By Marcelle Dibrell

A federal law ending the sale of most single-speed pool pump motors went into effect on September 29, 2025. The new regulation closes the loophole on the U.S. Department of Energy’s efficiency standards, effectively mandating variable-speed pumps for most swimming pool applications.

The new pump regulation completes a two-stage regulatory overhaul by the DOE.

That’s because the September DOE regulation represents the second half of a two-stage rollout that began in 2021, when energyefficiency standards first targeted entire pump assemblies. At that time, single-speed pumps within a certain horsepower range were prohibited from being manufactured or sold. However, replacement pump motors were not covered by the original rules, leaving service professionals and homeowners free to continue repairing older pumps with singlespeed motors.

That meant that although a homeowner could not replace a broken single-speed pump with a like pump, it remained possible to simply swap out the motor, sometimes

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The DOE rules for “Dedicated-Purpose Pool Pumps” (DPPP) came into effect on July 19, 2021. These rules required all pool pumps manufactured or imported to meet certain minimum energy-efficiency standards.

Under the 2021 rule, many singlespeed pumps — especially those with total horsepower (THP) above certain levels — could not meet the new efficiency thresholds. These thresholds favored variable-speed pumps because their ability to run at lower speeds for much of their duty cycle makes them far more efficient.

But the 2021 regulation left replacement motors (i.e. motors sold separately to repair or refurbish existing pumps) largely exempt from the new energy conservation standards, allowing many service operations to continue using or selling single-speed motors for repair.

With the loophole now closed, the sale of most single-speed replacement motors is no longer permitted. Industry experts note that the new standard is designed to further reduce residential and commercial energy consumption, as variable-speed technology can cut electricity usage by up to 70 percent compared to older single-speed designs.

For service professionals, the transition means rethinking replacement options and preparing customers for higher upfront costs while trying to shift the focus to longterm energy savings.

What the 2025 rule does

The 2025 regulation applies to “Dedicated-Purpose Pool Pump Motors.”

Key points:

• All replacement motors with total horsepower (THP) between 1.15 and 5.0 must be variable speed as of September 29, 2025.

• Motors with THP between 0.5 and 1.15 have until September 28, 2027, to meet the variable-speed requirement.

• Motors under 0.5 THP will instead have to meet minimum efficiency standards, though variable speed is not mandated for that class.

• Some classes are exempt. For example, motors for waterfall pumps; rigid electric spa pumps; integral sand-cartridge pool filter motors; or polyphase motors (in certain configurations) are not subject to the rule.

What this means for pump installers:

• Compliance and liability: Pool service professionals will need to ensure that any replacement motor they sell or install meets the new standard once the relevant compliance date passes. Because replacement motors now must meet these standards (depending on their THP class and the date of replacement), many singlespeed replacement motors previously used in repair work will no longer be legal for sale or installation after the effective dates. Service professionals must ensure parts they use or stock comply. Using a non-compliant single-speed motor in the 1.15–5.0 THP range after September 29, 2025, could lead to legal or regulatory exposure.

• Inventory management challenges: Distributors, manufacturers, and retailers will need to phase out singlespeed replacement motors in certain horsepower ranges, update product lines, and possibly manage leftover stock carefully. Existing stock made before the compliance dates may still be sold in some cases, depending on the specific class and regulation, but after September 29, non-compliant motors must not be distributed in commerce.

Furthermore, service professionals and installers need to become familiar with the “THP” (Total Horsepower) classification used in the rule, which is not simply the nameplate horsepower stamped on the motor. THP is calculated by multiplying the motor’s rated horsepower by its service factor, and it more accurately reflects the motor’s true output. This means that a motor labeled as 1 horsepower with a 1.65 service factor, for example, has a THP of 1.65 — and therefore falls under the variable-speed requirement. For pool pros, understanding this distinction is critical when selecting compliant replacement motors, advising customers, and avoiding accidental installation of noncompliant equipment.

And because variable-speed pumps have become the de facto swimming pool pump technology, it may be useful to focus on positive features.

For example, service technicians can advise customers about higher upfront costs of variable-speed motors, balanced against long-term energy savings and potential rebates or utility incentives.

Energy savings / cost savings: Variable-speed pool pump motors are much more efficient. Over time, the reduction in electricity usage can yield meaningful savings for pool owners (for both residential and light commercial uses).

Long-term durability and performance: Variable-speed motors often operate more quietly, run at lower speeds for basic tasks (like filtration), and avoid the wear and tear that single-speed motors subject themselves to.

For pool service professionals, the September 29 compliance date means that virtually all new or replacement motors for many pool pumps will need to be variable speed (or otherwise meet the updated efficiency specs) in order to be lawful and competitive.