Update on pool pump efficiency

Pool pump efficiency labelling under the Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) Program is now likely to become mandatory in October 2011. This program is aimed at regulating the sale of pool pumps to ensure first, that only pumps meeting minimum energy-efficient standards are sold; and second, to encourage the purchase of the most environment-friendly models.

The Federal Government has identified swimming pool pumps as major users of household energy, and as such they are being targeted for energy efficiency measures by the Australian and New Zealand energy efficiency regulatory agencies under the E3 Program. The E3 Program has recently introduced voluntary energy rating labelling for pool pumps. Suppliers of pool pumps can now label their products with the familiar red and yellow energy rating label.

In homes with pools, the pool pump is the single largest emitter of greenhouse gases, unless there is an electric hot water heater present. It uses more electricity than the combined electricity consumption of a clothes dryer, clothes washer and dishwasher.

The ultimate aim of this program is to ensure that only efficient pumps are put on the market, and that pumps for sale are labelled with a star rating (similar to the star ratings currently used for whitegoods) so that consumers are aware of the more efficient pumps.

The standard label will have six stars, but pumps deemed “super efficient” will have a slightly different label going up to ten stars.

The scheme is tied to the recently published standard, AS5102 - 2009 Performance of Household Electrical Appliances—Swimming Pool Pump-Units – which comprises two parts:

- 5102.1 Part 1: Energy consumption and performance
- 5102.2 Part 2: Energy labelling and minimum energy performance standard requirements.

This standard defines the scope of swimming pool pumps targeted by the voluntary scheme. All single-phase pump-units that are capable of a flow rate of 120l/min or greater and input power of 2.5kW or less will be affected.

The voluntary program will also assist suppliers in transitioning to mandatory minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) and labelling, expected to be launched in October 2011.

Click here for more information.