2015-03 Performance Audit Report: Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) at County of Hawai'i's Department of Parks & Recreation Swimming Pools

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In Brief Background A Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) is an electrical device designed to monitor and protect a swimming pool/spa filtration or water feature pump by varying the frequency or speed of the motor in order to provide a specific flow rate. Research has shown that VFDs reduce costs and usage of electricity and energy, potentially recouping the cost of purchasing and installing a VFD in less than a year. The Department of Parks & Recreation (P&R), Aquatics Division is responsible for programs and operation of nine public swimming pools. They also develop and implement a comprehensive water safety program by providing lifeguard services at County swimming pools. Why we did this audit While performing a risk assessment at P&R, we found that installing VFDs at County swimming pools could reduce operating costs. The objective of the audit was to evaluate the cost effectiveness of installing Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) at swimming pools countywide. Kona Community Aquatics Center, Kailua-Kona, HI Photo courtesy of the Department of Parks & Recreation What we fou n In 2006, the Department of Parks & Recreation (P&R) began taking proactive measures by installing Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) at three of its swimming pools including Charles "Sparky" Kawamoto Swim Stadium, Pahoa Community Aquatic Center (PCAC), and Laupahoehoe Swimming Pool (no longer in use). P&R has not had program objectives for reducing costs since Fiscal Year 2012-2013 and has not installed VFDs at any of the seven remaining pools. Historic average monthly electrical savings of installing these VFDs ranged from 23 percent (PCAC) to 63 percent (Kawamoto). By installing VFDs countywide, we estimate an annual cost savings of approximately $122,578. Furthermore, the County should recoup installation costs within the first three years. After this point, all electrical cost savings are in favor of the County. Management generally agreed with the comments and recommendations in this report. Their complete response to this audit can be found on pages 13: Management's Comments. L —A=Md What we recommended The recommendations identify actions for management to increase cost-effective measures at County -owned pools by: Reinstating P&R's previous program measures related to reduction of utility costs at all facilities by implementing green technologies and proactive practices, or at a minimum, develop a new program measure that addresses reduction of cost and/or energy savings. Developing and implementing a written plan for installing VFDs at all County operated swimming pools. Then incorporate the plan into future fiscal years' budget that will reflect the installation of VFDs and reduction of electricity expenditures.