Forget calling in a pool expert to install your new pump. You are the expert! Or at least you could be, by following Rigby Pool’s Services’s installation tutorial below. He walks step-by-step through the installation, the plumbing, and the wiring process. Give it a watch and you’ll see that almost anyone can take the DIY route for this task.
He’s installing the BLACK+DECKER Variable-Speed Pump, and you should, too. Read on to discover just why. If you miss anything in Rigby Pool Services’s tutorial, find the detailed steps below.
First, Why You Should Have a Variable-Speed Pump
There are three pool pump types currently on the market: single-speed pumps, dual-speed pumps, and variable-speed pumps.
Single-speed pumps were the first engineered, and remain the most basic type available. A single-speed pump’s motor works at one fixed velocity—meaning it has no option to adjust to the needs of your specific pool. As a result, single-speed pumps are known to result in higher energy bills and environmental impact.
Dual-speed pumps are a step above single-speed and a step below variable-speed by offering two speed options: low and high. The low will save on energy costs (though not nearly as much as a variable-speed pump) and the high will be similar in performance to that of a single-speed pump. It’s a step in the right direction, but there’s no reason to not go all the way.
Every pool owner should have a variable-speed pump. That’s because this pump type allows you to control the speed of the motor according to your specific needs. This means that there’s no energy wasted: resulting in lower monthly bills for you and less environmental impact. While initially more expensive to buy than single-speed models, variable-speed pumps will save you more than the difference of cost over time—and typically pay themselves off in energy costs in under one year.
Need a little less horsepower? Try the BLACK + DECKER 1.5 Energy Star Certified Variable-Speed Pump, which comes with a two-year warranty and pays itself off with up to 80% of energy costs saved in all phases of operation. As customer Michael S. wrote, “Nice pump. Looks and works great!”
Best on the Market: The BLACK+DECKER Variable-Speed Pump
So now you know that variable-speed pumps are the way to go. But how can you choose one that’s right for you?
Usually I’d help you find the right pump by breaking down the speed of the pump, the horsepower of the pump, the size of the pump and its plumbing connections, and the features you’re looking for. But thanks to the BLACK+DECKER Variable-Speed Pump’s industry-topping versatility, I can recommend this powerful pump to any owner of an inground pool.
So how exactly does this model’s flexibility work for everyone? First of all, it adjust speeds for your specific needs, and comes in all horsepower options. It also has an adjustable base to replace most inground pool pump and comes in different plumbing size options. Finally, it’s ultra-quiet and has all the features (and more) of its competitors.
It’s not just the short answer. It’s also the right one. Let’s delve into the details.
Power
Not to be confused with speed, horsepower is the amount of work capable by the motor. The higher the horsepower, the greater the volume of water pumped, and the faster it’ll filter through your system.
However, the highest possible horsepower isn’t always the best option. Before going all in on a flashy horsepower, check how it might operate in relationship to your larger pool system. Small filters can be overwhelmed by high horsepower, but larger filters might need the extra power. Long run of pool plumbing might also warrant a higher HP, as would a pool with water features like deck jets or a waterfall.
Regardless of your needs, the BLACK+DECKER variable-speed pump has a horsepower option for you: it comes in 1.5 HP, 2 HP, and market-topping 3 HP models.
Features
The most central aspect of this particular variable-speed pump is its programming features. A common-sense interface with four programmable speeds allows for optimal flows specific to you and your pool’s needs. And since the unit includes self-diagnostic technology, its programming is also ultra-reliable.
This pump’s motor is entirely enclosed, which keeps out debris, supports a smooth and powerful circulation, and increases the unit’s longevity.
It also comes with a five-year warranty, so no doomsday scenarios here.
Operation
This variable-speed pump has magnet technology similar to that found in electric cars. As a result, the BLACK+DECKER pump uses an ultra-quiet motor and utilizes cooler operation to last.
Since we’re talking install—do you have a pool alarm yet? Make sure to get one that is ASTM certified—this is not the kind of device that has any room for manufacturer error. I recommend the PoolWatch Certified ASTM Alarm. It’s loaded with patented features that immediately alarm you to the happenings around your pool, all while circumventing false alarms.
How to Replace and Install a BLACK+DECKER Variable-Speed Pool Pump
Missed a part in the video above? Here’s the play by play for how to install this maket-topping variable-speed pump.
Out with the Old, In with the (Right-Sized) New
First of all, you want to make sure that you have the right-sized pump (again, this unit comes with an adjustable base for sizing versatility) as well as plumbing and voltage. If it checks out, make sure the power to your pump is off completely by turning off the breaker and verifying with a multimeter.
Then, loosen the unions on your plumbing and take the whole old pump off. Next, disconnect its electrical by loosening the screws on the pump’s back side panel on its motor (not housing) side. These lines will be the ground connector, line one, and line two, which screw right off. Their colors may vary, so pay attention to where they were connected in the original pump.
Connecting Lines to the New Pump
Next, connect the new BLACK+DECKER Variable-Speed Pump to power—with the breaker still off! Make sure the multimeter is still confirming that there is no electricity running to the pump. To connect, feed the ground connector, line one, and line two wires in. Trim and tighten them down, making sure to connect all copper wire at the bonding pad. Screw the power cords in until they don’t move or touch each other.
Next, secure the cover over the ground connector, line 1, and line 2 screws. This side panel makes the pump much easier to work with during this step.
Finish Installing Your New Pump by Connecting Plumbing
Drop your new pump in place, and use the adjustable base to better align with plumbing if needed.
Next, connect plumbing to the pump. This is where it gets really fun, and where the video is especially helpful to break down the process. Clean your plumbing with pipe cleaner and primer before connection. Connections should be wet with primer and glue should be applied in an even coat. Put on the plumbing’s thread before gluing both parts of the union. This is super important or you’ll have to cut out plumbing and redo. When you’re ready, push in each pipe, give it a turn, and hold in place for the glue to dry—about 20 seconds in the summer, a minute or so in the winter.
Gluing together plumbing also means routinely measuring and cutting new pipes using an electric saw. Make sure to be specific and exact when measuring, and leave at least 1.5” of extra pipe to connect. Then, use a knife to clean up the cut and prepare the pipes for glue.
For a clean look and easier flow, try to have as much straight pipe in front of the pump as possible (and if you’re interested in looks, do all your plumbing label down!).
This last step is also the easiest: use that straightforward programming interface on your new BLACK+DECKER pump to program its operation by RPMs, time of day, and duration.
Enjoy your new pump!
For additional information on pool pump costs, you can check this article. What size pump do you need for your pool? Learn more here.
