Variable-Speed Pump Upgrades in Los Angeles

Variable-speed pump upgrades in Los Angeles are the biggest energy change most pool owners can make. Instead of one fixed high speed, a variable-speed pump uses an electronically controlled motor that can run anywhere from a quiet crawl to full power. Because pump energy falls much faster than pump speed, running slower for longer moves the same water for far less electricity.

ENERGY STAR notes that cutting pump speed in half lets a pump use just one-eighth as much energy. (Source: ENERGY STAR) In practice, the Department of Energy puts the reduction in pool pump energy at 50% to 75% (Source: U.S. Department of Energy), and LADWP estimates savings of up to 1,100 kWh a year per pump swapped. (Source: LADWP)

What's Included in a Variable-Speed Pump Upgrade

• Sizing. Matched to your pool volume, plumbing, filter, heater and any spa or water features.
• Installation. Old pump removed, new pump set and plumbed, and connected to the existing electrical supply at the pad.
• Programming. Low-speed filtration plus short higher-speed windows for the cleaner, spa or heater.
• Controls. Linked to your existing controller, or a look at whether pool automation makes sense.
• Rebate documents. Model number, invoice and install date provided for your utility application.

Our owner does the install personally, and the new pump is covered by the same pool equipment repair service as the rest of your pad.

Signs It Is Time for a Variable-Speed Pump

• Your single-speed pump needs a new motor, which in California will generally have to be variable-speed anyway.
• Summer electric bills jump while the pump runs for hours every day.
• You can hear the pump from inside the house.
• The pump is aging and starting to show seal or bearing trouble.

Our Variable-Speed Pump Upgrade Process

1. Check the systemPool volume, pipe size, filter, heater and the existing electrical at the pad.
2. Recommend a modelSized for your pool and checked against your utility's qualifying list.
3. InstallOld pump out, new pump in, plumbing and existing wiring connected, leaks checked.
4. Program low and slowLADWP recommends running a variable-speed pump on low speed most of the time for better filtering, less noise and lower electricity use. (Source: LADWP)
5. Shift the hoursSouthern California Edison advises running pool pumps early in the morning or late at night (Source: Southern California Edison), so we set run times around your rate plan.
6. Fine-tuneWe confirm filter pressure, clarity and cleaner performance, then adjust speeds.

Pool Pump Options Compared

Federal pool pump standards took effect July 19, 2021, and DOE projected they would cut the energy used by covered pumps by 61%. (Source: U.S. Department of Energy) California requires replacement pump motors of 0.5 total horsepower or more made since that date to be variable-speed (Source: California Energy Commission), with controls that default to no more than half the motor's top speed. (Source: Cal. Code of Regs. Title 20 via Cornell LII) If your current pump only needs a repair, see pool pump repair.

Variable-Speed Pump Rebates Across LA County

Several local utilities pay back part of the cost. Programs change, funds can run out and each has its own qualifying list, so confirm current terms with your utility before you buy.

• LADWP: $500 for a qualifying variable-speed pump and motor, one per residence, applied for within 12 months of purchase. (Source: LADWP)
• Pasadena Water and Power: $200 for a qualifying variable-speed pump of 1 horsepower or more on an in-ground pool. (Source: PWP)
• Burbank Water and Power: $400 if bought in Burbank, or $200 if bought online or outside the city. (Source: BWP)
• Glendale Water and Power: $400 for an ENERGY STAR variable-speed pool pump. (Source: GWP)
• Southern California Edison: income-qualified customers may be able to get a pool pump replaced free through the Energy Savings Assistance program. (Source: SCE)

What Affects the Cost of a Variable-Speed Pump Upgrade

• Pump size and model, including whether it talks to your controller.
• Plumbing changes, since port sizes and heights often differ from the old pump.
• The switch or timer at the pad, which we connect to as it exists.
• Your utility, which sets the rebate and how fast the savings add up.

Call (877) 720-8124 for a free quote on variable-speed pump upgrades in Los Angeles County, and send a photo of your current pump's label if you can.

Variable-Speed Pump Upgrades in Los Angeles: Local Factors