Best Above Ground Pool Pumps of 2022

Oct 05, 2023

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Many pool owners tend to overlook the most vital component of keeping your above-ground pool circulating in optimum condition all summer long. Pool pumps for above-ground pools are a different breed than their inground counterparts but the same principle applies to both. The water and chemicals must be circulated throughout the vessel in order to filtrate impurities and keep the pool crystal clear. Without a quality above-ground pool pump, you’re apt to spend an inordinate amount of time trying to keep the pool clean instead of actually enjoying it.

The best above-ground pool pumps have the ability to efficiently circulate the water and help you keep your pool free without constant maintenance. When considering which pool pump to purchase you need to consider several important factors; the warranty and lifespan of the span, the brand, and the features of the pump that you’re buying.

Pool Magazine is here to make your job of picking out the best above-ground pool pump that much easier. We’ll discuss single speed, dual speed, and variable speed pumps as well as discuss the various sizes, voltage, and horsepower of pumps.

The PowerFlo VS 300 is an above-ground variable-speed pool pump that is more energy-efficient and quieter than ever.

The PowerFlo VS 300 above ground pool pump saves up to 80% more energy than single-speed pumps and pays for itself in less than two seasons of use.

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The unique design of OptiFlo pumps for aboveground pools ensures consistent high flow performance. The OptiFlo pump has a 48-frame-thru bolt motor, quick access to alter the discharge port position and service the impeller, and a unique Cam and Ramp cover. The OptiFlo pump comes with a 3 ft. cord and either a twist lock or a standard plug. Models in the OptiFlo series now conform with new Department of Energy (DOE) rules for energy efficiency standards.

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Hayward® Super Pump® continues to set the industry standard for quality and value, and the new Super Pump XE is no exception. Super Pump XE is the ideal pump for almost any pool, providing energy efficiency that exceeds Department of Energy criteria while reducing pump equipment expenses by nearly a third. It's the most versatile way to unbeatable value, with quick and easy installation and dual-voltage capability.

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The Krystal Clear™ Sand Filter Pump from Intex® keeps your above-ground pool water clean, soft, and refreshing. The sand provides great water filtration, and the 6-function control valve allows the pool owner to filter, backwash and rinse, recirculate, drain, and shut down the system. A flow rate of 3,000 gallons per hour, makes it suitable for above-ground pools. Except for sand change every 5 years, this pump requires almost no maintenance.

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This genuinely adaptable device enables slower filtering for a more quiet, consistent, and thorough job—all while saving a significant amount of money. Controls for all warmers, cleaners, salt systems, and even waterfalls are included. This pump runs cool, keeps dry, and is made to last thanks to permanent magnet technology and an enclosed construction.

This pump's horsepower is tailored for the shape and size of above-ground pools, and it not only turns over water at an ultra-efficient rate—it also helps you save money on your monthly energy bill.

Backed with guaranteed servicing, rebate eligibility, and craftsmanship from one of the world's most reputable manufacturers.

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The strong above-ground pumps are made of corrosion-resistant polymer and will provide years of dependable operation. This high-performance pump is whisper-quiet, energy-efficient, and self-priming. The top discharge design is compatible with most filters, and the extra big clear lid allows for easy cleaning. This water flowing dynamo will replace your old ineffective pump.

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Cleaning, filtration, and chlorine/salt distribution are all handled by the New SPPE Series 1850W Electric Swimming Pool Pump. It has a revolutionary removable strainer basket with built-in thermal overload protection – as the water circulates and goes through the filter, it cleans your pool of leaves, hair strands, trash, and other contaminants.

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The VIVOHOME swimming pool pump is constructed of a long-lasting PP plastic shell and a stainless motor that delivers high-performance suction power and excellent flow. This pool pump runs very smoothly and quietly. Its airflow ventilation aids in the circulation of water filtration and maintains your pool clean and sanitary. Ideal for all types and sizes of above-ground pools and spas.

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For basic filtration and circulation purposes, many consumers will opt for an entry-level pool pump. Using this Bestway Flowclear 2,500 Gallon Filter Pump, you can keep clean water circulating around your pool. This device will aid in keeping water clean during the summer months. The Bestway Flowclear filtration pump circulates the water by pumping it out of the pool, through a filter cartridge, and back again. Two hoses are included and connect to two different spots on the pool.

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One hose's loose end is linked to an inlet on the pool filtration pump, while the other hose's loose end is plugged into an outlet. At a rate of 2,500 gallons per hour, water is pumped out of the pool and via the intake line before being cleaned by the filter cartridge and pumped back through the output hose. It then restarts its trip, giving clean, clear, sanitary water.

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When looking for a new above- or below-ground pool pump, various criteria must be considered, including the pool's size, material, horsepower, and filter compatibility.

Pool owners must determine the minimum flow rate of a pump in order to acquire the appropriate size pump for the pool volume. The flow rate is expressed in metric gallons per minute and indicates how frequently the pump can filter the full contents of the pool each day. This figure is referred to as the turnover rate. The pump should be powerful enough to turn the pool over at least once a day, preferably twice.

You can either use an online pool pump calculator or perform the calculations manually. Divide the pool capacity by 24, which will give you the number of gallons per hour that a pump would need to circulate for a single day's circulation.

The majority of manufacturers do not advertise their pumps’ capacity in gallons per minute (or hour) because the flow rate is determined by elements other than the pump, such as the size of the piping, the plumbing fittings, the pool filter, and even the elevation of the pump in respect to the pool. All of these factors can cause resistance, reducing the pump's flow rate; this is most commonly referred to as head resistance.

Pool pumps operate on either 115-volt or 230-volt power supply, with the majority of pumps less than 2 horsepower being capable of operating on either. The majority of household appliances operate on 115 volts, whereas larger appliances, such as electric stoves and clothes dryers, require 230 volts.

"Ensure that you are aware of the power requirements for the pump you plan to purchase." says pool repair specialists – Fox Pools, "It's much more difficult to replace an old 115-volt pump with a 230-volt pump or vice versa than it is to install a pool pump that uses the same power source as the old one."

While some pool pumps can be plugged into regular 115-volt outlets, the majority are hardwired into the electrical infrastructure of your home. Keep in mind that if you utilize a plug-in pool pump, the receptacle must be GFCI-protected to avoid electrocution. If the outlet is within ten feet of the pool, it should also be a twist-lock style plug to prevent it from being wrenched out, potentially exposing the outlet to splashes.

When you’re attempting to unwind by the pool, a noisy pump can be a nuisance. Swimming pool pumps operate at a decibel level of 65 to 90, which is comparable to the sound of two persons conversing and a hairdryer. At the low end of this spectrum, the majority of contemporary pumps have designs for quiet operation. Pumps with completely enclosed motors operate quietly, at decibel levels in the 40s—roughly the same as a refrigerator.

For an inground pool, three types of filters are available: sand, cartridge, and DE (diatomaceous earth). While the majority of pumps are compatible with all filter types, compatibility should be verified prior to purchasing a pump. Additionally, each filter has a maximum flow rate that is determined by the filter type and size. Never operate a pump faster than the maximum flow rate of the filter, otherwise you risk damaging the filter.

Pool pumps have a wide range of energy efficiency ratings. While a single-speed pump is less expensive initially, variable-speed pumps eventually pay for themselves through energy savings. A variable-speed pump is programmable, allowing you to run it at a slower, more efficient pace during downtimes when the pool is not in use and no cleaning is necessary.

It may be tempting to get a 1.5-horsepower pump that is significantly more powerful than what your pool requires. However, you will pay more in energy expenditures than you would with a smaller pump that is more suited to the size of your pool.

Pool pump maintenance is an integral aspect of routine pool maintenance. A basket filters out hair, lint, and other particles that the poolside skimmer misses as the pump sucks in water. This filter must be cleaned on a regular basis, while some pumps incorporate huge baskets that allow for longer intervals between cleanings. Additionally, after cleaning the pool, you’ll want to clean the pump basket.

Because the pump requires air circulation to avoid overheating, never cover it or put trees or plants around it. Ensure that any air inlets on the pump motor are clean of debris. Cover the pump and motor during the off-season to prevent debris from accumulating on them.

Due to the fact that single-speed pool pumps have just one speed, the rate at which they pump water into and out of your pool is fixed. You cannot increase the speed of the pump to boost its cleaning power or decrease it to make it more energy-efficient. Single-speed pool pumps are designed to operate for around eight hours per day and should be capable of turning over the full volume of a pool at least once.

A dual-speed pump has two distinct power settings, providing you with two alternative speeds for circulating water in your pool. This enables you to operate at a faster pace when the pool is heavily used and requires additional filtration, or at a lower speed when there is minimal activity. While dual-speed pumps are more expensive than single-speed pumps, they save between 50% and 70% on energy expenditures.

A variable-speed pump allows you complete control over the pace of its circulation, allowing for micro-adjustments for best cleaning or energy economy. These pumps come equipped with programmable displays that allow you to adjust the pump speed throughout the day.

While these pumps are the most expensive of the three, their variable speed capability can save you up to 80% or more on energy bills over time. A variable-speed pump may operate at a lower speed 24 hours a day than a single-speed pump, churning over approximately double the amount of water with the same amount of energy.

Featured Photo Credit: Rising Sun Pools & Spas

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Pool News coverage brought to you by Pool Magazine's own Marcus Packer. Marcus Packer is a 20 year pool industry veteran pool builder and pool service technician. In addition to being a swimming pool professional, Marcus has been a writer and long time contributor for Newsweek Magazine's home improvement section and more recently for Florida Travel + Life. Have a story idea or tip you'd like to share with Pool Magazine? Email [email protected] your story idea.

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Get to know Aiper's 2023 Robotic Pool Cleaners

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When it comes to pool maintenance, Aiper has been making waves in the industry with their line of robotic pool cleaners. Consumers have been impressed by the technology and quality, and let's face it, the price point. With a rapidly increasing base of customers, they have fast become a trusted brand with pool owners. We got to take a sneak peek of their new products earlier this year at the International Pool Spa Patio Expo in Las Vegas and then caught up again with them at CES. On both occasions, there was a line in front of their booth of folks waiting to see the latest products.

With their 2023 lineup of pool cleaners, Aiper continues to impress pool owners and professionals alike with cutting-edge technology and superior cleaning performance. We’ll take a look at what's new and delve into the exciting features of Aiper's 2023 products Seagull SE and Seagull Plus, as well as the Elite Pro and the Seagull Pro.

Let's start with the Seagull SE. This cleaner really is an above-ground pool owner's dream as it does quite a lot at a very attractive price point, consequently, it's become one of the best-selling above-ground cleaners on Amazon and is highly rated by consumers with 4/5 stars.

This cordless robotic pool cleaner eliminates the hassle of messy hoses and tangled cords. With a simple power-on and submerge, the Seagull SE automatically begins its cleaning process, giving you a hands-free experience. The increased battery life is a significant improvement, taking only 2.5 hours to fully charge and providing over 90 minutes of continuous cleaning.

The Seagull SE is ideal for above-ground pools or small in-ground with flat floors. Powerful dual-drive motors ensure a thorough cleaning by effortlessly tracking down and collecting various types of dirt and debris.

The self-parking feature brings an added touch of convenience as the cleaner automatically stops near the edge of your pool when the battery is low or the cleaning cycle is complete. With its LED indicator, you can easily keep track of the cleaner's status. The Seagull SE truly lets your robot do the dirty work, giving you back your weekends to enjoy your pool.

Next up, the Seagull Plus takes cleaning performance to the next level. This cordless pool vacuum boasts stronger power suction and an extended cleaning time of 110 minutes. Equipped with powerful dual-drive motors, the Seagull Plus effortlessly tackles all types of debris, from dirt to stones, providing you with a pristine pool.

The cordless design ensures easy setup with one-click activation, making it a hassle-free experience. With its longer battery life, the Seagull Plus is perfect for larger round above-ground pools or in-ground flat-floored pools.

Additionally, the sophisticated water release system drains the cleaner in seconds, allowing for easy retrieval and portability. The LED indicator keeps you informed about the cleaner's status, ensuring a worry-free cleaning experience. Let the Seagull Plus do the dirty work while you enjoy your free time.

For those looking to venture into the wall climber market, Aiper introduces the Elite Pro. This cordless robotic pool cleaner is designed to tackle not only the pool floor but also the pool walls, making it suitable for all pool types, including above ground and in-ground pools of any shape. With its dual motor system and large inlet, the Elite Pro excels in collecting and filtering more dirt and debris, saving you time and leaving you with a crystal-clear pool.

Despite its remarkable cleaning capabilities, the Elite Pro weighs only 10 pounds, making it ultra-portable and easy to handle. The quick water release feature ensures effortless storage. Fast charging and improved battery life are additional benefits, with a full charge taking only 2-2.5 hours and providing up to 120 minutes of cleaning time.

When the battery is low, the Elite Pro's self-parking ability automatically brings it near the pool's edge for easy retrieval. Coupled with a 2-year warranty and worry-free customer service, the Elite Pro is a great addition to Aiper's lineup.

Lastly, we have the Seagull Pro, Aiper's most advanced pool cleaner to date. This cordless robotic pool cleaner is a powerhouse that rivals more sophisticated wall climbers like the Polaris 9450 and the Dolphin Nautilus CC. Featuring the world's first quad-motor system and WavePath Navigation Technology, the Seagull Pro delivers maximum efficiency at a minimal cost.

With its four-wheel drive system, the Seagull Pro effortlessly climbs pool walls and effectively scrubs the waterline, providing a comprehensive cleaning experience. The quad-motor system utilizes up to 200W of power to filter 130 gallons of water per minute, ensuring superior suction and trapping even the smallest debris, from leaves to dirt, pebbles, and sticks. The Seagull Pro's cleaning modes allow you to target specific trouble spots in your pool, ensuring a thorough clean every time.

One of the standout features of the Seagull Pro is its WavePath Navigation, which enables the pool vacuum to work under a fixed pattern, unlike traditional random patterns. This advanced navigation system maximizes pool coverage while minimizing energy consumption, making it 10 times more energy-efficient compared to other pool cleaners. The cordless design eliminates the hassle of tangled cords and complicated accessories. Simply drop the Seagull Pro into the pool, and it will take care of the cleaning while you enjoy your leisure time.

With an impressive runtime of up to 180 minutes, the Seagull Pro offers 60% longer battery life compared to other pool cleaners. Thanks to the improved battery system, the built-in 9000mAh battery powers the Seagull Pro for extended cleaning sessions. And with a shortened charging time of just 90 minutes, you can get back to enjoying your pool sooner.

The Seagull Pro is designed to handle pools of all shapes, including in-ground and above-ground pools, and can clean pools up to 3200 square feet in size. Its versatility and power make it an ideal choice for pool owners seeking a high-performance pool cleaner that can tackle even the most challenging cleaning tasks.

Yes, there's plenty to be excited about and with this fresh lineup of products. Aiper has underscored that they plan to continue to refine and improve upon their product line.

As you gear up for the summer season, we hope this look at Aiper's 2023 lineup of pool cleaners has helped better educate you about their latest products and has given you some insights into the exciting features and capabilities of these innovative products. Get ready to make the most of your pool and have an Aiper cleaner do the hard work for you.

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The industry has seen a significant leap forward in pool automation technology with the introduction of The Attendant, a universal control system developed by Poolside Tech based in New Hope, PA. This cloud-based automation system is revolutionizing the way pool owners manage their pool equipment, water quality, and energy usage, elevating the customer experience to a whole new level.

One of the standout features of The Attendant is its ability to continually monitor pool equipment from any manufacturer, as well as water quality and temperature, to determine the most energy-efficient way to have the pool ready for use. This means that regardless of the type of equipment a pool owner has, The Attendant can integrate and communicate effectively with it, making it a truly universal control system. This eliminates the need for multiple controllers for different components, simplifying the automation process and providing a seamless experience for the user.

The vendor-agnostic pool automation system developed by Poolside Tech, is designed to seamlessly integrate with the "Big 3" pool equipment manufacturers, providing a comprehensive solution for pool owners. This innovative system optimizes the energy usage of the entire pool system by intelligently coordinating the individual capabilities of each pool equipment, such as pumps, heaters, and filters, to ensure maximum efficiency.

To get a better understanding of the full capabilities of the product, we spoke with Chief Technology Officer, Stan Reznik of Poolside Tech, manufacturers of The Attendant.

"I think that the value proposition is probably the easiest one to tackle. One of the reasons why this product exists was that it was essentially impossible for a builder, service tech, or homeowner to pick and choose the components that they want. What we really were driving towards is giving consumers that choice," said Reznik.

"Unfortunately, with the bulk of existing products out there right now, automation only really works with a particular manufacturer's portfolio of equipment. We basically wanted a system where you could pick your favorite products no matter what they are," explained Reznik.

The Attendant's software goes beyond basic automation by providing an interface and applied intelligence that enables it to think and communicate effectively with both homeowners and service providers. This allows pool owners to have complete control over their pool's operation and maintenance, while also providing valuable data and insights for service providers to monitor and optimize pool performance.

Energy-saving capabilities are one of The Attendant's most powerful features. During the initial configuration process, the system allows users to input their current energy rates, or a national average can be used as a default. From there, The Attendant analyzes and records the performance of each component, reporting energy consumption and associated costs for both electricity and gas, broken down by device type. This allows pool owners to track their energy usage and costs in real-time, helping them make informed decisions about their pool's operation and identify areas for potential energy savings.

"We’ve done this with pumps, salt systems, lights. We certainly aim to support everybody's heaters, chillers and so forth. We are even introducing new capabilities into things like valves, for example, where we’ve got some unique patents on being able to control a valve that previously was simply controlled by its limit switches," said Reznik.

Real-time notifications are also something that is bound to appeal to pool contractors as The Attendant is capable of sending alerts when filters are dirty, pipes are obstructed, pumps aren't operating, water levels are low, valves aren't functioning, or salt cells aren't working properly.

Perhaps one of the most unique features of The Attendant is its ability to leverage weather forecasts and historical pool performance data to predict when to activate the pool's HVAC system.

"Think of it in a Google Maps-type analogy where you don't usually tell Google much except where you want to get to and when it's the software's job to then figure out how to make that happen. That's kind of what we do. You’re simply going to say, ‘I want to go swimming and I want my hot tub at 102 at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday’ and that's what the system will do. It will wake up hours before you scheduled it, look at the weather forecast and it will make an intelligent determination of how to get you from where you are to where you want to be," said Reznik.

By taking into account factors such as ambient temperature, wind speed, UV index, and cloud cover, The Attendant can automatically adjust the pool's HVAC system to maintain the desired temperature efficiently. This not only saves energy by avoiding unnecessary heating, but it also ensures that the pool is always at the right temperature when the homeowner wants to use it, providing a convenient and comfortable swimming experience.

In addition to energy savings, The Attendant also simplifies pool maintenance through its fully integrated chemistry management system. It can monitor water quality using pH or ORP probes and automatically dispense chemicals to maintain the water's pH and sanitizer levels. This eliminates the guesswork and manual effort required for regular pool maintenance, ensuring that the water is always safe and clear for swimming.

Furthermore, The Attendant is the only automation system on the market that is NSF 50-listed as a Water Quality Monitoring Controller for any pool pad. This means that it meets the stringent standards set by the International Association of Plumbing & Mechanical Officials (IAMPO) Laboratories for water quality monitoring and control. This certification provides pool owners with peace of mind knowing that their pool water is being monitored and controlled to the highest standards of safety and quality.

"The next step to that would be if you have the ability to run a dosing system that would dispense acid for PH control or CO2 or liquid chlorine. We can do that as well," explained Reznik. "If you have a classic setup where you have a separate automation system and a separate chemical controller, what will typically happen is say when the pH level is too high, it's going to then go into its dosing mode. It's completely unaware of the fact that, let's say the spa jets are on, which means that likely you are in that spa. What it's going to do is it will begin dosing acid at you while you’re in the spa giving you a bit of an acid bath. Whereas with the attendant, we understand that there's a need for dropping your pH, but now is not a perfect time."

The Attendant also offers convenient and customizable access control features. Its "Airbnb mode" allows pool owners to grant limited access to other pool users, such as guests or teenage children. Users can set specific profiles with restricted access to certain pool features and set maximum temperature limits to avoid excessive energy usage.

The Attendant's user-friendly interface is designed to be accessed through a smartphone, making it convenient and easy to manage pool automation on the go. With this type of pool automation technology home owners can control their pool's operation, monitor energy usage and water quality, and receive notifications and alerts from anywhere using their handheld devices, providing them with complete control and peace of mind.

Overall, The Attendant represents a giant leap forward in pool automation technology by offering advanced features such as energy-saving capabilities, personalized recommendations, and remote access, while also being NSF 50-listed for water quality monitoring and control. Pool owners can now enjoy a hassle-free and energy-efficient pool ownership experience with The Attendant, which elevates the customer experience and sets a new standard for pool automation technology.

Pool builders can also benefit from embracing the technological advancements of The Attendant. By offering The Attendant as part of their pool installation package, pool builders can differentiate themselves in the market by providing a cutting-edge and environmentally-friendly solution to their customers. The Attendant's energy-saving features and water quality monitoring capabilities are attractive selling points for eco-conscious pool owners who are looking for sustainable and efficient pool automation options.

Listen to our entire conversation with Stan Reznik, CTO of Poolside Tech, and learn more about The Attendant on the Pool Magazine podcast.

Learn about the new DOE regulations regarding inefficient lighting

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New Energy Conservation Standards for General Service Lamps, recently passed by the U.S. Department of Energy, are set to impact the pool and spa industry. These regulations, which apply to all lamps emitting between 310 and 3,300 lumens, are designed to manage energy usage in various applications and industries, including pools and spas.

Under these regulations, all lamps falling within the specified lumen range must emit at least 45 lumens per watt. This requirement applies to both traditional lamps and LED lights, although many LED products currently comply with the standards.

It's important to note that the enforcement timeline for these regulations is more stringent than previous rules. As of January 1, 2023, manufacturers are no longer permitted to produce, sell, or import non-compliant lights. Violators may face penalties for non-compliance.

To get a better understanding of the new regulations we spoke with Ben Forrest of PAL Lighting, one of the industry leaders in the pool lighting sector.

"The bottom line is the Department of Energy has made a decision that they want to introduce legislation to stop the continual use of really inefficient lighting," explained Forrest, "most importantly, this is not just for the pool industry. This is right across the entire lighting sector and electrical sector nationwide. The legislation relates to what they call GSL's, or General Service Lamps, defined as lamps that either have an anti-screw fitting or pin connections."

"It doesn't include nicheless lights or the niche lights that are full fixture lights. It does include LED lamps, but any light that is not a lamp is not included under this. So the obvious target for the Department of Energy is the incandescent lamps," said Forrest.

"What they’ve said is that any lamp that doesn't produce at least 45 lumens of light per watt is not considered energy efficient, and it's not sufficient to pass the legislation. Now, that will rule out virtually every incandescent lamp immediately, and it will rule out a lot of the LED lamps," explained Forrest.

What this news means is that distributors and retailers are also subject to these regulations. As of March 1, 2023, retailers are prohibited from selling non-compliant lights. Companies selling non-compliant lights between March 1 and July 31 will face reduced penalties, but starting August 1, full penalties will be imposed on distributors and retailers who continue to sell non-compliant lights.

"They’re giving a grace period where you’re not going to get penalized too bad or a reduced penalty period, which may be nothing more than a written warning. Most likely that's what it's going to be for first offenses, but if you’re caught repeatedly, they’re going to start issuing fines," warns Forrest.

These regulations are part of the DOE's efforts to promote energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption in various industries, including the pool and spa industry. It's essential for pool contractors and consumers to be aware of and comply with these new standards to avoid penalties and ensure environmentally responsible practices.

Listen to our entire conversation with Ben Forrest of PAL Lighting and learn more about the new DOE lighting regulations on the Pool Magazine podcast.

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