The Future of Pool Pumps

As of July 19, 2021, variable speed pumps are to take the place of single speed pumps. This is a move to meet the minimum efficiency requirements outlined by the Department of Energy. All pumps manufactured after July 19, 2021, must meet minimum efficiency standards being put in place for U.S. homes and businesses.

Don’t stress- you do not have to run out right away to replace the single speed pump currently installed in your pool if it’s still in good working condition. Instead, with this new regulation, it will get progressively harder to find large single speed pumps. Moving forward, manufacturers will switch production to the variable speed pump only.

Now that variable speed pumps are becoming the standard, here’s what you should know:

• Lower Energy Bills

Variable-speed pumps save you money in the long run. Pool pumps don’t have to run at high power 24/7 to keep your pool clean. Variable-speed pumps allow you to use only the amount of power you actually need. In fact, lowering the pump speed when the pool filter is running will allow for more effective filtration, all while saving energy.

• Quieter Operation

Variable-speed pumps are much quieter than the other options. The quieter operation is one of the biggest benefits people notice right away. Because the pumps aren’t always running at the highest speed, they make less noise overall. Less noise leads to more peaceful pool time and happier neighbors!

• Convenient Control

The best part about the various speeds and modes of variable-speed pumps is that you don’t have to control them manually. You can set schedules, and let the pump run on its own. This enables you to program the pump to dial down for quiet times and ramp up for quick cleaning.

• Fewer Headaches Down the Road

The new standards implemented by the Department of Energy don’t prohibit single-speed pumps outright, but they will make it necessary for most pool owners to install variable-speed pumps down the line. By making the switch to a variable-speed pool pump today, you can avoid having to replace a single-speed pump in the future.

Colley’s does still have a limited quantity of single speed pumps available, but once they are gone, we will only carry variable speed pumps. Contact (716) 649-7640 for more information on having a new pump installed this summer!

Fun Pool Games for Kids!

Memorial Day weekend is here and it’s prime time to use the pool! Keep the kids entertained for hours with these easy, exciting pool games for kids, teenagers, and toddlers. From games to play in the pool by themselves to swimming pool relay games, these simple ideas for pool activities will help you make memories — and make a splash!

• Pool Freeze Tag: Bring the classic game in the water! One person will be designated as “it,” when he or she tags another player, that player must freeze in place. You can decide if they need to remain frozen for the duration of the game or if other players are able to un-tag them by swimming underwater.

• Marco Polo: We bet you remember this game from your childhood. This timeless crowd-pleaser has entertained generations of children and it’s easy to see why!

• Sharks & Minnows: Depending on how many players you have you can have one shark or multiple. The shark starts out on one end of the pool while the minnows line up on the opposite side. When the shark yells “go,” the minnows must swim to the other side without being tagged. Again, you can make the rules. Tagged minnows either need to sit outside of the pool until the next round or can join forces with the shark to tag the rest of the minnows.

• Handstand Challenge: Challenge your child! See if they can do a handstand and hold it. Remind your child to be careful, know their limits, and take a break when they start to get tired.

• Solo Pool Race: Using a waterproof watch or timer, test your child’s speed with timed laps in the pool. They’ll be pleasantly surprised to see how much they can improve in a single summer!

Or, create your own game or create your own rules to one of the suggested games- be creative! Your Colley’s pool is all about making memories!

Ways to Make your Pool More Energy Effecient

Energy efficiency has become a major factor when making decisions on how you’d like your pool to operate. Here are some ways you can make your pool more energy efficient and in turn, ways you may be able to save some money!

1. Pick the right finish. Darker colored pool finishes absorb the sun’s rays, and that energy helps heat your pool. While not everyone wants a dark finish, if you’re on the fence and want to keep heating costs down, it’s something to consider.

2. Create a natural windbreak. For many people, pool landscaping is often an afterthought. However, planting a hedge, building a berm, or creating some other form of windbreak can help lower heat loss, which in turn lowers energy costs. It also helps decrease the evaporation of water that you’ve already heated, here again providing savings.

3. Install a variable-speed pool pump. A variable speed pump can deliver significant savings compared to single-speed pumps, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Using a variable-speed pump also helps cut greenhouse gas emissions.

4. Use advanced heating technology. There are a number of new technologies available for heating pool water more energy efficiently. Consult your local Colley’s expert to see what may work for you.

5. Install an automatic pool cover. Not only does an automatic pool cover help to make your pool safe, it helps prevent heat loss and evaporation.

6. Use larger pool filters. Larger filters have a bigger surface area through which water can flow, which can mean your pump doesn’t have to work as hard to move the same volume of water. Not only does this lower the pump’s energy consumption, it can extend the life of the pump which can save you money!

7. Install LED lighting. LED lights can save 80% or more over incandescent lights, and last three times as long.

8. Automate your pool operations. There is now technology that can automatically run your pool systems when energy costs are lower to help you optimize your energy use.

Paramount Vanquish Cleaning System

When it comes to spending your free time there are more important things to do than tending to your swimming pool.

Built right into the pool, Vanquish is engineered to clean your pool floor and walls. When not operating, the Vanquish nozzles disappear flush with the pool floor, becoming virtually invisible. There are no unsightly robotic cleaners and hoses. All that’s left is a sparkling clean pool, ready to enjoy! Paramount in-floor cleaners are considered the most technologically advanced pool cleaners available.

How it Works

• Your pool is divided into separate cleaning zones, individually activated by a water valve.

• Nozzles in each designated cleaning zone pop up and sweep debris towards the drain and skimmer with powerful jets of water; ultimately cycling through a full 360 degrees..

• Each zone directs dirt and debris to the optional MDX-R3® debris safety drain.

• When finished cleaning they retract flush with the floor, becoming virtually invisible.

Benefits

• Enjoy cleaner, healthier water

• No poorly circulated, algae prone areas

• Eliminates cold spots for a more comfortable and uniform pool experience

• Saves energy costs for over the life of the pool

• Better for the environment

The pop-up nozzles also come in an array of colors to fit your pool’s theme!