DOE Pool Pump Changes and Facility Operations

In Blog, Maintenance Tips by David Jerkins

The Department of Energy (DOE) regulation went into effect July 19, 2021. Any pump motors designed specifically for pools manufactured or imported after this date must meet minimum energy efficiency standards.

This has hit single speed pumps the hardest, leading to mass discontinuation of many models. In most cases, it’s forcing these pumps to become variable-speed to meet the regulations. Low horsepower single speed pumps are typically energy hogs.

The regulation does not prevent retailers from selling pumps that do not meet the new rules, but stock of these pumps is dwindling. In most cases, it’s already reached the point where the pump will need to be upgraded to a variable-speed pumps.

What this means for the pump room may not be seen immediately, but next time you need a new pump motor, it will mean a model change.

The good news is that by upgrading to a variable-speed pump, this offers cost savings by using much less energy. The Department of Energy estimates that this new ruling will reduce energy usage of pool pumps by as much as 61% within 30 years.[1] Furthermore, they estimate costs savings to be an average of $2,140 in less than a year.[2]

An analogy here is the push to make household appliances more energy efficient. Over the years, it led to homeowners paying much less overall for energy. Likewise, this will do the same for the pump room. While these regulations may seem like a hassle, it is an opportunity to consider upgrading to a variable speed pump. With this upgrade, your site could be saving thousands a year on energy costs.


[1] 2017-01-18 Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Dedicated-Purpose Pool Pumps; Direct final rule

[2] Federal Register :: Energy Conservation Program: Energy Conservation Standards for Dedicated-Purpose Pool Pump Motors, Notice of Request for Direct Final Rule