Why Changing Your Pool Pump Speed Matters — and How to Calculate the Right Settings

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If you’re a pool owner in the Sacramento Valley, you’ve probably heard about variable-speed pool pumps. But many homeowners still don’t know how to set the right pump speed or why it even matters.

The truth is, running your pool pump at the wrong speed or for too long can cost you — in energy, water quality, and even equipment wear.

This blog explains why adjusting your pump speed is essential, how to do it, and how to calculate the ideal run time for your unique pool — whether you're in Sacramento, Woodland, or Davis, CA.

Why Pump Speed Matters

Variable-speed pumps are designed to save energy — but only if they’re set properly.

If you run your pump too fast:

• You're wasting electricity

• You wear out your filter and equipment faster

If you run your pump too slow or not long enough:

• You won’t circulate enough water

• You risk algae and poor water quality

Finding the right balance is key.

Understanding Pool Pump Speed & Flow

Pump speed is measured in RPM (revolutions per minute)Water flow is measured in GPM (gallons per minute)

Here’s the catch:

Doubling your pump speed increases energy use by 8x — but only increases water flow by 2x.

That’s why lower speeds run longer are more efficient and cost less.

How to Calculate Your Ideal Pump Speed & Run Time

Step 1: Know Your Pool Volume

Use this quick guide if you're unsure:

Pool Size	Gallons
Small (12x24 ft)	~10,000
Medium (15x30 ft)	~15,000
Large (20x40 ft)	~25,000

Step 2: Determine Your Turnover Rate

You want to circulate all the water in your pool at least once per day (called a “turnover”).

Step 3: Use This Formula

Pool Gallons ÷ GPM = Run Time (in minutes)

Example:

• Pool = 15,000 gallons

• Pump set at 35 GPM

• 15,000 ÷ 35 = ~429 minutes (or ~7.15 hours/day)

Now you know you need to run the pump about 7–8 hours/day at 35 GPM to turn over all the water.

How Do You Know Your Pump’s GPM?

It depends on the RPM setting. Here’s a general estimate for common speeds:

RPM	Estimated GPM
1,000	20–25 GPM
1,500	35–45 GPM
2,000	50–60 GPM
3,000+	75+ GPM

Note: Actual GPM varies by plumbing, filter type, and pump model.

Pro Tip: Run Longer at Lower Speeds

Let’s say your goal is one full turnover per day.

Option A: Run your pump at 3,000 RPM for 4 hours

Option B: Run at 1,500 RPM for 8 hours

Option B uses 75% less energy and still gets the job done.

Why It Matters in the Sacramento Valley

With rising energy costs and long hot seasons, Sacramento-area pool owners can save hundreds per year with proper pump speed settings.

And because Woodland, Davis, and Sacramento pools run for more months of the year, your savings multiply over time.

Energy Savings Example

Let’s compare a single-speed vs variable-speed pump:

Pump Type	Monthly Cost (Typical Use)
Single-speed	$80–$100
Variable-speed	$20–$30

💲 Savings = $600+ per year

Let Us Help You Dial In Your Pump Settings

At Provident Pools, we help homeowners all over Sacramento, Davis, Woodland, and surrounding cities:

• Calculate proper flow rates

• Set up energy-efficient run schedules

• Keep your pool clear while cutting utility costs

Whether you just installed a variable-speed pump or need help reprogramming it, we’ve got your back.

Pool Pump Optimization Includes:

• Measuring real-world flow rate (GPM)

• Checking filter and plumbing resistance

• Programming pump schedules by season

• Adjusting for solar heating, pool size, and bather load

Proudly Serving:

• Sacramento

• Davis

• Woodland

• Folsom

• Roseville

• Rocklin

• Citrus Heights

• West Sacramento

Get Your Pump Settings Dialed In Today

📞 Call us at 916-954-1909🌐 Book your service at www.providentpools.com