CyprusLiving

In an effort to reduce the electrical costs of running my pool, I am considering fitting a high-efficency (also known as multi-speed or eco) pool pump. Whilst it appears to be expensive at around €1200, I understand that it should pay for itself after approx 5 years. I just wondered if anyone had experience with this type of pump and whether the claimed savings were true ?

Hi Canonpyon.
Regarding any Eco pumps yes they do work and will save at least 55% on running costs depending what running speed and water flow that you require. I have just returned from Cyprus, and was discussing this with a neighbour about this same subject. As you know i have been running my Pool Company for the last 30 years and have on test a Optidrive this will do the same but using any standard pump. and the Price will be about £475 00 plus vat
i will be fitting one on our pool in September after i am satisfied with our tests.
Steve.

I have had a Solar pump installed on our 11 X 5 pool for the past four years and I would think it has more than paid for itself over that period; now every day it is free to filter the pool. Our only operating cost is when we use the electric drive pump to vacuum the pool as the suction is much stronger on this pump so cleans the pool better.

I don't understand the logic for using the Eco pump but then again I might be missing something. We use variable speed drives on pumps in work but this is in conjunction with either a Mass Flow Meter or Level Transmitter, usually to measure the cubic metre of flow of product through a line or to maintain a steady level in a chamber or well; I can't see the benefit of using one just for circulating water through a filter. If you can vary the flow rate on these Eco pumps why not buy a smaller or larger pump for the flow rate required?

Jim

Jim B wrote:I have had a Solar pump installed on our 11 X 5 pool for the past four years and I would think it has more than paid for itself over that period; now every day it is free to filter the pool. Our only operating cost is when we use the electric drive pump to vacuum the pool as the suction is much stronger on this pump so cleans the pool better.

I don't understand the logic for using the Eco pump but then again I might be missing something. We use variable speed drives on pumps in work but this is in conjunction with either a Mass Flow Meter or Level Transmitter, usually to measure the cubic metre of flow of product through a line or to maintain a steady level in a chamber or well; I can't see the benefit of using one just for circulating water through a filter. If you can vary the flow rate on these Eco pumps why not buy a smaller or larger pump for the flow rate required?

Jim

I thought about a photo-voltaic supplied pump but was put off by the requirement to have a separate mains supplied pump for vacuuming. I may, at a future time, fit photo-voltaic panels to supply the house mains, rather than just the pool pump.
The benefit of the Eco pump (as I understand it) is that at the slower speed it uses approx 20% of the power and provides 60% of the flow. So whilst it is run for more hours per day, it uses less electricity. It can be switched to the faster speed when required for vacuuming.

Ian

Our Solar Pump is a stand alone system; I've looked at the photo-voltic systems on offer for about 6,000 Euro and they are limited to 3Kw (at the moment) by the EAC so think a separate system just for the pool pump (imho) is the best way to go. We already had an electric pump installed so it was just a question of modifying the existing pipework and installing the Solar Pump in parallel. Our only expense is when we vacuum the pool for half an hour twice a week but normal filtering is free.

At the end of the day it's your decision.

Jim