2018 June 29 - Follow Up Report: Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) at County of Hawai'i's Department of Parks & Recreation Swimming Pools

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Report Highlights June 29, 2018 Follow Up Review: Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) at County of Hawai`i's Department of Parks & Recreation Swimming Pools Status The Department of Parks & Recreation (P&R), Aquatics Division has partially implemented the two recommendations made in our December 2015 audit report. 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. Purpose The purpose of the audit was to evaluate the cost effectiveness of installing Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) at swimming pools countywide. 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, Laupahoehoe Swimming Pool, and Pahoa Community Aquatic Center (PCAC). Despite these efforts, the audit found that, P&R has not had program objectives for reducing costs since Fiscal Year 2012-2013 and has not installed VFDs at any of the remaining six pools. Historic average monthly electrical savings of installing these VFDs ranged from 23% (PCAC) to 63% (Kawamoto). By installing VFDs countywide, we estimated a potential annual cost savings of approximately $122,578. Furthermore, the County could recoup installation costs within the first three years. After this point, all electrical cost savings are in favor of the County. We identified two recommendations for management to increase cost-effective measures at County -owned pools: • 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.