Equipment & Hydraulics
A pool pump with an electronically controlled motor that runs at varying RPMs to match demand. Typically cuts energy use 50–75% vs single-speed pumps.
A variable-speed pump runs slowly during normal filtration (hours of low-flow turnover) and ramps up only when higher flow is needed (pressure washing, heater cycle, backwash). Because power consumption scales as roughly the cube of RPM, the energy savings are dramatic — a pool that ran 7.5kW on a single-speed pump may run 1.5–3kW on a variable-speed. Illinois has periodically offered ComEd rebates for commercial installations. Variable-speed pumps complicate turnover-rate compliance calculations because flow varies; inspectors will ask for documented run curves.
`Two-speed` and `variable-speed` are different — two-speed has two fixed RPMs; VFD is continuously variable.
Variable-speed pumps run longer, not shorter. Energy savings come from lower RPM, not less runtime.
Turnover rate math still has to hit IDPH compliance — low-RPM efficiency doesn't exempt the pool from the 6-hour turnover requirement.
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Related terms · Equipment & Hydraulics
Pool Turnover Rate
The time required for the entire pool volume to pass through the filtration system once. Illinois IDPH sets maximum turnover times by facility type.
Saltwater Chlorine Generator (SWCG / Salt Chlorinator)
An in-line device that generates chlorine electrolytically from dissolved pool salt, replacing or supplementing tablet / liquid chlorine dosing.
Aqua-Guard runs certified commercial pool operations for 200+ Chicagoland HOAs, condos, and clubs. We handle the credentials so your board doesn't have to.
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