Intelliflo VS vs i1 vs i2

[Chasscos]

My pump is 13 years old whisperflo and I am looking for a upgrade. Pool is relatively small as 10k gallon and there is a small water fountain.

I have seen a lot of people recommending intelliflo and I will go for it too. Now just a little bit confusing on the submodels. My exisiting is 1hp, 1.65sf. Pentair says direct replacement is i1(011059), but also saw people go with 3hp 011028. So I just simply don't know which one to pick.

A couple of concerns are if the 3hp will blow the pipes and if the 3hp will be a overkill, consuming more energy.

 

[mknauss]

It does not appear you have automation, correct?
Still, if you go with Pentair, get the Intelliflo. You will not’blow’ your pipes. It uses less electricity to pump the same water amounts as the smaller pumps. And the i1 and 2 are odd pumps built just to satisfy certain areas that required lower hp pumps as a regulatory matter.

 

[Jimrahbe]

A couple of concerns are if the 3hp will blow the pipes and if the 3hp will be a overkill, consuming more energy.

C,

You are mistaken on all counts...

There is no such thing as overkill in a VS pump.. The bigger the better in most cases... The larger the pump, the more water it moves at low RPMs, saving on the electrical bill not increasing it.

It will not blow up your pipes as, in most cases, you will be running at a low RPM.. Which of course is why you buy a VS pump to begin with..

Keep in mind that with a VS pump your filter pressure should be lower and not higher.. Depends on your filter, but in my case my filter pressure is only about 1 or 2 lbs. when clean and running at 1200 RPM.. This speed is plenty to keep my pool skimmed and let my SWCG work.

Just for reference, I have two rent house pools with 1.5" plumbing. They both have had 3 HP IntelliFlo for 7 and 10 years and they have worked perfectly. I run my pumps 24/7, at 1200 RPM most of the time, and the cost is less than $20 bucks per month.

Get what you want, but the IntelliFlo is the Gold Standard of pool pumps.

I would never buy the i1 or i2 as you are just paying more money for less pump.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Chasscos]

Thanks both for the great comment. Then I will go for a 011028 or 011056. Saw comment that 011056 only has an extra variable flow function, which can be used or not, otherwise the same as 011028.

 

[Jimrahbe]

C,

I never suggest using the VF function.. It is not a problem having it, it won't hurt anything.

I suggest you set it up as a VS pump and use it that way for a year.. If you find a real reason to use the VF then start using it.. 99% of people do not need the VF and it just makes life harder..

Thanks,

Jim R.