In summer 2021, I got a call from a Sacramento apartment complex manager who was ready to tear his hair out. “Cooper,” he said, “these pool pumps are killing us. We’re spending $800 a month just on pool electricity. I need new pumps, but corporate won’t approve $15,000 for replacements.”

I had different idea. Instead of replacing those pumps, we installed Variable Frequency Drives on the existing equipment. Total cost: $4,200. Their August bill? $350. Same pumps, same pools, less than half the energy cost.

I’m Cooper from Pinnacle Pool & Spa Services, and as a PG&E Certified Aquatic Equipment Installer, I’ve helped hundreds of pool owners slash their energy bills. But here’s the thing—most people have never heard of Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), even though they’re one of the most effective upgrades available. Think of them as the pool industry’s best-kept secret for saving energy without breaking the bank.

What’s a Variable Frequency Drive? (Plain English Version)

Imagine if your pool pump only had two settings: full blast or off. That’s essentially how traditional single-speed pumps work. A Variable Frequency Drive is like adding a dimmer switch to that on/off switch. It lets you control your existing pump’s speed, giving you all the benefits of a variable speed pump without actually buying a new pump.

Here’s the key difference most people miss: variable speed pumps have this technology built in from the factory. VFDs add this capability to pumps that don’t have it. It’s like the difference between buying a new car with cruise control versus adding cruise control to your current car. Both get you the same result, but one costs a lot less.

Why haven’t you heard about VFDs? Honestly, they’re not as profitable for pool companies to sell as brand-new pumps. A new variable speed pump might cost you $2,500-3,500 installed. A VFD? Usually $800-1,500. You can see why some companies don’t mention them. But at Pinnacle, we believe in giving you all your options, not just the expensive ones.

The basic concept is beautifully simple: your pump doesn’t need to run at full speed all the time. Filtering your pool? Low speed works fine. Running the cleaner? Medium speed. Only activities like vacuuming or running water features need full speed. A VFD automatically adjusts to use only the power needed for each task.

The Benefits That Actually Matter to Your Wallet

Let’s talk real savings. I tracked five residential installations from last year, and the energy reduction ranged from 42% to 71%. One Granite Bay client saw their summer pool costs drop from $280/month to $115/month. That’s $165 back in their pocket every month during swim season.

But energy savings are just the beginning. Running your pump at lower speeds dramatically extends its life. Think about it—would your car last longer driving 30 mph around town or racing at 100 mph everywhere? Same principle. Pumps running at lower speeds experience less wear on seals, bearings, and impellers. I’ve seen pumps with VFDs last 10-12 years versus 5-7 years for constantly full-speed pumps.

Then there’s the quiet factor. A pump running at low speed is whisper quiet. One client in Davis told me she didn’t realize her pump was running until she checked the equipment pad. Her previous setup? The neighbors complained when it kicked on at 6 AM. Now she runs it 24/7 at low speed, and nobody hears a thing.

My favorite feature? The soft start. Instead of your pump jolting to full speed (that loud “whoosh” that sometimes trips breakers), it gradually ramps up. No more electrical spikes, no more breaker trips, no more stress on your electrical panel. It’s like the difference between flooring your car versus gradually accelerating—easier on everything involved.

“Cooper came right out to look at a leaking pool motor. He gave us an estimate for the time and the work, and he returned to do what needed to be done. Cooper was very professional. He had all the equipment and seals he needed to finish the job in about an hour. It is so nice to count on reliable people.”

— Lee S., San Francisco

VFDs vs. Buying a New Variable Speed Pump

Here’s my honest assessment of when each option makes sense:

Choose a VFD when: Your pump is less than 5 years old and in good condition. You want energy savings but can’t justify replacing working equipment. Your budget is under $1,500. You need a solution that can be installed in one day.

Choose a new variable speed pump when: Your pump is over 7 years old or showing wear. You want the latest technology with warranty coverage. You’re doing other equipment upgrades anyway. You prefer an integrated solution.

I use what I call the “5-year rule.” If your pump is less than 5 years old and running well, a VFD almost always makes more sense. Why throw away perfectly good equipment? If it’s over 7 years, you’re probably better off with a new variable speed pump. That 5-7 year range? That’s where we need to look at your specific situation.

Cost comparison for a typical residential pool: VFD installation runs $800-1,500 depending on features. New variable speed pump installed: $2,500-3,500. Both give you similar energy savings. The math usually favors VFDs unless your pump is already near replacement age.

Real Installation Stories from the Field

Last summer, a Folsom homeowner called about high energy bills. Their pump was only three years old—a quality Pentair unit in perfect condition. They’d been quoted $3,200 for a new variable speed pump. Instead, we installed a VFD for $1,100. Their energy savings? About $150/month in summer. The VFD paid for itself by September.

Commercial properties see even bigger wins. A Bay Area HOA with four pool pumps was facing a $20,000 quote for new variable speed pumps. We installed VFDs on all four existing pumps for $6,800. They’re saving over $500/month in energy costs, and those original pumps are still running strong two years later.

The installation process surprises people with its simplicity. We mount the VFD drive near your existing pump, connect it between your breaker and pump motor, program your optimal speeds for different functions, and test everything. Usually takes 2-3 hours for a residential installation. No plumbing changes, no concrete work, minimal disruption.

“Cooper and his team did a beautiful pool remodel for me. He was very interested in giving me several options that would fit in my budget, and at the same time, give me the aesthetic result I was looking for. Cooper was so pleasant to work with. I cannot be more pleased with every aspect of this job!”

— Fran K., San Francisco

Features That Make Life Easier

Modern VFDs include features that prevent the most common pump problems. Prime loss detection stops the pump if it loses water, preventing dry-run damage that destroys pump seals. I can’t count how many pumps I’ve replaced because someone forgot to refill after cleaning the basket and the pump ran dry.

Programmable schedules let you optimize for both energy savings and water quality. Run high speed for two hours in the morning for skimming, low speed overnight for filtering, medium speed in the afternoon for the pool cleaner. Set it once and forget it—the VFD handles the speed changes automatically.

Quiet mode is perfect for pools near bedroom windows. Program super-low speed operation during sleeping hours. The pool still gets filtered, but at whisper-quiet levels. One client runs their pump 24/7 now because the low-speed setting is quieter than their AC unit.

Freeze protection saved three of my clients’ equipment during last winter’s cold snap. When temperatures approach freezing, the VFD automatically runs the pump to keep water moving, preventing frozen pipes and cracked equipment. It’s like insurance you don’t think about until you need it.

These features working together prevent the majority of pump failures I see. No more burned-out motors from running dry. No more seal failures from constant high-speed operation. No more freeze damage. The VFD pays for itself in prevented repairs alone.

The Money Math – ROI Breakdown

Let’s look at real numbers from a typical Sacramento area pool (20,000 gallons, runs 8 hours daily May-September, 4 hours October-April):

Without VFD: Summer electric cost: $180-240/month. Annual pump electricity: roughly $1,400-1,800

With VFD: Summer electric cost: $65-95/month. Annual pump electricity: roughly $500-700

Annual savings: $900-1,100

At those savings rates, a $1,200 VFD installation pays for itself in 12-15 months. After that, it’s pure savings—money back in your pocket every month. Over the 10-year typical lifespan of pool equipment, you’re looking at $9,000-11,000 in energy savings from a $1,200 investment.

Don’t forget the extended equipment life. If your VFD helps your pump last 10 years instead of 6, you’ve saved another $1,500-2,000 in replacement costs. Add in the prevented repair costs from features like prime loss detection, and the total value becomes even clearer.

Some utilities still offer rebates for VFD installations, though they’re becoming rarer. Always worth checking—I’ve seen rebates from $100-500 depending on the utility and pump horsepower.

“Cooper is now my guy. Seriously! Better price than anyone else, but more importantly, he was really nice, professional and knew what he was doing. If you have a job, just call him. You will not be sorry.”

— Vance H., Pleasant Hill

Is a VFD Right for Your Pool?

You’re an ideal candidate for a VFD if:

• Your pump is 2-6 years old and running well
• Summer electric bills make you wince
• Pump noise bothers you or neighbors
• You want energy savings without equipment replacement
• Your electrical panel has limited capacity for upgrades

Signs your current pump could benefit from a VFD:

• It only runs at one speed (obvious but worth stating)
• You’ve been avoiding running it due to energy costs
• Breakers trip when the pump starts
• You’re considering a variable speed pump but the cost seems high

VFDs might not be the answer if your pump is already near replacement age, showing signs of wear like leaking seals or noisy bearings, or if you’re planning major equipment renovations anyway. Sometimes starting fresh makes more sense.

Questions to ask your pool professional: Can my existing pump handle a VFD? (Most can, but some very old models can’t.) What speed settings would you recommend for my pool? How much can I realistically expect to save? Do you install and service VFDs, or just sell new pumps?

Want to explore all your equipment upgrade options? Visit our pool system installs and upgrades page to learn about VFDs and other efficiency improvements we offer.

The Best-Kept Secret in Pool Efficiency

After 10 years in this business, I wish more pool owners knew about VFDs. They’re not right for everyone, but for pools with decent pumps that just need better efficiency, they’re often the perfect solution. You get variable speed benefits without the variable speed price tag.

The environmental impact is a bonus many clients appreciate. Reducing pool pump energy use by 50-70% means significantly less carbon footprint. One client calculated that their VFD prevents about 2,000 pounds of CO2 emissions annually. Not bad for a box the size of a shoebox.

Here’s what I tell every client: pool equipment doesn’t have to be an energy hog. Whether it’s a VFD, a new variable speed pump, or other efficiency upgrades, solutions exist to cut your pool’s energy use dramatically. The technology has been proven for years—it’s just a matter of finding the right solution for your specific situation.

If you’re tired of high pool electricity bills but don’t want to replace functioning equipment, let’s talk about whether a VFD makes sense for you. We’ll assess your current setup, calculate potential savings, and give you honest recommendations—even if that means telling you a VFD isn’t your best option.

Contact Pinnacle Pool & Spa Services for your free VFD assessment:

Sacramento Area: (916) 530-2096 | Bay Area: (925) 849-6545 | Toll Free: (888) 994-7665 (POOL)

Licensed contractors and PG&E Certified Aquatic Equipment Installers specializing in energy-efficient pool solutions. Offering Variable Frequency Drives, variable speed pumps, and complete system efficiency upgrades throughout Northern California.