Pool Pump Motors
The Top 10 Pool Pump Motors for 2011
Here we review the best swimming pool pump motors. You'll find key data in our reviews, such as the amp draw, warranty and the price of each pool motor. Pay particularly close attention to the amp draw or watts used by each motor. That's what determines how much power your pool motor will use. The higher the amp draw, the more watts your pump motor will burn.
Inefficient Pool Motors Exposed
Regular pool pump motors burn a staggering 700 - 2,000 watts of power. You would think the biggest opportunity to save electricity lies in the A/C system. But that's nothing compared to what you can save by upgrading your pool pump motor. Best of all, a pool pump motor replacement can be quick and easy. Replacing your old motor with a new energy efficient motor can save over $1,000. per year. In Table 1.0, we compare 10 leading pool pump motors.
Table 1.0 - Compare the Power Consumption, Warranty and Cost of 10 Leading Pool Pump Motors.
| AO Smith | AO Smith | AO Smith | AO Smith | AO Smith | AO Smith | AO Smith |  |
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| Model No. | USQ1072 | USQ1102 | USQ1152 | QC1102 | B2842 | SQS1102R | SQS1152R | EM-2 | EM-4 | EM-6 |
| Marketed as | Standard Pool Pump Motors | Standard Pool Pump Motors | Standard Pool Pump Motors | Energy Efficient Pump Motors | Energy Efficient Pump Motors | Standard Efficiency Pool Pump Motors | Standard Efficiency Pool Pump Motors | Ultra Energy Efficient Pool Pump Motors | Ultra Energy Efficient Pool Pump Motors | Ultra Energy Efficient Pool Pump Motors |
| Horsepower | 3/4 | 1 | 1.5 | 1 | 1.5 | 1 | 1.5 | 3/4 | 1 | 1.5 |
| Max. Voltage | 230V | 230V | 230V | 230V | 230V | 230V | 230V | 230V | 230V | 230V |
| Amp Draw @230V | 6.7 | 7.6 | 9.6 | 8.0 | 8.8 | 2.5 | 3.0 | 1.0 | 1.4 | 1.6 |
| Power Consumption | 1,541 watts | 1,748 watts | 2,208 watts |
1,840 watts |
2,024 watts |
575 watts |
690 watts |
230 watts |
322 watts |
368 watts |
| Dual Electron Condensors | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Multiple Speeds | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Annual Cost for 24hr Filtration at $.20 /kW/h | $2,698 | $3,062 | $3,995 | $3,223 | $3,546 | $1,007 | $1,208 | $403 | $561 | $648 |
| Annual Cost for 12hr Filtration at $.20 /kW/h | $1,349 | $1,531 | $1,997 | $1,612 | $1,773 | $504 | $604 | $202 | $281 | $324. |
| Motor, Impeller, Electronics Warranty | 1 year. | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year | 2 Year | 2 Year | 2 Year |
| Web Price | $159 | $180 | $210 | $230 | $297 | $323 | $389 | $397 | $417 | $497 |
| Highest Return on Investment (ROI) | |
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New Ultra Efficient Pool Pump Motors Run 24 Hours Per 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 motor operates. But this makes no sense from a water quality standpoint. Most states officials 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 motor is off? You can't. Running your pump motor 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 motor that you can afford to operate 24/7 for the best possible water quality.
Beware of Motors with 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 Motor Efficiency Between Pumps by Looking at Watts or Amps
There are no set standards when it comes to pool pump motors and energy efficiency. There is no rating sytem. This makes it difficult to compare one pool pump motor 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 motor will use, simply multiply the pump motor's amp rating by 230. (divide by 1,000 for kW) It's that simple. Once you know the watts, comparing pump motors is easy.
Choose a Pump Motor with a Strong Warranty
We know this one seems obvious. But you would be surprised how many pool pump motors have a one-year warranty. A one year warranty is standard on most pump motors Eco Motors offer a best-in-class 3-year warranty. And Eco Motor offers an extended warranty of two years - increasing your warranty to a full 5 years.