energy Efficient
Variable speed pool pump efficiency is higher than single speed pumps, thanks to their Permanent Magnet Motors (PMM). The PMM motor design is significantly more energy efficient than a typical induction motor. PMM motors can be 90% efficient, while induction motors are typically only 30-70% efficient. Energy efficient pool pumps use less energy to achieve the same goal, saving you money.
The Pump Affinity Law
Energy efficiency improvements are only responsible for a small percentage of the savings a variable speed pool pump provides. Most of the savings are due to something called the Pump Affinity Law. The Pump Affinity Law describes how changes in the speed of a pump affect its flow rate, pressure, and power consumption. The law states that power consumption will drop as flow rate and pressure are reduced, but not at a linear rate. Because of this, a small speed reduction will significantly improve pool pump efficiency and reduce power consumption (and therefore energy costs) while making almost no difference in pump performance.
Calculating Your Savings with a Variable Speed Pool Pump
So, do variable speed pool pumps really save money? Yes. To show just how much money you can save, let’s look at an example. According to the US Department of Energy, a standard swimming pool holds 25,000 gallons of water and has a suggested turnover rate of 24 hours.
Single Speed Pool Pump
A standard, single-speed pool pump will have a flow rate of around 66 gallons per minute (gpm). It would take about 6.3 hours to turn over the entire pool.
(25,000 gallons / 66 gpm) /60 minutes = 6.3 hours
A single-speed pool pump will generally use about 2,000 watts per hour, so over the course of the day, it will consume 12,600 watt-hours or 12.6 kWh. Over the course of the year, that equates to nearly 4,600 kWh.
6.3 hours x 2,000 watts = 12,600 watt hours (12.6 kWh) per day
12.6 kWh per day x 365 days = 4,599 kWh per year
As of March 2026, California has an average electricity rate of 33.35 cents per kWh. Your total cost per year would be $1,533.
(4,599 kWh x 33.35) / 100 = $1,533.77
Variable Speed Pool Pump
Now, let’s assume you switch to a variable speed pump. Because of the Pump Affinity Law, a slower flow rate will use less energy, even if it means the pump has to run for longer. A variable speed pump set at a flow rate of 22 gpm will turn the pool over in 19 hours.
(25,000 gallons / 22 gpm) /60 minutes = 19 hours
A standard variable speed pool pump uses only around 116 watts per hour. Throughout the day, it would use a total of 2,200 watts or 2.2 kWh. After a year, it would use 803 kWh.
19 hours x 116 watts = 2,200 watts (2.2 kWh) per day
2.2 kWh per day x 365 days = 803 kWh per year
At the average electricity rate of 33.35 cents per kWh, a variable speed pool pump would cost $267 to run each year.
(803 kWh x 33.35) / 100 = $267.80
Overall, this works out to an annual savings of $1,266!
Find a Variable Speed Pool Pump Installer Near You In California
Don’t miss out on the benefits of a variable speed pool pump! The Clean Energy Connection makes it easy to find a qualified pool pump installer in California who can help you choose the best option for your home. Our free online directory features the best clean energy contractors in California, helping you make energy efficient home improvements with confidence.