Choosing the Right Pool Pump for Your System!
Yesterday I worked with a customer who had a pool featuring a fully integrated in-pool cleaning system — including cleaning jets, an in-pool vacuum, and a standard skimmer. All of these shared a single suction line connected to the pump, sand filter, chlorinator, and return line.
On paper, the system was great. But the customer complained that it barely worked. The pool was constantly dirty, and maintenance had become a frustrating chore.
When I arrived, I noticed that while the system was technically “working,” the pump was struggling to hold prime — especially when a vacuum hose was attached to the skimmer.
The culprit? A single-speed 0.75hp pump.
When Small Isn’t Efficient
With the rising cost of electricity, I completely understand why pool owners often opt for smaller pumps. The thinking goes: less horsepower = less energy = lower bills.
However, there’s a point where saving power can actually cost you more in the long run. When your main pump is responsible for running both the filtration system and an in-floor cleaning setup, a 0.75hp pump simply isn’t powerful enough.
The result is poor circulation, weak suction, and a system that never quite gets the job done — leading to cloudy water, debris buildup, and more chemical use to compensate.
Understanding Pool Pump Pricing
The cost of a pool pump can vary widely, which adds to the confusion for many pool owners:
Single-speed 1.5hp pumps: $200–$1,300
Variable-speed 2.0hp pumps: $400–$1,800
A variable-speed pump offers much greater flexibility — allowing you to increase or decrease output based on what the system is doing (e.g., standard filtration vs. in-floor vacuuming). Either of these options would outperform a 0.75hp single-speed by a wide margin.
The Power vs. Efficiency Trade-Off
It’s true that smaller pumps use less electricity, but that shouldn’t come at the cost of performance. A pump that can’t do its job properly ends up running longer and working harder, which ultimately negates any savings.
If energy efficiency is your main goal, a variable-speed pump is the smarter investment. When comparing a 1.5hp single-speed pump with a 2.0hp variable-speed model, you can expect annual power savings of roughly $100 per year — not a huge amount, but every bit helps.
Not All Pumps Are Created Equal
Having installed hundreds of pumps across Sydney, I’ve seen first-hand the differences in quality between brands and models — especially in the sub-$1,000 range. And surprisingly, it’s not always a simple case of “you get what you pay for.”
Some budget pumps perform exceptionally well, while others fail prematurely due to design flaws, cheap materials, or poor seals. Even high-end models aren’t immune — all pumps have a finite lifespan due to the demanding job they perform every day.
Final Thoughts
When choosing a pump, think beyond just the price tag or horsepower rating. Consider your pool’s overall system — the number of suction points, type of filtration, and whether you have an in-floor or pressure-based cleaning system.
If your pump is under-sized, your pool will always feel like a battle to maintain.
Need Help Choosing the Right Pump?
At Sydney Pool Servicing, we can assess your system and recommend the perfect pump setup — balancing performance, energy efficiency, and budget.
Whether you need a new pool pump, filtration upgrade, or general maintenance, we’re here to help.
📞 Get in touch today for expert advice or a free quote on your next pool servicing job.
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