For Consumers
Pool pumps
Pool pumps
A swimming pool pump uses nearly 18 per cent of the electricity used in the average Australian home with a pool. With around 1.1 million backyard swimming pools across Australia, energy-efficient pumps not only help you save energy and reduce your power bills, but help reduce energy consumption and emissions across Australia.
In Australia, pump units for swimming pools and spa pools are covered by energy efficiency regulations.
- Pool pumps must meet Minimum Energy Performance Standards.
- Pool pumps are required to carry an Energy Rating Label.
The Energy Rating Label
The more stars, the more savings.
The Energy Rating Label helps you make informed choices when buying a pool pump. It provides two important pieces of information about the product, the:
- star rating
- estimated energy consumption.
The star rating shows the energy efficiency of the pool pump. It allows you to compare the energy efficiency of products that have similar capacity and features. The more stars, the less energy it uses and the cheaper it is to run.
The energy consumption is how much electricity the pool pump is estimated to use in a year. This can help you predict the running costs.
Learn more about reading the label and estimating running costs
Visit Understand the Energy Rating LabelThings to consider
-
Start with size
When purchasing a pump unit, the first step is to determine the size that will best meet your needs.
Pumps are sized by their output power, measured in Horsepower (HP) or watts. The larger the pump, the greater the upfront costs and ongoing running costs. Pumps that are too large place greater pressure on the filter, interfering with its operation and shortening its life. To save money and help your filter, you want to use the smallest size pump suitable for your pool.
Your pump needs enough power and flow rate to circulate water and meet the requirements of your filtration system and other attachments. Ask a professional what is best for your system.
-
Compare energy efficiency
It is important to compare products of the same input power.
Once you decide the best sized pump for your pool, you can use the star ratings on the Energy Rating Label to compare the energy efficiency of similar sized pumps.
This is because the star rating considers the size of the pool pump. For example, a 1500 watt pump with a five star energy rating will use more energy than a 600 watt pump with a five star rating.
-
Seek professional advice
Experts can help you make the right choice.
Due to the complicated factors involved in choosing a swimming pool pump, it is best to seek professional advice before selecting a pool pump.
It's a good idea to discuss your options with a number of suppliers or installers so they can advise on the pool pump that may be appropriate for you. They will also be able to advise on running costs and how to use the pump to improve its energy efficiency.
Additional resources
Want to save on pool pump running costs?
View our tips for using pool pumps efficiently