Cheltenham Lido Enhances Sustainability with Intelligent Pump Control Using a Schneider Electric Variable Frequency Drive

1930s English Heritage Pool Pumps

Following the successful installation and commissioning of solar car ports in May 2025, D&S Control Systems is proud to have supported Low Carbon Estates Ltd and Cheltenham Lido in the next phase of its energy efficiency journey — the implementation of a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) system to control the site’s heritage water pumps.

These pumps, which circulate pool water through sand filters, boilers, and chlorination systems, are vital to maintaining the Lido’s high standards of public health, water quality, and comfort. Cheltenham Lido was one of the first public swimming pools in the UK to adopt chlorination when it opened in 1935. Until recently, its original pumps operated continuously at full speed, resulting in considerable energy consumption.

By integrating a Schneider Electric Variable Frequency Drive, D&S Control Systems has enabled the pumps to automatically adjust their operating speed based on system pressure and demand. This intelligent control maintains optimal flow rates while dramatically improving energy efficiency. Because the power used by centrifugal pumps is proportional to the cube of their speed (P ∝ N³), even a modest reduction in speed delivers substantial energy savings.

Projected Benefits

• Up to 60–80% reduction in electricity use

• Over 1 million kWh saved over 20 years

• Approximately 40 tonnes of CO₂ saved

  
  

This achievement highlights what can be accomplished through collaboration between innovative partners, including:

• The Cheltenham Lido Team

• Low Carbon Estates Ltd

• D&S Control Systems Ltd, Cirencester

• Schneider Electric Customer Support