With annual events like Pool Opening Day placing sustainability at the forefront of our shared narrative, many strive to inspire change for a better, cleaner future. At Pentair, sustainability isn’t just a seasonal concern; it’s a year-round endeavor tied with the core of our values. We focus on smart, sustainable water solutions, and our pool products in particular support a longer-term vision for sustainability.
WHAT IS ENERGY STAR AND HOW IS PENTAIR INVOLVED?
The ENERGY STAR logo is iconic in the United States, but the importance of this program is unbeknownst to many Americans. The program is run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and aims to improve energy efficiency, hence why its logo is displayed on the appliance label of qualifying products available for purchase.
Pentair has a steadfast commitment to the ENERGY STAR program, due in part to the many benefits it provides to the public. Specifically, a pool with ENERGY STAR certified products includes features that reduce energy consumption, support water conservation and help save homeowners money. This impact on both the climate and a homeowner’s pocketbook has caused some to intentionally seek out ENERGY STAR products.
In July 2021, the Department of Energy (DOE) Dedicated Purpose Pool Pump (DPPP) regulations began. This new industry-wide regulation aims to make pool pumps more energy-efficient, and Pentair was a proud joint stakeholder in developing the new mandate. According to the DOE, pool owners have the potential of saving $2,140 in 12-months and improving yearly operating costs by about $550* when they update a pool pump that complies with the DPPP rules.
WHICH PENTAIR POOL PRODUCTS ARE ENERGY STAR CERTIFIED?
More than a decade ago, Pentair introduced the industry to a new pool of knowledge with variable speed pump technology. Pentair variable speed pumps feature programmable speed or flow settings, allowing them to run at different speeds, unlike single speed pumps. Variable speed pumps operate at a low flow rate (or speed) for extended periods to circulate chemicals. However, to effectively skim debris, they will also run at a higher flow rate for short periods throughout the day. This balance helps reduce energy costs for pool owners.
The flagship pool pump at Pentair is the IntelliFlo3® Variable Speed and Flow Pool Pump. Its patented sensorless speed and flow technology adjust to a pool’s conditions, helping provide even higher energy efficiency and savings than the last model. What makes this ENERGY STAR certified pump so remarkable is that it can help homeowners save up to 90%** on energy consumption! In addition to providing notable energy savings, this pump also brings pool technology into the 21st century with an optional touchscreen for a sleek, modern touch.
Energy-focused innovation doesn’t stop there. Pentair offers several solutions that allow homeowners to save energy while enjoying the fun, relaxation, and socialization that swimming pools provide.
HOW MUCH HAVE POOL OWNERS SAVED WITH THE HELP OF PENTAIR PRODUCTS?
In 2022, Pentair offered 17 ENERGY STAR certified pool pump models. This helped U.S. consumers save approximately 1 billion kWh of energy, resulting in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions of 414,974 tons of CO2 and saving $142 million in operating costs.*** Since 2005, Pentair’s ENERGY STAR pool pumps have been responsible for a cumulative 38.9 billion kWh of energy savings, a reduction of 15.9 million tons of CO2 emissions and $5.3 billion in operative cost savings for U.S. consumers.
HOW IS PENTAIR LEADING THE CHARGE BY COMMITTING TO ENERGY EFFICIENCY FOR A BETTER FUTURE?
Water is life’s most essential resource, and the Pentair team is not content sitting back and just going with the flow… we strive to lead and innovate the way toward a better future. This is demonstrated by:
- Reducing our greenhouse gas emissions impact
- Furthering water stewardship within our operations
- Innovating to deliver water and energy efficient solutions
- Building a more environmentally and socially sustainable supply chain
This is just the tip of the iceberg – philanthropic efforts at Pentair engage communities around the world. The future begins tomorrow, so we’ve started planning for it today.
WHAT CAN POOL OWNERS DO TO REDUCE THEIR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT?
Perhaps the easiest way to reduce one’s impact is to purchase energy efficient products from companies that focus on sustainability. In a world where so many day-to-day tasks create pollution, making environmentally conscious choices often starts at the source.
For a more hands-on approach, pool owners can also:
- Opt for more environmentally friendly pool cleaning chemicals
- Lean on technology that automatically adjusts to pool conditions to prevent unnecessary energy usage
- Regularly clean your filters and skimmer baskets to avoid blockages, which can lead to higher energy usage and costs
MAKING A MORE POOLFECT FUTURE.
With a focus on sustainability, the future is bright. After all, we’ve only got one Earth; we might as well celebrate and protect it! With the Pentair vision in mind, the future isn’t just perfect… it’s poolfect. Let’s dive in together!
*82 Fed. Reg. 5652 (January 18, 2017). Results for standard-size self-priming pool filter pumps.
**Savings based on variable speed pump compared to a single-speed pump running 12 hours per day at an average of $0.16 per kWh in a 20,000 gallon pool. Actual savings may vary based on local utility rates, pool size, pump run time, pump horsepower, pump rpm, plumbing size and length, pump model, service factor and other hydraulic factors. Individual Weighted Energy Factor (WEF) scores and savings may vary by model.
***Savings are based on a weighted average annual kWh savings from the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) at $0.14 / kWh. Individual Weighted Energy Factor (WEF) scores and savings may vary by model. For more information regarding the energy efficiency features of current Pentair pool pump offerings, including WEF scores, please visit pentair.com/energystar.
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