I have a single speed 2 HP Pentair Challenger motor that has been running for close to 30 years. I believe it's on it's final lap of the race so I'm in the market for a new pump. I've read several threads and based on what I've read I'm considering a more efficient multi speed pump. I have a pool and attached spa with no water features at 17,000 gallons. I have a Pentair FNS Plus 60 sq ft DE filter. I think I have around 52 feet of head. It seems like my equipment was maybe oversided for the pool? I have an additional booster pump for the Polaris and run the pool pump around 8 hours a day. Are there any recommendations on types of pool pumps (and pump size) that would be a good fit? Based on issues I've heard with the electronics of the variable pumps failing I would prefer the two speed pump over a variable.
Help with new pool pump suggestion
- Thread starter Jacobconk
- Start date
Jacob, to be honest I've not read of any problems inherent to the electronic panel of VSPs? In fact, come 2021 Federal law will be mandating that all pool pumps over .7 hp must be variable speed. The energy savings are enormous.
In my opinion, I'd talk to INYOpools.com about a good VS pump. They're great resources to help with pump selection.
I'd also plan on ditching that outdated, energy hog Polaris booster pump and getting a good robot cleaner instead. Not only will it clean far better it will simplify your plumbing needs as well as be far cheaper to run.
Maddie
In my opinion, I'd talk to INYOpools.com about a good VS pump. They're great resources to help with pump selection.
I'd also plan on ditching that outdated, energy hog Polaris booster pump and getting a good robot cleaner instead. Not only will it clean far better it will simplify your plumbing needs as well as be far cheaper to run.
Maddie
cfherrman
TFP Guide
The greatest trick with a vsp is you just buy it, set the correct hp and your done. It typically only takes .5 hp pump to keep a pool clean.
Yeah go robot, they are awesome
Yeah go robot, they are awesome
Thanks for the info. What are your thoughts on how much water per day you need to circulate or turn over? I have been looking at the different head curves of these pumps and wondering how important it is to circulate x amount of water per day. I have never analyzed this before and just run the pump for an average of 8 hours a day. Basically I'm wondering how important it is to get another 2 HP variable speed or two speed pump or could save costs and go with a smaller motor?
Oly
Gold Supporter
Don't get bogged down with water turnover recommendations and detailed flow calculations. Concentrate on power needs related to skimming, chemical mixing, spa jets, also pool cleaners, SWG, solar heating and water features if applicable.
I replaced a 2hp single speed pump a year ago with a 1.5 hp variable speed pump. I chose the Pentair SuperFlo. I use a robot cleaner and my system is not complicated so the new pump is more than sufficient and never operates at full capacity. Much quieter now and no need for a mechanical timer with the pumps built in electronic controller that allow 3 rpm run speeds with individual time settings. More operation options allow customizing your system and significant power savings.
I replaced a 2hp single speed pump a year ago with a 1.5 hp variable speed pump. I chose the Pentair SuperFlo. I use a robot cleaner and my system is not complicated so the new pump is more than sufficient and never operates at full capacity. Much quieter now and no need for a mechanical timer with the pumps built in electronic controller that allow 3 rpm run speeds with individual time settings. More operation options allow customizing your system and significant power savings.
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Jacob,
Having to "turnover" X amount of pool water per day is just a myth.. Chemicals keep your water clear and sanitized.. Your filter is just there to collect the stuff the falls into your pool.
The key here is how OCD you are about how your pool looks.. I run my pump 24/7, because I hate to see stuff floating on top of my water.. Other's don't care, and only run their pump for a couple of hours a day. I suggest you reduce your run time based upon how you want to run your pool and not on some myth..
Thanks,
Jim R.
- Nov 7, 2018
- 1,049
- Pool Size
- 14000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-60 Plus
+1 on the pump run time. All summer long, I ran 3 hours a day (1.5 hours in AM and 1.5 hours 12 hours later) this summer and had zero issues. I now have it running 2 hours a day (early AM) but with freeze protection, it will probably run longer than this. I do run at low speed during long duration (freeze protection) to lower power consumption. When this pump dies, I will go with VS. Also +1 on the robot...they are awesome!!! I would never do a suction/side cleaner.
30 years on your pump...that's pretty awesome. Things just aren't built like that theses days. My Dad had two water heaters he had installed when his house was built in 1973 and didn't replace them until 2013. When the house was sold last year, it still had the original stove and it worked perfectly.
30 years on your pump...that's pretty awesome. Things just aren't built like that theses days. My Dad had two water heaters he had installed when his house was built in 1973 and didn't replace them until 2013. When the house was sold last year, it still had the original stove and it worked perfectly.