Pool Pump Reviews
We Review 10 Leading Pool Pumps for 2011 - All Under $1,000.
Finding reliable Pool Pump Reviews has been nearly impossible, until now. Here we review the best swimming pool pumps from four leading manufacturers - Hayward, Sta-Rite, Pentair and EcoPump. Review the specs and power consumption on leading Energy Efficient Pool Pumps.
You'll find key information in our reviews, such as the amp draw, warranty and the price. You'll want to pay particularly close attention to the amp draw or watts used, because that's what determines how much power your pool pump will consume. The higher the amp draw, the more kilowatts your pump will burn.
Pool Pumps Exposed
Regular pool pumps burn a staggering 700 - 2,000 watts of power. Most people think the biggest opportunity to save electricity lies in the A/C system. But that's nothing compared to what you can save by replacing your pool pump. Best of all, a pool pump replacement can be quick and easy. Replacing your old pump with a new energy efficient model can save over $1,000. per year. You may be surprised to learn that most pool pump reviews don't specify the cost of operation. In Table 1.0, we compare 10 leading pool pumps, all under $1,000. Armed with this information, you'll make the right decisions and save big.
Table 1.0 - Compare the Power Consumption, Warranty and Cost of 10 Leading Pool Pumps.
| Sta-Rite Max-E-Pro | Hayward Super 2 | Hayward TriStar | Pentair Whisperflow | Hayward TriStar Dual Spd | Pentair Whisperflo Dual Spd | Hayward Northstar Dual Spd |  |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model No. | P6e6D-206L | SP3010EEAZ | SP327EE | WFE-4 | SP32102EE | WFDS-4 | SP4010X152NS | EP-2 | EP-4 | EP-6 |
| Marketed as | Energy Efficient Pool Pump | Energy Efficient Pool Pump | Energy Efficient Pool Pump | Energy Efficient Pool Pump | Energy Efficient Pool Pump | Energy Efficient Pool Pump | Energy Efficient Pool Pump | Ultra Energy Efficient Pool Pump | Ultra Energy Efficient Pool Pump | Ultra Energy Efficient Pool Pump |
| Horsepower | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1.5 | 1 | 1 | 1.5 |
| Max. Voltage | 230V | 230V | 230V | 230V | 230V | 230V | 230V | 230V | 230V | 230V |
| Amp Draw @230V | 8 | 7.3 | 7.3 | 7.4 | 3 | 3 | 3.2 | 1.0 | 1.4 | 1.6 |
| Power Consumption | 1.84 kW | 1.68 kW | 1.68 kW | 1.70 kW | .69 kW | .69 kW | .74 kW | .23 kW | .32 kW | .37 kW |
| Dual Electron Condensors | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Multiple Speeds | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Annual Cost for 24hr Filtration at $.20 /kW/h | $3,223 | $2,903. | $2,903. | $2,978. | $1,209. | $1,209. | $1,296. | $403. | $561. | $648. |
| Annual Cost for 12hr Filtration at $.20 /kW/h | $1,612 | $1,452. | $1,452. | $1,489. | $605. | $605. | $648. | $202. | $281. | $324. |
| Motor, Impeller, Electronics Warranty | 1 year. | .1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year. | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year | 3 Year | 3 Year | 3 Year |
| Web Price | $389 | $576 | $469. | $575 | $634 | $609. | $609. | $755. | $776. | $824. |
| Highest Return on Investment (ROI) | |
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Choose a Pump Designed to Run 24 Hours a Day - for Pennies
High electric bills are now the norm. Sky high electric costs have forced pool owners to reduce the amount of time their pump operates. But this makes no sense from a water quality standpoint. Most states require commercial pool pumps to run 24 hours per day. That's because stagnant water creates a breeding ground for bacteria and algae. And how can you feed chemicals into the pool when the pump is off? You can't. Running your pump 24 hours per day allows you to maintain stable chemical levels and pH. By avoiding ups and downs, you'll actually use less chemicals and save money. Choose a pump that you can afford to operate 24/7 for the best possible water quality.
Beware of Complicated On-board Computers
It's no surprise that the environment around your pool is hard on electronic equipment. Moisture has a way of finding its way inside even the best enclosures. Infinitely variable-speed pumps require complicated onboard computers that are expensive and prone to premature failure. Repairing those onboard electronic circuits can cost as much as a new pump. [Google: variable speed + poor warranty + unrepairable] or just click here to see the reviews. Some of the new dual condensor energy-efficient pumps like the EcoPump has no unreliable onboard computers (and does not need complicated programming). The newer energy-efficient pumps like EcoPump can be controlled with a simple and inexpensive 3-way switch.
Compare Efficiency Between Pumps by Looking at Watts or Amps
There are no set standards when it comes to pool pumps and energy efficiency. There is no rating sytem. This makes it difficult to compare one pool pump to another. Unless you know the secret. The secret formula enables you to easily calculate the power that your pump will use, using simple math. To find out how much electricity a 230 volt pump will use, simply multiply the pump's amp rating by 230. (divide by 1,000 for kW) It's that simple. Once you know the watts, comparing pumps is easy.
Choose a Pump with a Strong Warranty
We know this one seems obvious. But you would be surprised how many $1200. pool pumps have a one-year warranty. That's right, some of the most expensive pumps have the shortest warranties. A one year warranty is standard on most pumps sold as premium or high-end. Why? Because programmable pool pumps have onboard electronic circuits that are prone to failure. Other energy-efficient pumps like the EcoPump use the "keep it simple" principle and rely on simple switches. These pumps tend to have the best warranties. EcoPump offers a best-in-class 3-year warranty. And EcoPump offers an extended warranty of two years - increasing your warranty to a full 5 years.
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