The new DOE pump regulations are coming into effect in July 2021 and we understand business owners may have some concerns about what this could mean for them (if you don’t already know the details, visit our resource center here). We at Hayward want to do our best to keep you informed and give you peace of mind. Changes can be daunting, but the new standards will be nothing but beneficial for everyone. Below, we answer some of our most common questions:

Do you think builders, service professionals and retailers can gain a business advantage by being proactive in compliance with the July 2021 DOE pump regulations? 

Definitely. Selling DOE-compliant pumps—many of which will be variable-speed models—is a win-win scenario for pool professionals and consumers. When it comes to selling compliant variable-speed models, pool pros will benefit financially because of their higher price point, while consumers will save energy and money from the increased efficiency—plus, they’ll enjoy other benefits like noticeably quieter operation, too. Compliance with the new DOE regulations is mandatory, so it’s beneficial to prepare early and maximize selling opportunities. 

Because of the new DOE regulations, manufacturers will be required to meet minimum energy- efficiency requirements for every pump they produce. This new method of measuring energy efficiency is based on a pump’s weighted energy factor (WEF)—the higher the WEF rating, the more efficient the pump. For the first time, consumers will be able to compare the energy efficiency of a variety of pool pumps (similar to comparing MPG ratings when purchasing a new car), helping them make better, more educated choices for their pools. 

Pool pumps manufactured on and after July 19, 2021 will be required to be labeled with their WEF ratings, helping pool pros and pool owners more easily evaluate and compare the energy efficiency across models and brands. 

Builders, service professionals and retailers can gain yet another advantage by being proactive in educating their customers about new compliance standards and WEF ratings. This helps consumers learn how to choose more efficient pumps, ultimately lowering their energy costs and utility bills.

What is Hayward doing to help prepare the industry for DOE implementation in July 2021? 

First and foremost, Hayward is helping the industry prepare by offering the broadest range of DOE- compliant pool pumps—including a variety of single-speed options. Contrary to some industry misconceptions, many Hayward single-speed pumps will be DOE-compliant and will continue to be manufactured and sold. More specifically, Hayward Super Pump and MaxFlo XL single-speed pumps 1 HP and lower will meet the new DOE energy-efficiency standards and will be fully compliant. 

Hayward is also helping the industry stay ahead of the curve by designing product solutions that far exceed the new efficiency requirements. For example, all Hayward variable-speed pumps already pass the most stringent ENERGY STAR 3.0 standards. Plus, Hayward’s portfolio of pumps has some of the best weighted energy factor (WEF) ratings in the industry—and our variable-speed pumps (higher than 1 HP) are the most energy efficient on the market. However, we understand this only matters if pool pros and consumers understand what WEF is and why it’s important when choosing a pump— which is why we’re also focusing heavily on education. 

Hayward has taken a leadership approach to the DOE regulatory changes and is working to educate both the trade and homeowners on what it means for them. By diving into new terms and concepts, explaining what they mean and why they’re important, we’re helping the trade make informed decisions about their businesses and helping homeowners make the best decisions for their pools. 

Hayward recently launched a dedicated DOE Resource Center at hayward.com/regulations that’s loaded with fact sheets, FAQs, videos, infographics, blog articles, whitepapers, recorded webinars, tradeshow class trainings and more. This site will be updated regularly with key DOE updates, important news and other useful resources for continued help on navigating the upcoming changes. We’ve also created a dedicated email address for questions on the regulations, so it’s easy to get in touch with our experts: just send an email to [email protected] 

As we saw with VGB, there will likely be companies that will put off changing their practices until the new DOE regs take effect. What are the downsides of not preparing your business for this new law? 

The key risk of pool pros not preparing their businesses is the uncertainty of exactly when non- compliant pool pumps will no longer be available in specific regions and territories. While inventory of non-compliant pumps will not have to be returned or exchanged after July 2021 and will still be available while supplies last, businesses that don’t take steps to change their practices in advance may find themselves with little-to-no time to transition to compliant pump models, jeopardizing their selling opportunities. 

In the eyes of their customers, there’s also a competitive risk of being left behind by not keeping up with the latest industry technologies. The new DOE regulations will significantly increase awareness of and preference for variable-speed pumps, and failing to appropriately prepare for the regulations may put companies at a distinct competitive disadvantage.

The contents of this blog were originally published in AQUA Magazine’s May 2020 issue.

Missed our March webinar with AQUA Magazine concerning the upcoming DOE regulation changes? We have it on replay. Be prepared and watch it here:

Visit our DOE Regulations Resources Page, here.

What does this mean for pool owners? Click here to read our blog.

As always, stay tuned to the Poolside Blog (or better yet, sign up for our blog newsletter!) and follow us on our socials (Instagram,  Facebook,  Houzz, Pinterest) for more helpful tips and all things Hayward!

The post The New DOE Pump Regulations: Your Business, Our Industry, and How Its All Affected appeared first on Hayward POOLSIDE Blog.

Are you looking to spruce up your backyard with a pool, but you’re concerned about space, your needs and desires, and the unique qualities of your yard? You may be surprised at the amount of things you may need to consider. You may also be surprised to learn you have more options than you think and no, we’re not talking about inflatable above-ground pools. If you’re reading this you might be concerned about how small your yard is, where the ideal location for a pool may be, and what options there are for you, that you may not know about.

Consider Backyard Living Space for Starters

Adding a pool is more than just… adding a pool. A yard needs room to breathe. Space for greenery, furniture, and other recreational or relaxation activities is recommended and should be considered. Fire pit? Dining area? Lounge area? Bar? Even if you have a small yard, do not surrender all that precious real estate to your new splash zone. Plan well, maximize your backyard space, and be smart about the size of your pool. Think about how you will want to use your yard year-around and plan accordingly.

Is privacy a concern? Look around and assess the situation regarding your neighbors. Do you live in a noisy area? Add some water features to distract. Have a lot of greenery? Green space adds natural beauty to your yard. Trees, plants, and grass help cool and filter the air and are natural noise blockers too. Also think about foliage and debris that will end up in your pool if any greenery is nearby. There’s no need to manually clean that debris out of your pool! Check out the automatic pool cleaners that can do the work for you. Also, think about the areas where you would like sunlight and where you would like shade and make the necessary changes to your yard.

Your kids, pets, and guests will also appreciate any empty space for other needs, especially when the pool is not operational. Even if furniture wasn’t present before, it will be essential once your pool is up and running. We’re sure you wouldn’t want wet floors – or wet everything when guests step out of the pool and have nowhere else to go. Also consider the space that might be needed for safety measures like fencing – especially if you have children and pets.

Who’s Your Pool For?

Think of your family and potential guests, too. Whether you plan on having parties every weekend and have kids who are extremely active or if you’d simply like a new relaxation station or small swim spa for you and your partner, plan appropriately. You’ll need a few extras if you’re in the former camp and therefore, a larger yard. If in the latter scenario, a small inground pool or a small above ground pool may look awkward in a large, backyard space. Consider what’s best for your yard in addition to what you need and want.  

Analyzing Your Backyard For Placement

Keep in mind some essential pool surroundings and features as you think about placement. More elaborate decks or new patios, new landscaping, and new backyard amenities will likely take up more backyard space than the actual pool. Also consider the multitude of different designs and shapes your pool can take according to any restrictions your yard may have or the creativity you might want to unleash. Pools are more than just squares, rectangles, and circles these days.

You may want to ask yourself a few questions before landing on a spot for your pool. Is the potential spot flat enough? How much space is there to walk around? Did I check with my local government about installing a pool? Have I checked my survey plot? How will this affect greenery? Is this area prone to rainwater runoff?

Concerns about Small Yards and Pools

Most pool installers agree – almost no backyard is too small for a pool. Work closely with your pool designer and see if they’re able to create and add elements that will make your pool feel larger than it is. We suggest you research some examples online, in print magazines, or look through our Pinterest board! Get a feel for how they may look like and you may even get some inspiration to show your contractor. Do keep in mind that you might have to turn down extra features like slides, waterfalls, diving boards, and elaborate rock work if your pool isn’t big enough. Above all, remember, small pools are pools too!

Other Backyard Obstacles

Your pool’s placement, shape, and size could be influenced by your local zoning laws, any differences in elevation, and drainage considerations. Be sure to check with your local government about any potential backyard property rules before installing your pool such as certain buffers required between property lines and buildings. Make sure your contractor is in the know!

Remember that it rains sometimes! You might be stuck dreaming about sunny days, relaxing in your pool, but consider how rainwater might affect your new aquatic retreat. You will also need room for construction machinery to get by, some space for materials to be laid down before installation, and the appropriate yard conditions to host equipment (or, at least, knowing that you’ll need a landscaper after all is said and done). Almost ready to start digging? It’s not just dirt down there! Make sure to review your home’s survey plot or ask your realtor about any and all possible obstacles, such as: utility lines, water, hard rocks, etc.

As you can see, there are a few questions you should ask yourself first before starting construction. With some planning and the right yard conditions, your backyard will soon host the ultimate pool party or be home to the best self-care spot for you and those you love.

Thinking about building your first pool? Build your new pool at MyDreamPool.com, and check out our social media sites: Instagram, Facebook, Houzz, Pinterest for inspiration.

As always, stay tuned to the Poolside Blog (or better yet, sign up for our blog newsletter!) for more helpful tips and all things Hayward!

The post Do I have the right yard for a pool? appeared first on Hayward POOLSIDE Blog.