Need help to choose the right variable speed motor pump for my pool

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galatorre

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Dec 4, 2020
18
Weston, FL
Hi. I need to replace my old one speed motor pump with a variable speed one. Here are my pool and filter specs:

My pool is 22 years old so it is kind of old. I currently have a one speed motor with 1.25 hp capacity, my Hayward sand filter supports 60 GMH, and my pipes size are 1/2 inch. My pool size is 13500 Gallons.

I'm looking for energy efficiency without having an over price motor if I don't need it.

I'm undecided with the following motors:

Hayward W3SP3206VSP TriStar VS Variable-Speed Pool Pump, 1.85 HP​

Amazon.com : Hayward W3SP3206VSP TriStar VS Variable-Speed Pool Pump, 1.85 HP : Garden & Outdoor

Amazon.com : Hayward W3SP3206VSP TriStar VS Variable-Speed Pool Pump, 1.85 HP : Garden & Outdoor
www.amazon.com

Hayward W3SP2303VSP MaxFlo VS Variable-Speed Pool Pump​

Amazon.com : Hayward W3SP2303VSP MaxFlo VS Variable-Speed Pool Pump : Garden & Outdoor

Amazon.com : Hayward W3SP2303VSP MaxFlo VS Variable-Speed Pool Pump : Garden & Outdoor
www.amazon.com

Pentair SuperFlo VS Variable Speed Pool Pump, 342001​

Amazon.com : Pentair SuperFlo VS Variable Speed Pool Pump, 342001 : Garden & Outdoor

Amazon.com : Pentair SuperFlo VS Variable Speed Pool Pump, 342001 : Garden & Outdoor
www.amazon.com

Your recommendations and comments are highly appreciated!
 
Welcome to the forum!
I assume you meant your pool pipe sizes were 1 1/2 inch.
Any of those pumps would work. Or, if you are handy, you can just replace the motor of your existing pump. Let us know what type of pump it is.
What electrical service do you have at the equipment pad? Do you have 115V or 230V?
I suggest you read ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry.
 
mknauss said:
Welcome to the forum!
I assume you meant your pool pipe sizes were 1 1/2 inch.
Any of those pumps would work. Or, if you are handy, you can just replace the motor of your existing pump. Let us know what type of pump it is.
What electrical service do you have at the equipment pad? Do you have 115V or 230V?
I suggest you read ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry.
Click to expand...
Hi, thank you for your prompt response and thank you for the warm welcome.

Yes, I meant 1 1/2 size for the pipes.
The electric motor service is currently at 230V.

Which of these three motors would you suggest me to buy? I’m looking for high energy efficiency and value added in the long run. What’s your choice?

Thanks again!
 
I am personally a Pentair person so the Superflo VS is what I would pick.

As I said, there are good VS motors out there that should mate up to the wet end of your pump.
The following is an example. You would need to determine exactly which frame size will fit your wet end and if you need a different impeller.

Century (A.O. Smith) 1.65 HP Motor, V-Green, Round Flange 56J, Variable Speed, 208-230V - Model ECM16CU - INYOPools.com

V-Green 1.65 HP Round Flange 56J Variable Speed Motor - ECM16CU
www.inyopools.com www.inyopools.com
 
mknauss said:
I am personally a Pentair person so the Superflo VS is what I would pick.

As I said, there are good VS motors out there that should mate up to the wet end of your pump.
The following is an example. You would need to determine exactly which frame size will fit your wet end and if you need a different impeller.

Century (A.O. Smith) 1.65 HP Motor, V-Green, Round Flange 56J, Variable Speed, 208-230V - Model ECM16CU - INYOPools.com

V-Green 1.65 HP Round Flange 56J Variable Speed Motor - ECM16CU
www.inyopools.com www.inyopools.com
Click to expand...
Thank you for the suggestion. I’ve heard Pentair is a better brand though
 
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mknauss said:
I am personally a Pentair person so the Superflo VS is what I would pick.

As I said, there are good VS motors out there that should mate up to the wet end of your pump.
The following is an example. You would need to determine exactly which frame size will fit your wet end and if you need a different impeller.

Century (A.O. Smith) 1.65 HP Motor, V-Green, Round Flange 56J, Variable Speed, 208-230V - Model ECM16CU - INYOPools.com

V-Green 1.65 HP Round Flange 56J Variable Speed Motor - ECM16CU
www.inyopools.com www.inyopools.com
Click to expand...
Hi again. I'm almost ready to purchase the Pentair SuperFlo VS as per your recommendation. Before proceeding, I'll like to ask you of the Hayward W3SP3206VSP TriStar VS is an oversized motor pump for my pool and if you would consider investing on it rather than the Pentair. I'm asking this so am completely sure about what I'm purchasing today.

Thank you for your feedback.
 
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Do you have a automation controller or planning on it in the future? If it is Hayward, stick with Hayward. If it is Pentair, stick with Pentair.

Because a VS pump is variable, it can never be oversized. You just need to take care when setting the maximum RPM.
 
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mas985 said:
Do you have a automation controller or planning on it in the future? If it is Hayward, stick with Hayward. If it is Pentair, stick with Pentair.

Because a VS pump is variable, it can never be oversized. You just need to take care when setting the maximum RPM.
Click to expand...
Thanks for taking the time on this.

Currently I don not have any automation at all but I am planning to add some in near future. If you would be in my position, which pump would you choose if money is not a determinant to make a choice?

Thanks again.
 
If you plan on automation, do not get a SuperFlo as it is meant to be a stand alone pump.

Why have you limited the selection to just those three pumps?

If you want Pentair, I would get an Intelliflo VSF. If you want Hayward, I would get the TriStar VS 950 HL32950VSP or TriStar VS W3SP3206VSP. BTW, the W3SP3206VSP is a 2.7 THP pump while the W3SP3202VSP is the 1.85 THP pump. The Amazon title is incorrect. Look below and you will see a different model number.

There is a slight advantage going with a larger pump and not ever operating it at full speed. For a given flow rate, they are much quieter than their lower HP counterparts and the impeller vane is wider so less likely to clog. Plus the cost difference isn't usually that much. But like I mentioned before, because they are a larger pump, you will need to cap the maximum RPM which can be done through the on board controller or an external controller.
 

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galatorre said:
Currently I do not have any automation at all but I am planning to add some in near future.
Click to expand...
What automation will you get?
mas985 said:
If you plan on automation, do not get a SuperFlo as it is meant to be a stand alone pump.
Click to expand...
I think that the newest model can be connected to the Pentair automation.

Some dealers will still have old models.

So, verify that the pump is the newest model.
 
mknauss said:
Here is an article on the Tristar VS

Hayward TriStar VS Pumps - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com

I have no direct experience with that pump. But I am sure either will work fine for you.
Click to expand...
Thank you.
mas985 said:
If you plan on automation, do not get a SuperFlo as it is meant to be a stand alone pump.

Why have you limited the selection to just those three pumps?

If you want Pentair, I would get an Intelliflo VSF. If you want Hayward, I would get the TriStar VS 950 HL32950VSP or TriStar VS W3SP3206VSP. BTW, the W3SP3206VSP is a 2.7 THP pump while the W3SP3202VSP is the 1.85 THP pump. The Amazon title is incorrect. Look below and you will see a different model number.

There is a slight advantage going with a larger pump and not ever operating it at full speed. For a given flow rate, they are much quieter than their lower HP counterparts and the impeller vane is wider so less likely to clog. Plus the cost difference isn't usually that much. But like I mentioned before, because they are a larger pump, you will need to cap the maximum RPM which can be done through the on board controller or an external controller.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the feedback.

I thought the Pentair Supeflo 342001 could be compatible with Automation controls due to it seems to have an external port but I might be wrong.

So what you say Hayward TriStar pumps would be a better choice even going with a larger pump than I need and just adjust the RPM so those don't overpass the GMP limit my filter can support?

Will you choose the Hayward TriStar 1.85hp or the 2.7hp?

Thanks again.
 
I thought the Pentair Supeflo 342001 could be compatible with Automation controls due to it seems to have an external port but I might be wrong.
Click to expand...
They are dry contact control lines, not digital control lines so you can only change a speed but not program a speed. Plus it requires a relay for each speed.

So what you say Hayward TriStar pumps would be a better choice even going with a larger pump than I need and just adjust the RPM so those don't overpass the GMP limit my filter can support?
Click to expand...
Correct but either Pentair or Hayward will do.

Will you choose the Hayward TriStar 1.85hp or the 2.7hp?
Click to expand...
W3SP3206VSP which is a 2.7 THP pump
 
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galatorre said:
Yes. I just verified and the model number 342001 has an external port intended for to be controlled.
Click to expand...
Looks like they recently added RS-485 to the SuperFlo. However, I would still go with an Intelliflo rather than a SuperFlo for the reasons posted earlier.
 
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mas985 said:
They are dry contact control lines, not digital control lines so you can only change a speed but not program a speed. Plus it requires a relay for each speed.
Click to expand...
External Control via RS-485.

The following instructions only apply to SuperFlo®VST and SuperMax® VS pumps manufactured after 10/15/20.
Click to expand...
These pumps can be controlled from certain Pentair control systems, via an RS-485 signal, when paired with the RS-485 Automation Wiring Kit (P/N 356324Z - Black).
Click to expand...


www.pentair.com

SuperFlo® VS Variable Speed Pump

The SuperFlo VS Variable Speed Pumps bring the energy cost savings of variable speed technology to pools at an affordable price. Browse products here.
www.pentair.com www.pentair.com
 
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JamesW said:

www.pentair.com

SuperFlo® VS Variable Speed Pump

The SuperFlo VS Variable Speed Pumps bring the energy cost savings of variable speed technology to pools at an affordable price. Browse products here.
www.pentair.com www.pentair.com
Click to expand...
Thanks for the information. I think I'm going to move forward with Hayward TriStar pump nevertheless the Pentair SuperFlo seems to fit perfectly for my needs. I suppose having a bigger hp motor pump controlling the RPMs noise reduction will be an advantage here, correct?
 
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