5 Reasons Why a Variable Speed Pool Pump Is Worth the Upgrade
16th February, 2026
Every swimming pool relies on a pool pump to circulate water through the filtration system, keeping it clean, safe, and ready to use. Whether you’re installing a new pool or need to replace your old pump there are plenty of pool pumps to choose from. However, nothing compares to the energy efficiency, and cost effectiveness of a variable speed pool pump.
1) Better for the environment
Running a traditional pool pump all day can produce as much greenhouse gas as a large car. Traditional single-speed pool pumps operate at one fixed, high speed (around 2850 RPM), often running much faster than necessary. Often the pump is running at a higher speed than what is necessary to effectively filter and sanitise a pool, which means the old single-speed pool pumps are very inefficient.
State-of-the-art Variable Speed Pumps on the other hand, are eco-friendly because they can run at much lower speeds. When run at lower speeds, variable speed pumps use significantly less electricity, which reduces both energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. You can save a lot of energy by running your pump at lower speeds, even if the filtration cycle does take a little longer.
2) Cheaper to run
Running your pool pump can have a significant impact on your household’s energy consumption. Traditional single-speed pumps consume more power and are therefore more expensive to run, and so Variable Speed Pump can pay for itself with the savings you make on your power bills.
Unlike a single-speed pump, you don’t need to run a Variable Speed Pump at full speed all the time to filter your water. Although running a pump at a lower speed may take slightly longer, it circulates water more efficiently while using far less power.
When choosing a pool pump, look at the star rating on the label. The more stars the more energy efficient. You might spend a bit more upfront but you will save a lot of money long term.
3) Super quiet
The last thing you want is the sound from your pool pump detracting from your serenity, bothering your neighbours or keeping you up at night.
By operating at lower flow rates, variable speed pumps significantly reduce motor and water noise, making them much quieter than traditional pumps.
Being super-quiet means that you can even install one next to your house or by a boundary fence without disturbing the neighbours. With a quiet Variable Speed Pump you can set your pump to run on low speed overnight on off-peak rates which can save you even more money.
4) Built to last
Even with consistent use, Variable Speed Pumps are more reliable and still have a much longer lifespan than traditional designs. Most variable speed pumps use internal cooling systems, producing less heat and vibration, which helps extend their lifespan. The lower speeds also reduce wear and tear on your pump to keep it running at maximum efficiency for many years to come.
5) Puts you in control
As you’d expect, a Variable Speed Pump lets you take control of the speed. Using smart controls, you can adjust pump speeds to suit different tasks, from everyday filtration to running pool cleaners or backwashing. This gives you the flexibility to match the pump to your specific pool system, and run it at a lower speed and then ramp it up when it’s powering other equipment like a suction pool cleaner or backwashing a filter.
You can also choose how much energy you use and how long you want it to clean your pool water. Some Variable Speed Pump can be programmed to run at optimal speeds for specific tasks like running pool cleaners, waterfalls, solar heating systems and backwashing media filters, or even switch speeds automatically.
The Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Australia offers the Climate Care Certification program which recognises products designed to reduce energy use, water consumption, and noise. Read more about the Climate Care program here and view our list of certified products.
Clark Rubber offers a range of energy-efficient variable speed pool pumps to suit different pool sizes and system requirements.
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