Which is the Best Variable Speed Pump for 1 1/2" Pipe: Intellifo 3050, Jandy, Eco Sta
I have been looking at getting a variable speed pump - my summer electric bills are usually up to $340 month and that's running the 1hp pump 5-6 hrs at most, but my problem is the 1 1/2" piping or the decisions would be simple, looking for some expand-ability to a possible water fall up a 15' high hill (Dreams' O the Dreams')(though likely better on a separate system) the pool is 24000 gal and I run a Kreepy pretty much hooked up all the time except for when friends come over I pull it out,
all pumps im looking at are right around $820
looking at the Intelliflo VS 3050 3hp, Jandy Flopro 2hp, Hayword Ecostar or Tri star (also trying to get away from my pool timer everything is a vampire for energy and resistance) I'm sure a timer is not much but its death by a thousand cuts, removing as many as possible adds up to real money very quickly
living in California rates are up to .31 kw based on a tiered scale a VS is the way to go and could put me into a lower tier - plus a 200 rebate makes it even more enticing.
So the concern is reliability and economy each of the pumps seem to be very effective but my research has shown some issues with the Hayword and in some case's the Pentair, I have gone as far as contacting the service departments of Pentair (verbally stated do not install on 1 1/2 piping) Hayword (stated 1 1/2" is ok as long as its necked down from 2" a minimum of 10 inches from the suction inlet and I run at a lower speed) Jandy tech didnt know much about my application seems to be some conflict with some of the postings on this site using the existing 1 1/2" piping (note physically limits the GPM to 45 max.)
and of course as most with in floor cleaners know the kreep will occasionally come out of the water and cause the system to loose prime - don't want to burn the pump out due to a lack of prime. which happens from time to time - my 25 year old 1hp metal housing pump takes a beating without loosing a seal or impeller - hate to lose that kind of reliability
the Jandy seems to have some drawbacks, Pentair is very nice but my conversation with the tech has me concerned about taking the chance - the Hayword is simpler to operate but unfortunately seems to be less reliable - so here I am - hopefully responses on this form will have a good bit of advice and experience using an Variable Speed Pump on 1 1/2 pipe applications
will do the install my self - this is a simple install - electric is all there and PVC pipe interface is simple as sweating a few adapter fittings to the copper -- cut out the old backwash valve install a Jandy NoLube 3 way valve (an SVRS will be installed if necessary - will likely cause shut downs with the kreepy)
24000 Gal In Ground Pool 16x32', 8' Deep, 60 Gal DE filter, Kreepy Cleaner on skimmer, main bottome drain always shut off
I have been looking at getting a variable speed pump - my summer electric bills are usually up to $340 month and that's running the 1hp pump 5-6 hrs at most, but my problem is the 1 1/2" piping or the decisions would be simple, looking for some expand-ability to a possible water fall up a 15' high hill (Dreams' O the Dreams')(though likely better on a separate system) the pool is 24000 gal and I run a Kreepy pretty much hooked up all the time except for when friends come over I pull it out,
all pumps im looking at are right around $820
looking at the Intelliflo VS 3050 3hp, Jandy Flopro 2hp, Hayword Ecostar or Tri star (also trying to get away from my pool timer everything is a vampire for energy and resistance) I'm sure a timer is not much but its death by a thousand cuts, removing as many as possible adds up to real money very quickly
living in California rates are up to .31 kw based on a tiered scale a VS is the way to go and could put me into a lower tier - plus a 200 rebate makes it even more enticing.
So the concern is reliability and economy each of the pumps seem to be very effective but my research has shown some issues with the Hayword and in some case's the Pentair, I have gone as far as contacting the service departments of Pentair (verbally stated do not install on 1 1/2 piping) Hayword (stated 1 1/2" is ok as long as its necked down from 2" a minimum of 10 inches from the suction inlet and I run at a lower speed) Jandy tech didnt know much about my application seems to be some conflict with some of the postings on this site using the existing 1 1/2" piping (note physically limits the GPM to 45 max.)
and of course as most with in floor cleaners know the kreep will occasionally come out of the water and cause the system to loose prime - don't want to burn the pump out due to a lack of prime. which happens from time to time - my 25 year old 1hp metal housing pump takes a beating without loosing a seal or impeller - hate to lose that kind of reliability
the Jandy seems to have some drawbacks, Pentair is very nice but my conversation with the tech has me concerned about taking the chance - the Hayword is simpler to operate but unfortunately seems to be less reliable - so here I am - hopefully responses on this form will have a good bit of advice and experience using an Variable Speed Pump on 1 1/2 pipe applications
will do the install my self - this is a simple install - electric is all there and PVC pipe interface is simple as sweating a few adapter fittings to the copper -- cut out the old backwash valve install a Jandy NoLube 3 way valve (an SVRS will be installed if necessary - will likely cause shut downs with the kreepy)
24000 Gal In Ground Pool 16x32', 8' Deep, 60 Gal DE filter, Kreepy Cleaner on skimmer, main bottome drain always shut off