Recommendation: Replacing a single speed pump with VS

[macartyhouse]

Hi TFP,
In need of a quick recommendation since my old single speed Pentair challenger pump went out yesterday. I have been looking to move to a VS and have a few things to consider to determine the right pump for my current and future needs.
I plan to add a SWG. And I also plan to add a heater(maybe chiller) too. I'm located in New Orleans.
All piping is 1.5". 3 returns and skimmer is less than 10 feet away. Approximately 16k gallons, roughly 14'x24'.

 

[mknauss]

Welcome to the forum!
Are you planning to add automation with your SWCG and heater/chiller?
I suggest you read ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry and consider reviewing the entire Pool School eBook.

 

[macartyhouse]

I haven't considered automation that heavily.
I've been a using the site for a couple of years now, so I've read quite a bit. I finally just contributed!

 

[mknauss]

I haven't considered automation that heavily.
I've been a using the site for a couple of years now, so I've read quite a bit. I finally just contributed!

Thank you for the support!

It makes a difference what pump and SWCG you might get based on automation, if any.

 

[macartyhouse]

I am not opossed to automation, but with all the other investments I'm planning it isn't in my current budget. It looks like I could go the pentair route. Or the Pureline pump line looks nice and comparable, but much more budget friendly. I've read a several places that say a surge protector is necessary (or highly recommended) with the intelliflo, but is that not true of all VSPs.
Sizing, in terms of horsepower my initial concern.

 

[mknauss]

With certain Pureline pumps they have an internal relay to be used to control the SWCG. That is a big plus. With Pentair, you would need a timer to control the SWCG.

With VS pumps, just get the biggest one. That way you have the full range of flow rates. And when you run it at a base low speed, it will use less electricity than a small sized VS pump.