Editor’s Correction on DOE Pump Motor Compliance
Several readers have asked for a correction regarding the sale and installation of single-speed pump motors under the new 2025 DOE rule.

Our article (October 1, 2025, “New rule: DOE mandates VS pool pumps”) stated that installing a non-compliant single-speed motor after the compliance date could result in non-compliance. To be precise, the DOE regulation prohibits manufacture and import of non-compliant motors after September 29, 2025. Motors that were built prior to that date may continue to be sold through distribution channels and installed by service professionals until inventories are depleted.

So in practice:
* Manufacturers must cease production of non-compliant motors after the deadline.
* Distributors, retailers, and dealers may continue to sell pre-deadline inventory.
* Installers may legally: sell, install, and use these motors in the field, provided the unit was manufactured before September 29, 2025.
This is similar to how the 2021 pump assembly rule was enforced.
We appreciate our readers’ diligence in keeping the industry accurate and informed on regulatory compliance.