Variable speed pool pump savings calculator

Estimate how much a variable-speed pool pump could save against your single-speed pump. Use an assessed schedule for each pump, rather than assuming they run for identical hours or deliver identical circulation.

Enter measured or maker-published electrical watts and daily hours for the single-speed pump. For the variable-speed pump, enter separate low-speed and high-speed watts and hours. These are different operating periods, so do not count the same hours twice. Motor horsepower is not a substitute for electrical input watts.

Use one operating season for both pumps. Choose a flat electricity price or enter the actual price for each pump's run window. A cheaper time window can change the cost even when energy use is unchanged. Choose the payback option if you also want to compare a replacement quote and ownership period.

Enter zero explicitly for an unused speed or no extra maintenance. Empty fields are not treated as zero. The ownership comparison uses the number of years you enter and repeats the same seasonal schedule in each year.

Add input watts × hours for each speed, then divide by 1000 to obtain daily kWh. Multiply by the flat price or the actual price for each run window. Daily schedules cannot total more than 24 hours. Season days = months ÷ 12 × 365; an average month is 365 ÷ 12 days.

A kWh is electricity used over time. For each setting, divide watts by 1000 and multiply by hours to find kWh per operating day. Add the variable pump's low-speed and high-speed energy. For time-of-use prices, cost each part at its own entered price before adding the amounts.

Prices in cents per kWh are divided by 100 to give dollars. Multiply daily costs by the calculated season days for the seasonal comparison. The operating-month cost repeats the daily schedule for 365 ÷ 12 days. It describes a month when the pump runs, rather than spreading seasonal cost over months when it is off.

These illustrative inputs are separate from your saved answers. Prices, use and performance are held constant for this worked scenario; they are not personal defaults.

Both schedules must meet the circulation needs of your pool and its connected equipment. Less electricity is not useful if the chosen schedule cannot provide the required service. The calculator does not infer flow, electrical watts or a safe schedule from pump speed alone.

Use power measured at the actual speed and operating conditions. Pipework, valves, filters and connected equipment can affect those conditions. Do not apply a generic speed-to-power saving on top of a measured lower-speed input; that would count the reduction twice.

Optional payback uses the installation price after its actual discount and positive annual savings after extra maintenance. Nonpositive savings have no finite payback. Ownership savings subtract that net purchase cost from the accumulated annual savings. Prices and schedules stay constant, with finance, replacement and future changes excluded. Fixed electricity supply charges remain outside the comparison.

The published electricity option uses EIA state residential averages for July 2026, released on 24 September 2026 and checked on 14 October 2026. These describe past average prices. They are not your supplier's offer or a promise of future prices. Choose your bill price for a personal comparison. Include the taxes and usage charges that change with consumption; keep fixed account charges separate.

Ask a qualified pool professional to check the daily schedule, required circulation and compatibility with the filter, heater and other equipment. Ask for electrical input at the proposed speeds, rather than only a motor rating or claimed saving.

Have electrical changes and installation completed by a suitable qualified installer. Check what the replacement quote and maintenance allowance cover. The calculator does not design the pool's circulation system or confirm that a lower-speed schedule is safe and effective.