Pentair Intelliflo Pumps

Traditional pool pumps have offered a limited number of singlespeed or two-speed designs. Their motor speeds are set and unchangeable. These set speeds are almost always higher than required, thereby overpowering the jobs they are assigned to do and wasting energy. What’s more, other pumps rely on induction motor technology, which is far less efficient. The result is that pumps are notorious energy hogs that cost hundreds—often more than $1,000—per year to operate. In fact, in some areas of the country, laws are being passed to prevent future purchases of these “old school” pumps. IntelliFlo VF, by contrast, is sensationally energy efficient. It is the totally automatic, self-setting and selfadjusting, variable speed marvel with a micro-processor that determines and maintains the lowest amount of water flow for maximum performance and minimum energy use. It’s also the first to use vastly more efficient permanent magnet motor technology (used in hybrid cars). An exclusive blend of technology innovations are behind the monumental energy savings possible with IntelliFlo.

• As the first to use super-efficient permanent magnet motors, IntelliFlo typically reduces energy use by 30% compared to pumps with traditional induction motors.
• IntelliFlo also employs variable drive technology controlled by an onboard computer and sophisticated software to allow pinpoint programming, or totally automatic operation, to achieve and maintain optimum (typically lower) flow rates for further energy savings. IntelliFlo operates at an average of just 1/10th of a horsepower, using about 100 watts of energy…about the same as a light bulb. Exclusive, variable speed capability builds potential savings up to 90%.

The result is dramatically lower electricity expense—typically saving hundreds per year. It’s not uncommon for savings to total more than $1,000 per year—and savings of more than $2,000 per year have been recorded. Over the multi-year life of IntelliFlo, the savings can be measured in the thousands. And yet, these tremendous savings are only part of the IntelliFlo story. The surprising secret to minimizing pump energy costs is to operate at the lowest flow rate needed to accomplish a job. It takes far less energy to move water slowly than quickly. Why? Because there’s lower resistance in the filter, accessories and plumbing system. Even though a pump will work longer at a lower flow rate, this is far more efficient. In fact, reducing pump motor speed by half actually reduces the power needed to oneeighth of what’s consumed at the higher speed. A good analogy is your car: you get much better gas mileage at 30 mph than at 90 mph. The same is true with pool pumps—run slower for efficiency (and many other good reasons, too). Since the cost to operate your pool pump isn’t itemized on your electric bill, you’re probably wondering just how much an IntelliFlo could save. Here are realistic estimates when comparing a traditional energy efficient (EE), single-speed pump to IntelliFlo in a 20,000 gallon pool. Savings are calculated using 6 and 12 hours of operation, which represent common run times.

• At $0.15/kwh estimated savings range from $621 to $1,356 per year.
• At $0.20/kwh estimated savings range from $827 to $1,808 per year.
• At $0.30/kwh estimated savings range from $1,241 to $2,712 per year.

As you can see, the savings with IntelliFlo can be stunning and the return on investment almost immediate. Pool owners can save thousands of dollars over the life of a new IntelliFlo pump. Plus, you can expect dramatically longer service than with older, less efficient designs.