Variable speed pumps pay for themselves.

Yes, they cost more upfront, but the savings are real. A variable speed pool pump uses up to 80% less electricity than a single-speed pump running the same amount of time. That’s not a rounding error — that’s hundreds of dollars a year, depending on your climate and pool size.

Single-speed pumps are basically stuck running at full blast every time they turn on. That’s like driving everywhere in first gear. A variable speed pump lets you run it at low speed for most of the day (still circulating and filtering), then crank it up only when you need it for the heater, cleaner, or a quick skim.

They’re also quieter — like “you don’t hear it from the house” quiet — and they last longer because they’re not constantly hammering the motor at full power. The only downside is the initial cost, which is usually recouped in one to two seasons.

Skip the single-speed unless you’re selling the house next week.