Finally I found a pool forum that seems active. I've been reading lots but havent found clear answers yet so please either advise or post the related link is much appreciated.
I've been maintaining my pool in the last 10 years and still learn new things every summer. Anyway, since I can't find the rotary valve for my pre 1982 Purex 2048, I am thinking of getting a new cartridge filter for less maint. My original, I believe, Aquaflow with Franklin Electric 2hp motor still working fine but since I have to change the pipes for the filter it might be easier to change the pump too and hopefully will lower the electric bill. I don't mind spending the $ but my goal is to be close to maint free. So below are my questions/thougths and please comment:
1. Pump: The VS pumps, even though cost much more, seem like a good idea with slow flow over a longer time. However, it's strange that they (at least Pentair) are designed to be placed indoor or under a roof. And I read some people had to replace the drive that cost around $1000 if exposed to rain or sprinklers. I also don't know what is the best way to run my Aquarite with VS pumps since they have their own timer. I got different answers about hook them up with the external timer/Aquarite. And how is the low flow going to work with my KK and heater? If I have to select a high speed to accomodate these equipment, what' the point. So after all of this, I think, with my priority of low maint pool, I'll go with single speed with less HP, 1.5 instead of 2. My 30 yrs+ single speed still working with almost zero trouble and I am still not sure if I want to change it out. There are times when I found it ran dry for who knows how long and it kept running. I guess the solid brass pump helped. Anyway, I am considering the Whisperflow 11514, 1.5HP.
2. Filter: My pool is surrounded with trees and the DE is just too much to maintain. Sometimes the flow is not strong enough to even turn on the heater. So I think I'll go with the cartridge type. First I thought 200 sq ft filter was a great improvement compared to the 48 sq ft of the Purex but I was told it's still too small. So I am thinking about Hayward 420. I was also told Hayward tank is better than Pentair.
3. My existing system has check valves in front of all pumps. I think my equipments are about 2-3 feet above the water. Do I need them? Whenever I opened the lid to clean, I still lost prime and it took up to 5-10 mins to prime.
4. From what I read, PVC Schdule 40 is ok, except for coming out of the heater, I need Schedule 80? Can I use flexible PVC?
I appreciate all the inputs.
I've been maintaining my pool in the last 10 years and still learn new things every summer. Anyway, since I can't find the rotary valve for my pre 1982 Purex 2048, I am thinking of getting a new cartridge filter for less maint. My original, I believe, Aquaflow with Franklin Electric 2hp motor still working fine but since I have to change the pipes for the filter it might be easier to change the pump too and hopefully will lower the electric bill. I don't mind spending the $ but my goal is to be close to maint free. So below are my questions/thougths and please comment:
1. Pump: The VS pumps, even though cost much more, seem like a good idea with slow flow over a longer time. However, it's strange that they (at least Pentair) are designed to be placed indoor or under a roof. And I read some people had to replace the drive that cost around $1000 if exposed to rain or sprinklers. I also don't know what is the best way to run my Aquarite with VS pumps since they have their own timer. I got different answers about hook them up with the external timer/Aquarite. And how is the low flow going to work with my KK and heater? If I have to select a high speed to accomodate these equipment, what' the point. So after all of this, I think, with my priority of low maint pool, I'll go with single speed with less HP, 1.5 instead of 2. My 30 yrs+ single speed still working with almost zero trouble and I am still not sure if I want to change it out. There are times when I found it ran dry for who knows how long and it kept running. I guess the solid brass pump helped. Anyway, I am considering the Whisperflow 11514, 1.5HP.
2. Filter: My pool is surrounded with trees and the DE is just too much to maintain. Sometimes the flow is not strong enough to even turn on the heater. So I think I'll go with the cartridge type. First I thought 200 sq ft filter was a great improvement compared to the 48 sq ft of the Purex but I was told it's still too small. So I am thinking about Hayward 420. I was also told Hayward tank is better than Pentair.
3. My existing system has check valves in front of all pumps. I think my equipments are about 2-3 feet above the water. Do I need them? Whenever I opened the lid to clean, I still lost prime and it took up to 5-10 mins to prime.
4. From what I read, PVC Schdule 40 is ok, except for coming out of the heater, I need Schedule 80? Can I use flexible PVC?
I appreciate all the inputs.