Latest news
Requirements for swimming pool pumps are changing from
1 October 2022
Overview
Swimming pool pumps make up approximately 18% of a pool owners electricity bill. From 1 October 2022 owners will be able to make decisions based on the swimming pool pump energy rating label. Assisting owners to achieve lower electricity costs, reduce electricity consumption and achieve other operating benefits.
Selecting the right pump for your needs is important. An 8 star model could save you $125.25 per year as compared to a 3 star model based on the estimated example below.
| Electricity | 8 star model | 3 start model |
|---|---|---|
| kilowatt hour (kWh) consumed per year | 346 | 824 |
|
Example price per kWh Tariff price found on your electricity bill |
$0.2683 | $0.2683 |
| Annual cost |
$92.83 (346 kWh multiplied by $0.2683) |
$221.08 (824 kWh multiplied by $0.2683) |
| Save |
$128.25 per year (221.08 less 92.83) |
No saving |
About the label
Before purchasing a new pump obtain quotes and compare types to get the one that’s right for you and your pool.
For information about the Energy Rating Label
Reading the label
The energy rating label includes the:
- star arch, which provides a visual representation of how energy efficient a pump is, compared to other similar sized pumps
- energy consumption figure in kilowatt hours per year based on standardised testing, if the pump is running the filtration system for a 50,000 litre pool, and
- Australian Standard that the pump was tested against to determine the level of efficiency.
|
Topic |
Detail |
|---|---|
|
More stars equals greater efficiency |
The rating scale for pool pumps is from 1 to 10. Each star represents an improvement in efficiency, so a 7 star pump will be more energy efficient than a 6 star pump, and an 8 star pump will be more efficient than a 7 star pump. Remember the higher the star the lower your electricity cost for the pump. |
|
Noise levels |
A quiet pump has benefits to you and others, especially if you run your pump at night taking advantage of off-peak electricity tariffs. |
|
Energy consumption figure |
This shows the energy consumed to pump 50,000 litres of water per day for a year. This figure is determined under test conditions in accordance with the Australian Standard AS5102.1:2019. |
The cost of running a pump is not given on the label, because the price a household pays for electricity varies depending on the offer from the household’s electricity retailer. If you know the size of your pool, your electricity tariff, and how often you use your pump, you can estimate how much money it will cost you to run your pool pump.
The label gives you the amount of electricity the pump uses in kilowatt hours (kWh), if the pump is running the filtration system for a 50,000 litre pool. Your electricity bill gives you the price of electricity per kWh. The cost of running a less efficient pump can be higher, compared with a more efficient pump.
Regulation requirements
On 1 October 2022, applicants (typically manufacturers, importers or suppliers of a pool pump) need to declare the efficiency of the pool pumps sold in Australia. From this date, pumps that do not meet the new minimum energy performance standard will not be allowed to be sold or supplied in Australia.
These regulations replace the Voluntary Energy Rating Label program that previously applied to pool pumps.
At a glance...
| MEPS | Energy Rating Label | Australia | New Zealand | Registration fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Yes |
Yes
|
Yes Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (Swimming Pool Pump-units) Determination 2021 From 1 October 2022 |
No |
$440 |
Technical considerations
The new requirements include for pools pumps used in residential swimming pools with a defined power range need to be:
- registered by 1 October 2022
- meet Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS)against testing requirements as specified in Australian Standard AS5102.1:2019, and
- display an Energy Rating Label and may display an icon that can be used for online or digital advertising.
These requirements apply to products within the defined power range outlined below:
- a single speed pump is a nameplate input power range of between 600 and 1700 watts, and
- a two speed, dual, multi or variable speed pump is a nameplate input power range of between 600 and 3450 watts.
The nameplate input power is the electrical input power in watts, as shown on the pump rating label. If the electrical input power isn’t shown on the pump rating label, you can determine the nameplate input power by multiplying the nameplate input current by 230 volts.
To determine if your product model is in scope refer to the product Determination.