Appliance Standards Awareness Project

home
contact
Why Are Standards
Important?
Federal Action
State Action
Reports
News
Newsletters
Links

About
ASAP

 
 

Pool Pumps

Last Updated: December 2009
See the federal standards main page to view current status

THE PRODUCT: Residential pool pumps are used to circulate and filter swimming pool water in order to maintain clarity and sanitation.

THE STANDARD: Three states (Arizona, Connecticut, and Washington) have adopted swimming pool pump standards based on standards which California implemented starting in 2006. They include the following requirements: 

  • Motors shall not be split-phase or capacitor start-induction run type motors, except:

            a. the low-speed section of two-speed motors may be capacitor start-induction run type and
            b. 48-frame motors designed for use with above-ground pools are exempt from this requirement.

  • Motors with a total horsepower capacity of 1 or more shall have the capability of operating at two or more speeds with a low speed having a rotation rate that is no more than one-half of the motor’s maximum rotation rate and shall be operated with a pump control with the capability of operating the pump at two or more speeds.
  • Residential pool pump motor controls that are sold for use with a two- or more speed motor shall have the capability of operating the pool pump at least at two speeds and shall have a default circulation speed setting no more than one-half of the motor’s maximum rotation rate. Any high speed override capability shall be for a temporary period not to exceed one 24-hour cycle without resetting to the default settings.
KEY FACTS: In warm-weather states where pools are used for many months of the year, efficiency standards have great potential for energy savings and are thus very cost-effective. In warmer climates, pool pumps can be among the largest consumers of electricity in the residential sector. For example, in California, pool pumps consume on average 2,600 kWh per year, an amount equal to 44% of the annual electricity consumption of a typical California household. The standard would cut electricity use by at least about 40% on average, or by about 1,040 kWh per year in the California example. The combination of two-speed pumps and controls is estimated to cost about $580. For consumers using a compliant product in warm-weather states (such as Arizona, Florida or Texas), the estimated savings relative to a basic unit are over 1200kWh/year with a payback period of approximately 3.5 years  This analysis does not include peak demand reduction benefits, which can be significant. This standard may also be of particular interest in high-growth states where swimming pools are common with high-end new housing. Based on input from industry experts, ASAP estimates that about 2% of products sold outside of California met this standard in 2009.
Most Recent Activity

Federal: DOE is not currently required to set standards for these products.

State: Swimming pool pumps are included in the ASAP 2010 Model State Standards bill and are recommended for states with warm climates.

 
Appliance Standards Awareness Project
20 Belgrade Avenue, Suite 7Boston, MA 02131

phone: 617.363.9101fax: 617.363.9973

Webmaster

Copyright 1999-2009 © Appliance Standards Awareness Project