In July of 2021, The Department of Energy required pool pump manufactures to stop selling single speed pool pumps over 1 horsepower (HP). Most single body swimming pools will only need 1HP or less to circulate the water. However, larger pools or pools with fountains or spa may need more than 1HP. If you need a pump larger than 1HP you will need to purchase a variable speed pump. Variable speed pumps can be ran at slower speeds allowing the consumer to lower their energy consumption.

Single speed pool pumps were the only option for many years. The motor turns the impeller at one set speed when the pump is turned on. Due to government regulations, single speed pool pumps are limited to 1 horsepower (HP) and below. You cannot buy or install any single speed pool pump above 1HP. Most pools are perfectly fine running on 1HP pumps. However, if you have a pool/spa combo with an over flow or fountains, you may need a more powerful pool pump. If so, a variable speed pump would be needed.

Variable speed pumps allow you to control the speed of the motor, thus increasing or decreasing water flow. They can allow you to conserve energy by running the motor at a lower speed when you don't need the total output of the pump. They also allow you to maximize the output of the pump when more water flow is needed for waterfalls, spa jets or the spa spillover. Variable speed pumps can also be connected to pool automation systems so that you can change the speed settings from an app on your phone.