Pool Pumps

THE PRODUCT:

Pool pumps are used to circulate and filter swimming pool water in order to maintain clarity and sanitation.

THE STANDARD:

DOE established the first national efficiency standards for pool pumps in 2017. The new standards, which take effect in 2021, were negotiated by a working group, which included representatives from pool pump and motor manufacturers, state government, utilities, and efficiency advocates. The standards will cut the energy use of in-ground pool pumps by about 70% and can be met by switching from single-speed to variable-speed pumps.

Four states (Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, and Washington) adopted pool pump standards based on standards which California implemented starting in 2006.

KEY FACTS:

There are more than five million in-ground pools and three million above-ground pools in the US. A typical pool pump can consume up to 6,000 kWh of electricity per year, which is equivalent to about half the annual electricity consumption of an average US household. Variable-speed pumps provide huge energy savings by being able to change their speed as needed, speeding up to clean the pool or slowing down and saving energy when filtering the water.

Savings through what year?: 2050
Energy saved (quads): 3.8
CO2 savings (million metric tons): 202
Net present value savings ($billion) 3% discount rate: 24
Net present value savings ($billion) 7% discount rate: 11

Timeline

Federal Date States
Potential Effective Date of Updated Standard 2028
Updated DOE Standard Due 2025
1st Federal Standard Effective 2021
1st Federal Standard Adopted (DOE) 2017
2012 AZ Standard Effective
2010 CT Standard Effective
2010 WA Standard Effective
2010 CA Standard Effective
2009 CA Standard Adopted
2009 AZ Standard Adopted
2009 WA Standard Adopted
2007 CT Standard Adopted
2006 CA Standard Effective
2004 CA Standard Adopted
EPACT Initial Federal Legislation Enacted 1992

Timeline reflects state standards from 2001 to present; federal standards from inception to present.