Upgrading WFE-8 from 2hp to 3hp

[tetlee]

The 2hp motor attached to my Pentair WFE-8 just died. I've been wanting to replace it with a two-speed or variable and more powerful motor for a while.

From looking through the parts listing for the WFE-8 it looks like if I get a new 3HP impeller and replace the diffuser with the 3HP version (072928) I should be good.

Is there anything else I should be considering?

Thanks!

 

[JamesW]

How old is the pump?

Save on Energy Efficient Variable Speed Pool Pumps in Phoenix


Probably better to go new pump. New pump gets you a rebate of $100 and a warranty (research detailsfor your situation).

An old WhisperFlo usually needs a seal plate. By the time you buy the motor, impeller, diffuser, seal plate, seals etc, you're better off getting a new pump.

 

[duraleigh]

What size is your Triton Filter? filter size is an impor6tant limiting factor in pump size.

 

[tetlee]

How old is the pump?

Thanks for response. I'm not sure how old. I was looking at the EVSS3-NS for $470 with seal kit, New impeller $50, diffuser $50, Shaft seal $20.

$590 Total. I looked at full pumps but can't get closer even with SRP rebate.

What size is your Triton Filter? filter size is an impor6tant limiting factor in pump size.

That's a good point I'd not considered. It's a Triton II 100. Would that be a problem? :/

It would run around 10-15 PSI normally. I'd guess that meant it wasn't the limiting factor?

 

[JamesW]

Add on about $60 for a seal plate and you're at $650.

You can get a SuperFlo VS for about $650 - 100 rebate = $550.

Do you need a lot of flow?

 

[duraleigh]

The Triton TR-100, as you probably know, is rated for 100 GPM. A 3HP pump can produce more than that (probably) and i would say it is too much pump for the filter.

A 2HP capacity pump is still really more than you need but with the VS, you can manage the flow and stay around 15 psi. That should allow for everything to match up pretty well.

 

[tetlee]

As it was I thought I didn't have great flow. My hayward aquanaut 200 cleaner never did a great job on the floor of the pool let alone climb the wall.

The Superflo VS is 1.5HP max?

Thanks!

 

[JamesW]

WFE-8 is a 2.6 total hp high head pump. If it's not moving enough water for you, something is wrong.

 

[tetlee]

Thanks James.

If I stayed at 2HP could you recommend any pumps?

Also are there any decent shops you in the valley that would stock them? (As you know the SRP deal I figure your here too)

 

[JamesW]

I just found the rebate online. Many places have the rebates so I knew to look.

I think that the SuperFlo VS should work. You really should not need a lot of horsepower.

If your 2.6 hp pump was not giving enough flow, something has to be off. That pump has at least twice as much power as you need.

If you want more available power, you could get the IntelliFlo and just run it at lower power (lower rpm).