Most pool owners run their pump the same way it came set up — often at full speed, all day. That approach works, but it costs far more than it needs to. Understanding why your pump has different speeds — and when to use each one — can save you hundreds of dollars a year and extend your equipment's life.
Your Three Pump Modes
Smart Pool AI gives you direct control over three pump modes, each designed for a different purpose:
🌊 Pool Mode · Low Speed
Daily Filtration — Your Workhorse
Low-speed filtration is what keeps your water clear. Running 8–12 hours per day at low speed is all most pools need for clean, healthy water. At low speed, your pump uses a fraction of the electricity compared to high speed — often 80% less. Run this overnight during off-peak hours and the savings add up fast.
🛁 Spa Mode · Medium Speed
Spa Jets — Comfort & Circulation
When the spa is on, the pump automatically runs at higher speed to power the jets. Smart Pool AI handles this transition automatically — you just tap "Spa On" and the system adjusts. No manual pump adjustment needed.
⚡ High Speed Pump · Maximum Flow
Power Cleaning, Backwash & Waterfall
High speed is for when you need maximum water flow: vacuuming the pool, backwashing the filter, running the waterfall feature at full strength, or preparing for a big event. High speed uses significantly more energy, so use it purposefully — but when you need it, it makes a real difference.
Screenshot: Pump Controls in Smart Pool AI
Toggle each pump mode directly from the home screenTurn on the high speed pump
"Alexa, ask Smart Pool to turn on the high speed pump."
✓ High speed pump on.
Turn on the spa (medium speed for jets)
"Alexa, ask Smart Pool to start the spa."
✓ Starting the spa. It will heat up shortly.
Turn on the pool (low speed filtration)
"Alexa, ask Smart Pool to turn on the pool."
✓ Pool turned on.
The Energy Savings Are Real
Variable speed pumps (which your IntelliCenter likely uses) follow the "affinity law" — power consumption drops with the cube of the speed reduction. That means running at half speed uses roughly one-eighth the power of full speed. It's not a small difference.
💰 Real example
A pool pump running 8 hrs/day at high speed might cost ~$80/month in electricity. The same pump running at low filtration speed for 10 hrs/day: under $15/month. Same clean water, a fraction of the cost.
The Smart Pump Schedule
The best pump strategy for most pools:
- 10pm–8am: Low-speed filtration runs overnight (off-peak electricity rates)
- During pool use: Higher speed for jets and features as needed
- Weekly: High-speed backwash for 2–3 minutes to clean the filter
- As needed: High speed for vacuuming (about 30 min)
You can build this into a Scene or schedule it directly through Smart Pool AI — set it once, and your pump runs optimally every day without any thought.
Screenshot: Pump Schedule in Smart Pool AI
Set your pump to run overnight automatically for maximum efficiency💡 Expert Pool Tip
Run your pump during off-peak electricity hours. In most states, electricity costs 30–50% less between 9pm and 6am. Running your filtration pump overnight — instead of during the day — requires zero change to your pool care routine but can meaningfully reduce your monthly bill. Check your utility provider's Time-of-Use rates.
🎙️ Control your pump with your voice
"Alexa, ask Smart Pool to turn on the high speed pump." Perfect for when you're out at the pool and your phone is inside.
Learn about the Alexa skill →📱 Schedule your pump automatically
Set your pump to run overnight at low speed — once in the app, it runs every night automatically. Zero effort, real savings.
Download Smart Pool AI →