Pool Pumps
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Pool Pumps: Variable Speed, Single Speed & More | Three SunsYour pool pump is the hardest-working piece of equipment in your backyard. It circulates thousands of gallons daily, pushes water through your filter, and keeps everything from chemicals to debris moving where it needs to go. When it’s running right, you barely notice it. When it fails, your entire pool system stops working.
Whether you’re replacing a dying pump, upgrading for efficiency, or setting up a new pool, choosing the right pump matters more than most pool owners realize.
Understanding Pump Types
Single-Speed Pumps run at one constant speed, typically 3,450 RPM. They’re the workhorses we’ve relied on for decades – simple, dependable, and straightforward to install. The downside? They run full-blast whether you’re circulating water or running a waterfall feature, which means higher energy bills. We still recommend these for smaller above-ground pools or situations where upfront cost is the priority.
Variable-Speed Pumps let you adjust motor speed based on what your pool needs at that moment. Lower speeds for regular circulation, higher speeds for vacuuming or running water features. The motor technology is more sophisticated (permanent magnet motors instead of induction), which translates to 50-70% energy savings compared to single-speed models. The higher upfront cost typically pays for itself within 1-2 seasons through lower electricity bills.
Two-Speed Pumps offer a middle ground with high and low settings. You get some efficiency gains without the full cost of variable-speed technology. These work well for pool owners who want better efficiency but don’t need the infinite adjustment options.
Sizing Your Pump Correctly
Here’s what actually matters: your pump should circulate your entire pool volume in 8-10 hours. A 20,000-gallon pool needs roughly 40 gallons per minute flow rate. Too small and your water doesn’t circulate properly. Too large and you’re wasting energy while potentially straining your filter and plumbing.
Most pumps list their flow rate in GPM (gallons per minute) at different head pressures. Head pressure accounts for your filter, elevation changes, and plumbing runs. The higher the head pressure, the lower your actual flow rate. This is where honest calculations matter more than guessing.
What We’ve Learned in Michigan Winters
After decades of opening and closing pools in harsh climates, we’ve learned which pumps hold up and which don’t. Quality seals matter when you’re draining and storing equipment each fall. Cast iron components corrode faster than composite materials when exposed to freeze-thaw cycles. Pumps with removable drain plugs make winterizing simpler and more complete.
We stock pumps we’d install on our own pools – models that balance performance with longevity, from manufacturers who stand behind their warranties even when things go wrong.
Making the Right Choice
Choose single-speed if: you have a small above-ground pool, you’re on a tight budget, or you’re replacing a pump in a rental property.
Choose variable-speed if: you have an in-ground pool, you run your pump 8+ hours daily, or you want the lowest operating costs over time.
Choose two-speed if: you want efficiency improvements without variable-speed pricing, or your pool setup is relatively simple.
The right pump keeps your water clear, your equipment running efficiently, and your energy bills reasonable. We’re here to help you match the pump to your specific pool setup – whether that’s a 15,000-gallon above-ground pool in Minnesota or a 30,000-gallon in-ground in Texas. Questions about sizing or compatibility? We’ve sized hundreds of pumps and we’re happy to walk through your specific situation.