My pool pump stopped working today. Do I need a fixed speed or variable speed pump?

[sabhen]

The pump was making some strange noise last few days. Today, it suddenly stopped working after making a bang noise. 10 minutes later another screeching noise for few minutes. I switched it off. Not sure if it's the motor or the pump the problem. It is a WhisperFlo (Pentair) fixed speed 1 HP power. The pump was installed by previous house owner. I was told warranty does not transfer. It was installed in 2011 by my estimation. Moot point. Pentair has proposed either a fixed flow Superflow & WhisperFlo (DOE compliant) 1HP or a variable flow pump Intelliflo i1 & i2 with 90% energy savings. I expected to pay more for the latter. My pool guy say he can install it. He will provide some estimates tomorrow. Should i bite the bullet and go for the variable speed pump? Where should I get replacement pump (dealers, Amazon, Leslie's etc..). I am new to this and appreciate advice. Thanks.

 

[mknauss]

Welcome to the forum!
Do you have any kind of automation system?
If you live in California, any pump/motor you buy must be Title 20 compliant.
I would suggest a VS motor. If you will have it installed, a Superflo VST or Intelliflo VSF (both Pentair) would be the best choices.
I would suggest checking with Polytec Pools in Las Vegas for what they have in stock.
I suggest you read ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry.

 

[sabhen]

Thanks. Yes I am based in CA and a timer to switch on/off the pump at fixed times during the day. Not sure if that qualify as automation system.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

I like Marty's recommendations. Talk to your pool guy about installing a SuperFlo VST 342002. Install shouldn't be more than $200-$300 and the warranty is extended if professionally installed. The pump is gonna run you around $1,000. There are cheaper options of lesser quality out there.

 

[mknauss]

Thanks. Yes I am based in CA and a timer to switch on/off the pump at fixed times during the day. Not sure if that qualify as automation system.

A timer is not automation. A VS pump will not use the timer. It will be powered on all the time with an on board scheduler for control.

 

[sabhen]

is VSP quieter than fixed speed? I am thinking at night especially...

 

[mknauss]

is VSP quieter than fixed speed? I am thinking at night especially...

Oh yes. At lower rpm (1200-1500), you sometimes need to touch the pump to make sure it is running. Very quiet.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

is VSP quieter than fixed speed?

Definitely!

sometimes need to touch the pump to make sure it is running. Very quiet.

Yep.

 

[BowserB]

Not only quiet, a variable speed pump running at 1/2 speed uses 1/8 as much electricity--according to Pentair. So...you can run a variable speed pump twice as long at 1/2 speed, and you still use only 1/4 the electricity. Given the cost of electricity I've read about for some places in California, that savings could be significant.

 

[sabhen]

Thanks to all.

 

[sabhen]

Thanks to all.

I have ordered a a Superflo VST. What would a recommended automation for this? Thanks.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

I have ordered a a Superflo VST. What would a recommended automation for this? Thanks.

To help you out, we need to know what type of equipment you have. Please complete your signature.

How many valves do you want to control with automation? Do you have a heater? Type of pool lights? Attached spa? Water features? Any other components you would like to control? Do you have a good WiFi signal at the equipment pad?