E-273 Pool Nation Podcast - What Pool Pros Must Know Before It’s Too Late. Goodbye Single Speeds!

The pool industry is experiencing a seismic shift that every pool professional needs to understand—and fast. If you're still relying on single-speed motors for your service calls, you're about to face a reality that will fundamentally change how you approach equipment replacements. The new Department of Energy (DOE) regulations have officially ended the era of single-speed pool motors, but this isn't just another regulatory hurdle—it's actually a golden opportunity for savvy pool pros who know how to leverage the change.

The Regulation Reality: What Changed and When

The confusion around DOE regulations isn't surprising, given the phased implementation over several years. Many pool professionals thought they understood the timeline, only to discover they'd been operating under incomplete information.

In July 19th, 2021, all pump manufacturers, meaning assembling a motor with the wet end in a box, whole goods, could no longer put a single speed motor onto that pump if it was between the horsepowers of 1.15 total horsepower to 5 horsepower. And most recently, they've added to that law. So this is an amendment or an addendum to that law. It's the same law, but they've included replacement motors.

— Tim Moore, Pool Nation Podcast

Here's what actually happened: The 2021 regulation targeted complete pump assemblies, but replacement motors were still available. That grace period officially ended on September 29, 2025. Motor manufacturers can no longer produce single-speed motors in the 1.15 to 5 horsepower range, though existing inventory remains legal to sell until depleted.

But there's more coming. The regulations don't stop here—another wave is planned for September 2027 that will extend the variable-speed requirement down to 0.5 horsepower motors, essentially covering the entire spectrum of residential pool equipment.

Why This Isn't the Disaster You Think It Is

If you're feeling overwhelmed by these changes, you're not alone. Many pool professionals initially viewed this regulation as an unwelcome complication. However, industry veterans are seeing something different: opportunity.

This is a great opportunity for pool professionals. Whereas maybe six or eight or nine months ago, there's a cross section of people out there that didn't even want to think about it. But here's the change. They've got to think about it now because there won't be single speeds in another six to nine months.

— Tim Moore, Pool Nation Podcast

The key shift in thinking comes from understanding that you now have more solutions to offer customers, not fewer. Previously, when a motor failed, you had limited options: replace with another single-speed or sell an entirely new pump system. Now, variable-speed replacement motors provide a middle ground that can satisfy different budget constraints while delivering superior performance.

Consider the customer who can't afford a $3,000-$3,500 complete pump replacement but needs their pool running. A variable-speed replacement motor offers compliance with current regulations, energy savings, and improved filtration—all at a more accessible price point.

Installation Reality: It's Different, Not Difficult

One of the biggest concerns among service technicians is whether variable-speed motors will complicate their daily routine. The honest answer? Yes, it's different from the simple "hook up high voltage and walk away" days of single-speed motors.

I've been representing electric motors in the pool industry for 30 years. And for up until a year and a half ago, you hook them up to high voltage and they run or they don't run. And there wasn't much else to worry about now. And now they all have computers on them.

— Tim Moore, Pool Nation Podcast

However, the learning curve isn't as steep as you might fear. Most pool professionals already have experience with variable-speed pumps, so the programming concepts aren't entirely foreign. The physical installation process remains largely the same—the motor mounts identically to single-speed units. The additional time investment comes in the setup and programming phase, but experts suggest this typically adds only minutes to a standard service call.

The real challenge isn't technical complexity—it's developing the knowledge to properly utilize variable-speed capabilities. Understanding how to optimize runtime schedules, adjust speeds for different pool functions, and educate customers about their new system's capabilities becomes crucial for delivering value.

The Customer Conversation: Turning Regulation into Value

How you present this change to customers can make the difference between a reluctant compliance purchase and an enthusiastic upgrade. The key lies in focusing on benefits rather than requirements.

Start with the financial impact. In areas with high electricity costs—some regions now paying over 40 cents per kilowatt-hour—the energy savings from variable-speed operation can be dramatic. A single-speed motor running at full power for 8 hours daily consumes significantly more electricity than a variable-speed unit running 24 hours at optimized speeds.

To be able to have that water run for an extended period of time and be able to save money while doing it is a win-win for everybody. And if you understand the pricing and what it costs to actually run a pump, for instance, my area, our electricity isn't as bad as some areas, but we're like 18 cents, 19 cents a kilowatt, which is pretty cheap for California.

— JJ Flawless, Pool Nation Podcast

But energy savings isn't the only selling point. Extended filtration time means better water quality, more consistent chemical distribution, and reduced risk of algae formation. When customers understand that they're getting superior pool maintenance while spending less on electricity, the value proposition becomes clear.

Strategic Business Implications for Pool Professionals

This regulation represents more than just a product change—it's reshaping the pool service business model. Smart professionals are already adapting their approach to capitalize on these shifts.

First, inventory management becomes critical. With single-speed motor production halted, your existing stock has increased value, but it also has an expiration date in terms of customer demand. Balancing current inventory with future needs requires strategic planning.

Second, the technical knowledge gap creates competitive advantages for early adopters. Pool professionals who master variable-speed motor installation, programming, and optimization will differentiate themselves from competitors still struggling with the transition.

Third, the expanded solution set enables better customer retention and increased average transaction values. Instead of losing customers who can't afford complete system replacements, you now have intermediate options that keep them in your service ecosystem.

Future-Proofing Your Pool Business

Looking ahead, the trend toward energy efficiency and smart pool technology will only accelerate. The 2027 expansion to smaller horsepower motors signals that regulators view this transition as successful and worth extending.

Pool professionals should begin preparing for this next wave now. Understanding the technology, building relationships with motor suppliers, and developing expertise in variable-speed systems positions your business for long-term success.

Additionally, consider the broader implications. As energy costs continue rising and environmental consciousness grows, customers will increasingly value efficiency improvements. Pool professionals who can articulate energy savings, demonstrate reduced environmental impact, and deliver superior pool performance will thrive in this evolving market.

This is a fun market. And it's a great time to be here and discuss all this with you guys.

— Jim D'Angelo, Pool Nation Podcast

The regulatory changes forcing the end of single-speed motors aren't just compliance requirements—they're catalysts for industry evolution. Pool professionals who embrace this change, invest in understanding the technology, and focus on delivering customer value will find themselves better positioned than ever.

Rather than viewing these regulations as obstacles, consider them opportunities to upgrade your service offerings, improve customer satisfaction, and build a more sustainable business model. The pool industry's future is variable-speed, and that future is already here.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome
• 03:15 DOE Regulation Timeline Explained
• 08:30 Impact on Service Professionals
• 15:45 Installation Complexity Discussion
• 22:10 Customer Communication Strategies
• 28:30 Energy Efficiency and Cost Benefits
• 35:20 Future Regulatory Changes