How Jade’s Pool Pumps Are Rated in Australia’s Energy Rating System?

Written by Avril Qian on January 29, 2026

In recent 5 years, our Australia clients prefer to purchase more 3-speed and variable speed pump from us compared to a reduction of sales of single speed pool pumps. They said, it became mandatory to have all the pool pump energy rated when sold in Australia after Oct. 1 2022, the variable speed and multi-speed pool pumps become more and more popular since their customers see how soon they can saving back the extra cost of a variable speed or multi-speed pool pump by looking at the data shown on the Energy Rating label. Some new clients like to ask if our pumps have had Energy Rating tested when they send inquiry to us for the first time. So today, I would like to show the energy rating data of all our pumps so as to help those potential clients make decision on which pump is the most proper one for them to start business with.

1. What Is Australia’s Energy Rating System — and Do Pool Pumps Need It?

Australia’s Energy Rating System (ERS) is a government-regulated labeling scheme designed to help consumers compare the energy efficiency of electrical products.
The system uses a star rating label, where more stars mean higher energy efficiency and lower running costs.

For pool pumps, this system is not just informational.

  • In Australia, most pool pumps sold for residential use must comply with the relevant energy efficiency regulations
  • Products are required to be tested to Australian standards and registered before they can be legally supplied
  • Non-compliant pumps may face import restrictions, penalties, or removal from sale

For distributors, this means:Energy rating is no longer a “nice to have” — it is a market entry requirement and a key buying decision factor for Australian customers.

2. How Are Pool Pumps Star-Rated?

The Key Factors Behind the Stars

A pool pump’s star rating is not based on motor power alone.
It is determined by a combination of real-world performance factors, including:

• Energy Consumption

How much electricity the pump consumes during standardized operating conditions.

• Water Flow Output

How efficiently the pump moves water — measured as output relative to energy input.

• Hydraulic Efficiency

How well the internal design (impeller, volute, flow path) converts electrical energy into water movement.

• Speed Control Technology

Variable-speed and multi-speed pumps are rated under different operating modes, reflecting real usage patterns rather than peak power only.

In simple terms: The system rewards pumps that move more water using less electricity, especially under typical daily operating conditions.

In official documents,three options are proposed to resolve the issue of some pumps receiving unexpectedly high star ratings including a ‘business as usual’ (no change) option. The two options for change focus on amending the calculation of MEPS levels and star ratings for pool pumps.

Currently, the MEPS level a pump needs to meet, or the BaselineWEF, is calculated in accordance with the formula:

where:

ln is the natural logarithm.

nameplate input power is the electrical input power as shown on the pump-unit rating label, in watts. If the electrical input power is not shown on the pump-unit rating label, then the nameplate input current is multiplied by 230V.

WEF or the weighted energy factor means the weighted average of the volume of water pumped in litres per watt hour of electrical energy consumed by the pump-unit, calculated in accordance with clause 3.3 of AS 5102.1-2019.

The BaselineWEF is then included in the calculation of the star rating index:

where:

WEFaverage is the sum of the WEF values for each unit tested, divided by the number of units tested.

Other terms are as per the definitions above relating to BaselineWEF.

3. JADE Pool Pumps: Energy Rating Testing and Results

All JADE pool pumps are evaluated under an internal testing framework aligned with the methodology of Australia’s Energy Rating Scheme for pool pumps.

Testing procedures are designed with reference to AS 5102.1:2019, aiming to reflect real-world residential swimming pool operation rather than ideal laboratory conditions.

 

Testing Scope and Purpose

The objective of JADE’s energy performance testing is to:

  • Quantify energy consumption under standardized hydraulic conditions
  • Compare relative efficiency across different pump types (single-speed, multi-speed, and variable-speed)
  • Assess energy efficiency over a typical daily operating cycle, not just at peak output

This approach ensures results are relevant for distributors, installers, and end users when estimating real operating costs.

 

Testing Process Details

  1. Standardized Operating Conditions

Each pump is tested at specified combinations of flow rate and total dynamic head, selected to represent typical residential pool circulation systems, including:

  • Common plumbing layouts and pipe diameters
  • Normal residential pool turnover requirements

By fixing these operating points, performance comparisons are made on a like-for-like basis, avoiding distortion caused by oversized or unrealistic test conditions.

  1. Electrical Input Measurement

Electrical power consumption is measured using calibrated power meters to record real-time input under load.

  • For pumps with a declared nameplate power rating, measured electrical input is recorded directly.
  • For pumps without a fixed power rating, electrical input is calculated using nameplate current × 230 V, in line with accepted testing practice.

All measurements reflect actual operating power, including losses within the motor and drive system, rather than nominal ratings alone.

  1. Flow Rate and Hydraulic Efficiency Assessment

Water output is measured in litres per hour (L/h) at the defined test points.

Hydraulic efficiency is evaluated by analyzing how effectively electrical energy is converted into water movement.

 

Key internal components assessed include:

  • Impeller geometry
  • Volute design
  • Internal flow paths and clearances

These design factors directly influence turbulence, internal losses, and overall energy efficiency, and are therefore reflected in the final performance results.

  1. Speed Control Evaluation (Multi-Speed & Variable-Speed Pumps)

For multi-speed and variable-speed pumps, testing is conducted across all available speed settings rather than a single operating point.

Each speed mode is assigned a weighting factor based on typical residential daily usage patterns, recognizing that:

  • Lower speeds dominate normal filtration operation
  • Higher speeds are used intermittently for backwashing or water features

From this, a Weighted Energy Factor (WEF) is calculated, expressed as:

Litres per watt-hour (L/Wh), averaged over a representative daily operating cycle

This method better reflects real electricity consumption than single-point testing.

  1. Star Rating Calculation Methodology

The calculated average WEF is compared against a baseline efficiency reference defined by input power:

The Star Rating Index (SRI) is then derived using:

This logarithmic scaling ensures:

  • Meaningful differentiation between pump efficiency levels
  • Fair comparison across different power ranges and pump types

Resulting SRI values indicate the relative energy efficiency position of each pump within the framework of the Australian star rating system.

Why This Matters for Distributors

Because JADE’s testing framework mirrors the logic, structure, and metrics of Australia’s Energy Rating Scheme, distributors can:

  • Understand where each pump sits within its category
  • Estimate energy cost savings for end users
  • Select pump models aligned with different customer priorities, from upfront cost to long-term efficiency

Energy Rating Test Results of JADE Pool Pumps

Pump ModelTypeDaily run time(hours)1 year energy use(kWh)10 year energy use(kWh)Energy Rating
J15008Variable Speed5.91421.534215.36
J20009Variable Speed6.00476.454764.56
J250015Variable Speed5.89476.694766.96
J05505MS3-Speed6.12621.056210.55
J07505MS3-Speed5.87521.452146
J07508MS3-Speed6.12621.05621.055
J11508MS3-Speed5.87521.452146
J075012MS3-Speed6.12621.05621.055
J115012MS3-Speed5.87521.452146

By providing these detailed energy rating results, JADE pool pumps give distributors and end-users reliable data for informed purchasing decisions. Customers can compare efficiency, running costs, and operational performance—similar to the data shown on the official Australian Energy Rating website.

4.Purchasing Recommendations for Distributors

Based on above information, I would like to give some advices on how to make your annual sales plan for pool pumps of each type, hope this will help you make better decision for your pool business.

In real-world markets, distributors often serve customers with very different priorities when it comes to upfront price, operating convenience, and usage frequency. Based on common customer profiles, the following purchasing mix is recommended to better match demand and improve sell-through efficiency.

  1. Customers who are less price-sensitive and prioritize convenience

These customers value ease of use, automation, and long-term operating comfort. They are generally unwilling to manually switch pumps on and off every day.

Recommended purchasing mix:

  • Stock variable speed pumps as the main offering
  • Supplement with a limited number of three-speed and single-speed pumps to cover broader budget ranges

This structure allows distributors to focus on higher-value products while maintaining flexibility for different customer expectations.

2.Customers who are price-conscious but still want hassle-free operation

This group is sensitive to initial cost but still prefers solutions that reduce daily manual operation.

Recommended purchasing mix:

  • Stock three-speed pumps as the core inventory
  • Complement with selected variable speed and single-speed pumps

Three-speed pumps often strike a practical balance between cost control, energy efficiency, and ease of use, making them particularly attractive to this segment.

  1. Customers who are highly price-sensitive and use their pools infrequently

These customers focus primarily on minimizing upfront investment and typically have lower expectations for automation and energy optimization.

Recommended purchasing mix:

  • Stock single-speed pumps as the primary option
  • Keep a smaller selection of variable speed and three-speed pumps available for upgrade needs

For customers in this segment who still prefer not to manually control pump operation during use periods, timer-equipped pump models can be an effective upsell, improving convenience without significantly increasing overall cost.

5.Conclusion

JADE is committed to providing high-quality, energy-efficient pool pumps that meet or exceed international standards, including a testing system comparable to Australia’s Energy Rating Scheme. Our detailed energy performance data empowers distributors and end-users to make informed purchasing decisions, ensuring the most suitable pump is selected for each pool type and operational need.

If you would like support in building a pump portfolio and marketing strategy tailored to your local market, feel free to contact us at info@jademotor.net. We are happy to collaborate with our partners to design practical purchasing solutions, optimize product selection, and provide guidance on energy-efficient options.

By working together, we aim to create long-term value for both our partners and customers, helping you grow your business sustainably while delivering high-performance, cost-effective pool solutions to your clients.

If you have any more questions, please feel free to talk to us immediately for a customized solution!