Pumping Up a Storm

Powerful, flexible and energy efficient – what more could you possibly want from a pool pump? The next generation variable speed Hydrostorm ECO-V 150 pump from Waterco has the lot. Waterco’s most energy efficient pump yet has an 8 star energy rating. The pump has been designed with modern day swimming pool needs in mind – and that means it has plenty of power. But energy conservation is also top of mind, and the pump uses more than 80 per cent less electricity than a regular pool pump.

The ECO-V 150 is equipped with an innovative variable speed, permanent magnet and a brushless DC motor which gives it speed control ranging from 1000 to 2850 RPM. It also offers the finest adjustment in operating speed. “It gives you the ability to fine tune the pump’s motor speed with 25 RPM increments, allowing a perfect match to the flow requirements of the swimming pool, maximising energy savings and minimising pump noise,” says George Flory, Waterco’s domestic water care product manager.

Unlike conventional pumps that are limited to one set high flow rate speed, the Hydrostorm ECO-V 150 has a three speed motor that allows pool owners to set the pump at a low, energy saving flow rate for every day filtration, resulting in optimal performance.

• High speed: gives the power needed for vacuuming and backwashing
• Medium speed: perfect for suction pool cleaners
• ECO speed: low energy saving speed for everyday filtration. This is the setting pool owners will use 99 per cent of the time

“Operating a pump at a low flow rate both reduces water flow resistance in pool equipment and plumbing and also has the added benefit of improving a pool’s filtration efficiency, thus enhancing the clarity of the swimming pool water,” George says. “And it can potentially operate at speeds lower than conventional multispeed pumps, further improving both energy savings and noise reduction.”

Those who want to operate their pool equipment automatically can rest easy as there is an optional communications cable for connection to the Aquamaster pool controller. Unlike single speed pumps that can’t be used at night in many areas because of their noise levels, the Hydrostorm ECO-V 150 is one of the quietest pumps on the market, operating at just 55 decibels. This means it can be operated at night during cost-effective, off peak electricity tariff periods, without upsetting the neighbours.

The ECO-V 150 is also weather proof, corrosion resistant and includes a motor protection bracket. This fits between the pump’s wet end and the motor, meaning any water leaks that occur due to long term wear and tear on the main mechanical seal can drain away, protecting the pump motor from corrosion and eventual failure from a leaking mechanical seal.

“It’s not an exaggeration to say that the Hydrostorm ECO can save you hundreds of dollars when it comes to your annual electricity bill,” says George. “When set to a low flow rate, the pump uses almost 80 per cent less energy than when operating at a standard high flow rate speed.”

Conventional fixed-speed pumps are set and sized to cater for a pool’s maximum water flow requirements, which may either be the sand filter’s backwash water flow or to provide sufficient water flow to operate suction cleaners. But according to George, effective pool filtration does not need to be set at a pump’s maximum water flow rate.

“In fact, your pool’s filtration efficiency improves at lower flow rates. As a pool’s filtration cycle occupies 99 per cent of the run time of a pool pump, you can operate the Hydrostorm ECO on its low speed setting for the majority of its running time, leading to significant energy savings,” George explains.

“Not only that, running a pump at a low flow rate also reduces water flow resistance in pool equipment and plumbing and even enhances the clarity of the swimming pool water.”

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