Choosing the Right Swimming Pool Pump 

Choosing the correct swimming pool pump depends on four things:

1 pool volume
2 required filtration time
3 pipework and head
4 whether you want maximum efficiency or minimum electricity consumption.

The Swimming Pools Thailand warehouse holds one of the largest retail ranges of quality pumps that provide long, genuine long guarantees and after-sales service. These pumps are mainly from Emaux, Speck, and ESPA. Some of the Emaux and ESPA pumps are the quietest in the world.

CONTENTS (links)

Choosing
Filtration times
HP vs Watts
Safety
Bather safety
Reliability
Noise level comparisons (chart)
Variable speed pumps
Installing a pump
Warranty
Getting more advice
Pump overview - residential pumps
Pump overview - variable speed and commercial pumps

References

Choosing your swimming pool pump at Swimming Pools Thailand shop is not difficult - if you  follow certain rules.

The flow rate of a swimming pool pump is the most important consideration.  Although they may have the same horsepower (HP), due to different motor technologies and impeller design, swimming pool pumps and spa pumps can have slightly different flow rates and deliver water at different pressures.

Flow rates also depend on how far the pump is from the pool. and/or its height above or below the waterline.  This distance is called the 'head'. Where a head is not mentioned, flow rates are often quoted based on pumping stations not further than about 4 metres horizontally from the pool, or the balance tank in the case of an overflow pool.

Oversizing: There is nothing to be gained by installing pumps that are too powerful, for your pool volume. While pumps that are under-rated will need filtration times beyond the required 6 - 8 hour maximum. Oversized pumps can:
• waste electricity
• reduce filter efficiency
• increase noise
• place unnecessary stress on pipework and filter tank
• increase purchase cost

Other common mistakes when buying or replacing a pool pump
• Choosing by horsepower instead of flow rate.
• Assuming bigger is always better.
• Ignoring pipe size.
• Buying a pump without checking spare parts availability.
• Buying on price alone.
• Failing to match the filter.
• Ignoring the quality of the local electrical supply.

Filtration times

For optimal filtration, your pool volume in the tropics needs to be filtered fast. For private outdoor pools in tropical climates such as Thailand, the recommend filtration is for a complete turnover every 24 hours in approximately 6–8 hours.  These recommendations are the result of careful scientific research into the growth rates of bacteria, algae, and other micro-organisms  and have been taken into law by the State of California and various states in Australia ^(references). Times will be different when using variable speed pumps that run longer but more slowly.

Private swimming pools in Thailand are best filtered  completely once every 24 hours. A total of about 6 - 8 hours pumping time (in the tropics) every 24 hours is recommended Pumps and filters should be matched - a filter should preferably have a slightly higher flow rate than the pump,  but if the pump and filter were not correctly matched, it is possible to pump for 8 hours. If more powerful pumps and larger filters have been installed, it may be possible to reduce the pumping time and save electricity.

Example 1: 10 x 5 metre pool, average depth 1.1m, volume 55 m^3. Pumping time 6 hours. Minimum required flow rate: 9.17 m³/hr.

Example 2: 20 x 5 metre pool, average depth 1.1m, volume 110 m^3. Pumping time 6 hours. Minimum required flow rate: 18.33m³/hr.

HP vs Watts:

Horsepower can be converted to watts, giving you a estimate of what your energy costs might be to run your pump. One horsepower is equal to 745.7 watts. If you run a 10 x 4 metre (average size domestic) pool for 6 hours using a 1.5HP pump it will cost ฿800.00 - 1,000.00 a month, (The average household electricity rate in thailand is  is approximately  ฿ 4.23 per Kw (1,000 watts)

Safety

Pump protection: Due to inconsistencies in the electrical supply in many areas in Thailand,  pumps of 1.5 HP and greater and all pumps being run through a salt water chlorinator should be connected through a contactor. They should be further protected by a surge protector. 380V 3-phase pumps should additionally be protected by an over/under voltage protector.

Bather safety

All electricity supplies for swimming pool equipment must be protected by a RCCB (residual current circuit breaker) also known as a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). In many countries these are required by law  for domestic appliances that used in wet or humid areas; in modern buildings they are incorporated in the consumer unit. These electrical components are built-in as standard on all professional level control boxes manufactured by  SwimmingPoolsThailand.

Reliability: In general, a reputable brand of pool pump should last for 6 to 8 years. We have installed Emaux pumps that are still running after 12 years of daily use.

NEVER let your pump run dry. If you remove the lid to empty the strainer basket, prime the strainer box again before restarting the pump.

All swimming pool electrical sources should be protected by an RCCB (ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).

All 380V 3-phase pumps must be supplied through  a circuit equipped with  'over-under' phase protection.

Noise level comparison

VARIABLE SPEED PUMPS

When considering variable speed pumps, the relatively low cost of electrical energy in Thailand should be factored in; a cost-per-feature analysis may show diminishing returns and the advantages of the more costly variable speed pumps, and they may not necessarily produce an ROI as quickly as expected.

Unlike traditional single-speed pumps that run constantly at high power, variable speed pool pumps can save up to 80% on energy costs. They feature programmable motors that adjust their speed to match specific tasks, By slowing down for routine filtration, they drastically reduce energy consumption, minimize noise, and experience less wear and tear, offering long-term cost savings and much longer life. 

How They Work
Motor Type: They utilize permanent magnet motors (similar to electric vehicles) rather than standard induction motors, allowing them to adjust speeds (typically from 1,000 to 3,450 RPM). 
• Task Matching: You can program specific speeds for specific tasks.
• Low Speed: Ideal for everyday water circulation and filtration.
• Medium Speed: Best for skimming and routine cleaning.
• High Speed: For priming when starting. Needed for vacuuming, backwashing, or running water features at certain times that need a high flow rate (waterfall, fountains)

Key Benefits
• Massive Energy Savings: They take advantage of the "affinity laws" of physics, which dictate that reducing motor speed drastically lowers power draw. You can save up to 80-90% on pump-related energy costs compared to single-speed models.
• Ultra-Quiet Operation: At lower speeds, these pumps are significantly quieter than the standard roaring hum of single-speed models, making them much more pleasant for your backyard. 

• Smart Controllers: All our Emaux variable speed pumps come with built-in digital interfaces or can be paired with automation and remote control systems such as TUYA (SmartLife app) to easily set schedules.
• Longer Lifespan: Because they operate at lower RPMs, they run much cooler and experience significantly less internal friction.
• Filtration: Moving water slowly allows your pool filter to capture small debris and particles much more effectively. 

What to Consider Before Buying
• Higher Upfront Cost: Variable speed pumps generally cost more to purchase and install upfront compared to single-speed or dual-speed pumps.
• Investment Return: Despite the higher initial price tag, the energy savings typically pay for the pump within 1 to 3 years.

INSTALLING A PUMP

Install the pump as close to the pool as possible, preferably in a dry, well ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Protect the pump from excessive moisture.
Place the pump as close to the water source as possible, so that the suction pipe is as short and straight as possible to reduce the friction loss.

Before installing the pump, make sure that the surface is solid, elevated, and vibration free.

• Secure the pump to the base with screws or bolts to limit the vibration and the stress on the pipe or the joints.
• Leave enough space for gate valves in suction and discharge piping, if required.
• Connect the suction and discharge pipes to the outlet and inlet of the swimming pool.
• Make sure that floor drainage is adequate to prevent flooding.
• Make sure that the pump and piping are accessible for servicing.

*Don't hesitate to contact us for free basic advice and a recommended pump for your pool. In many areas, especially Isan, we can provide installation. For more complex systems we can provide easy-to-read custom flow charts for complete filtration systems tor very low fees.

Warranty

Guarantees cover parts and labour. They do not cover shipping costs or field service excursions.

Guarantees do not cover damage to pump motors due to incorrect, unreliable, or inadequately protected electricity supplies.

Guarantees do not cover damage to pump bodies and bearings on pumps that have been allowed to run dry or collapsed pump bodies due to closed supply valves, or melted/burst pump bodies due to closed discharge valves.

Guarantees do not cover damage done to stainless steel shafts from very aggressive water chemistry (High/low pH, very hard water). Most pump brands only have a 1 year guarantee and parts and service may not always be readily available in Thailand. Emaux pumps are so reliable that the manufacturer offers a 2 year warranty; all parts and service are available here in Thailand at SwimmingPoolsThailand or from the manufacturer's other certified agents.

Spare parts

We stock spare parts for all the Emaux pumps we sell.

GETTING MORE ADVICE

You now have everything you need to know about choosing the right pump for your pool. If you need further advice you can send a message to our Help Centre on our CONTACT PAGE or call a sales engineer at 063 235 7233 or 092 598 1146.
We will need to know:

• Either: Pool length, width, average depth, or total pool volume including balance tank
• Skimmer or overflow pool
• Existing filter make and model (if replacing a pump)
• Approximate distance between pool and pump
• Single-phase (220V) or three-phase (380V) electricity

PUMP OVERVIEW - Residential pumps

PUMP OVERVIEW - Variable speed and commercial pumps

General sales enquiries in English, Français, Deutsch : 042 315 738 and 042 315 739 

Technical assistance for Emaux products   063 235 7233, and 092 598 1146

Office hours: Mon - Fri 09:00 - 17:00, Sat 09:00 - 12:30 Closed on all public holidays.

This advice is offered as is, and SwimingPoolsThailand accepts no responsibility for its accuracy, interpretation, or implementation.

References:

Public Pool Regulations Department of Health Services, California. R-17-03B (2007)

Standard for the Operation of Swimming Pools and Spa Pools (PDF) Government of South Australia, Public Health Services (2013)

Pool pumps - the heart of the pool  Pool+Spa Staff (2014)

Energy Rating - Swimming Pool Pumps Government of Australia (2015)

Measure Guideline: Replacing Single-Speed Pool Pumps with Variable Speed Pumps for Energy Saving, A.Hunt and S.Easley (BARA) for  U.S. Department of Energy DOE/GO-102012-3534 (2012)

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