Another VS pump or 2-speed question

[multifuel]

Hi TFT people! I have a 1hp whisper flo now and it's more than 7 years ago since installed. It runs 8 hrs daily 365 days a year here in south FL.

I'm looking at going to a swg system at same time. My pool is 10k gallons. Electric rate is 12.5 cents per kW averaged over my bill. I like what I have read about Pentair ic-40 swg and do to such great experience with my whisper flo I'm predisposed to Pentair.

Got a quote from local dealer/pool company and they want $2900 to make this happen. I can buy everything I need to change it out using Pentair controller, IC-40 and 3 hp intelliflo pump for under $1700. They said they will not install if I buy from web, nor will they do any warranty if it should fail.

I also run solar panels on a roof, probably a total of 15' max from pump to top of solar system.
Questions-
1- do I need a vs or is a 2-speed 1.5hp adequate ( with solar and swg)
2- if any one has installed the swg how hard is it- I'm very handy. I understand I give up warranty if I install, but
3- is it worth 1000+ bucks to let them do it?

2900 is more than I want to spend, I offered them $2500 cash and they flat refused. As always your opinions are appreciated and valued- thanks in advance
Frank

 

[boston62]

You can't fine another licensed electrician to install it? That's all you need, to have the warranty.

I did my own swg & Jandy Automaton.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

 

[polyharmonic]

Lookup local "Swimming Pool Service and Repair" companies. Pretty much all of them will service and install equipment even if you don't buy from them. Just call up a few and tell them you want to have some equipment that you already bought elsewhere installed for you.

I would be shocked if they charge $1000 to install a SWG (maybe more like $500? just a guess)

 

[jblizzle]

I do not think a VS is worth it for you with the cheap power. Is there anything wrong with your existing pump? You could simply switch out the motor to a 2-speed version and add a switch.

You need to realize that you get very little control of the Pentair SWGs if you do not have their full automation system. You only get increments of 20% and the cells are more expensive than other brands to replace due to the on-board electronics.

 

[multifuel]

You need to realize that you get very little control of the Pentair SWGs if you do not have their full automation system. You only get increments of 20% and the cells are more expensive than other brands to replace due to the on-board electronics.

I do plan to use the full control box with the IC 40- ( I know a 20 will work but it's 25$ difference) so next question is that would this be ok. A 2 speed pump, with IC controller / IC 40 swg. My pump is working well, but it is starting to deteriorate from sun on my western side and rusting motor body- I notice it is a bit louder than I remember, but not bad at all. Just really want to go to a swg as I travel a lot, almost weekly and with chlorination downstream from solar panels I can go through 3 pucks a week and it burns eyes and strong smell of chlorine sometimes. I'm ready to get past that. I really don't mind going through and replacing all, just wondering if the two speed is a better route. Does any one know how many hours I would need to run it to turn over 10k gallons. What could I expect as far as energy reductions?

I'm looking to lower my bill while improving swim and ownership experience. I could afford the big upgrade BUT DO I NEED IT? That's the question I know less about the 2 speed than the vs pumps.