California revised the regulation governing residential swimming pools and spas this year in an effort to reduce the tremendous amount of yearly energy consumption resulting from the use of swimming pool and spa equipment. The regulation applies to both in ground and above ground pools. Under the revised regulation, Title 20 California Code of Regulations, portable spas will be regulated for the first time.
Pool and Spa filtration pumps are usually the home appliances utilizing the most energy, often using more energy than all other home appliances combined.
The new regulation requires that all filtration pumps installed as of January 1, 2008, must be either a two Speed Pump or a Variable Speed Pump. There are a few exceptions, for example; a pump with a total service factor horsepower of less than 1.0 would be exempt. Pumps and motors that were installed prior to January 1, 2008, and are still under warranty, are also exempt. If your pump is still working, but the filter pump timer fails, then the timer will have to be replaced with one that is capable of operating a two speed pump or a variable speed pump. If your pump and/or motor, installed prior to January 1, 2008 fails, and is not under warranty, you must comply with the revised regulation.
Although upgrading your pool and spa equipment requires an initial investment, the long term cost savings are substantial. A new two speed pump will save you 10 to 30 percent on your electric bill. Even better results are obtained by investing in the variable speed or variable flow pumps. They will save you 30 to 90 percent on your electric bill. Overall, the new system will pay for itself and in a few years time, you could save several thousand dollars.
Presently, Southern California Edison is offering its customers a $200 rebate for the installation of these variable speeds or variable flow pumps. The Department of Water and Power is offering their customers a $300 rebate for the installation of a variable speed or variable flow pump. If you want to take advantage of these rebates, you must act quickly. Once the funding for the rebates has been depleted, rebates will no longer be offered.
If you have any questions, we will be pleased to help you. Our goal is to do everything we can to help save the environment and to help homeowners save as much money and energy as possible.
HPG Pool Services, Inc. has been serving the Santa Clarita Valley for 10 years. For more information, please call 818-599-6861 or at hpgpoolservices@aol.com .