Pump Schedule Optimizer
Get the ideal multi-speed schedule for any variable speed pump. Exact RPM settings for filtration, heating, cleaning, and more - with monthly energy cost.
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Optimized Schedule
How to Set Up a VS Pump Schedule
A variable speed pump is only as good as its programming. Running it at the wrong speeds wastes energy or starves equipment of flow. The goal is to run at the lowest RPM that still moves enough water for each task.
The Affinity Laws (Why Low Speed Saves So Much)
Energy use drops with the cube of the speed reduction. Cut the speed in half and you use 1/8th the energy. This is why running at 1200 RPM for longer is drastically cheaper than running at 3000 RPM for a short time - even if both move the same total gallons.
Minimum Flow Requirements
- Gas heater - 25-40 GPM minimum (varies by BTU). Below this, the pressure switch won't close and the heater won't fire. Typically need 2200-2800 RPM.
- Salt cell - 20-30 GPM minimum. Below this, the flow switch opens and the cell shuts off. Typically 1800-2200 RPM.
- Pressure cleaner (booster) - Needs high flow through a separate booster pump, but the main pump still needs enough flow to supply it. Usually 2400-3000 RPM.
- Water features/spillover - Varies by head height and pipe size. Usually 2000-2800 RPM.
- Solar panels - Need enough pressure to push water up to the roof. Usually 2200-2800 RPM depending on height.
- Filtration only - As low as 1000-1500 RPM on most systems. Just enough to turn over the water through the filter.
Programming Tips
- Set your filtration speed as low as possible while still turning over the pool volume in the allotted time
- Create a separate heater speed that ramps up only when heating is called for
- Run your cleaning cycle at higher speed for 1-2 hours (not all day)
- Schedule high-speed cycles during off-peak hours if your utility has time-of-use rates
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my heater show a flow error at low pump speed?
The heater's pressure switch requires a minimum flow (usually 25-40 GPM) before it allows ignition. At low RPMs, the pump doesn't push enough water. Program a dedicated "heater speed" of 2400-2800 RPM and have it activate with the heater call. Most automation systems handle this automatically if the pump and automation are the same brand.
My salt cell keeps turning off - is my speed too low?
Probably. Salt cells have a flow switch that shuts them off when flow drops below ~20 GPM. If you're running below 1800 RPM, you may not have enough flow. Bump up to 2000 RPM and see if the cell stays on. Also check the flow switch itself - they can stick or fail.
Should I run my pump 24/7 at low speed or shorter at higher speed?
24/7 at low speed is almost always cheaper because of the affinity laws. Running at 1200 RPM continuously uses far less energy than running at 2400 RPM for 8 hours, even though both move similar total water volume. The exception is if you have time-of-use electricity rates - in that case, shift more run time to off-peak hours.
What RPM should I use for pool cleaning?
For a suction-side cleaner, 2000-2400 RPM is usually enough. For a pressure-side cleaner with a booster pump, the main pump needs 2400-2800 RPM to keep up with the booster. Robotic cleaners are independent - they don't need any specific pump speed.
Can I damage my pump by running too slow?
Most VS pumps have a minimum speed of 600-1000 RPM built in. You can't set it below that. Running at minimum speed won't damage the pump, but the motor may run slightly warmer at very low speeds because the cooling fan turns slower. This is normal and within design specs.
Let Customers Know Their Pump Is Optimized
PoolDial logs pump speed and run time at every service visit. Show customers you're saving them money with data they can see.
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