Adjusting schedule to run more efficiently.

[bpauljr]

Recently had our pool installed in May. The builder initially setup a schedule for the pool to run 12 hours throughout the day (5am-5pm). The pool has been crystal clear however after reading through many posts, it seems as though my settings are extremely high. In testing the pump with the IC40, at 1600 RPM the cell reports low flow.

Would the following be a good schedule to run? If my math is correct, this should turn the pool over roughly 2.5 times within 24 hours running off peak hours.

Pool: 5am-12pm at 1800 RPM
Cleaner: 5am-7am 2400 RPM
Pool High: 7am-10am 2600 RPM
Pool: 9pm-4am 1800 RPM

 

[mknauss]

The first reason to run the pump is to generate/distribute chlorine/chemicals each day. So first determine at what RPM and how long you need to run the pump for your SWCG to generate the chlorine you need.

Next is to skim the surface of the pool for debris. What rpm and time is needed for that. Also your pressure side cleaner needs.

Normally, one of those dominates and just follow that.

Turnovers are meaningless.

 

[Darin]

Do what mknauss said.
If you want to turn the pump off do it during your peak electrical cost period.
If you want to run it fast do not do it during the peak period.
Where i live the kw's $$ double 2 -9 pm

I leave mine slow just to skim properly/SWG needs and wide open to manual vac. There is no other reason to adjust speed.

 

[bpauljr]

@mknauss thanks for the response. As previously mentioned I believe the IC40 needs to be run at minimum of 1800 RPM as it shows low flow around 1600 RPM. It does seem to kick back on around 1680 RPM, so for good measure I am comfortable with 1800. As for how long it needs to run to get the chlorine I need, whats the best way to determine that length of time?

As for skimming, would this be the lowest rpm to get water moving on top?

The cleaner was originally at 2900 rpm but lowered it to 2400 which seems operational and still climbs the walls and stairs. I suppose I could try lower?

 

[mknauss]

whats the best way to determine that length of time?

Testing. Test your FC each day. If the SWCG settings are maintaining your FC at or above Target for your CYA, all is good. Adjust the % generation or pump hours as necessary if FC is dropping or rising too much. Eventually you can lessen the testing to 2 or 3 times a week.

As for skimming, would this be the lowest rpm to get water moving on top?

Yes. And carry solids to the skimmer for collection.

I suppose I could try lower?

Definitely. You are feeding a booster pump, correct? So whatever rpm is needed for that.

 

[bpauljr]

Do what mknauss said.
If you want to turn the pump off do it during your peak electrical cost period.
If you want to run it fast do not do it during the peak period.
Where i live the kw's $$ double 2 -9 pm

I leave mine slow just to skim properly/SWG needs and wide open to manual vac. There is no other reason to adjust speed.

Thats the plan to run outside peak hours if it is doable. Where I am in NY peak hours are 12pm to 7pm. My only concern aside from dialing in the pump with the correct settings, is it ok to not run the pool pump during the day during the peak hours?

 

[mknauss]

is it ok to not run the pool pump during the day during the peak hours?

Sure.
Issue can be debris if that is when most of that ends up in the pool. Test your FC at pump start up after 7pm and see what it is. Test several places around the pool to be sure you are at minimum or above.

 

[bpauljr]

Definitely. You are feeding a booster pump, correct? So whatever rpm is needed for that.

Yes there is a booster pump for the pressure side cleaner. I am not quite sure how that exactly works but I have been altering the rpm from the screenlogic app.

So I guess I will try running this schedule for a few days, do some tests. Any other suggestions?
Pool: 5am-12pm at 1800 RPM
Cleaner: 5am-7am 2400 RPM
Pool High: 7am-10am 2600 RPM
Pool: 9pm-4am 1800 RPM

 

[mknauss]

Your booster pump is single speed. Your VS pump simply feeds it water.

I assume you do not have automation?
I still believe you can set up a base run of 1800 rpm for 24 hours if that is what works (seems awfully high for the SWCG) and then schedule the higher rpm times. The Highest Rpm schedule wins.

 

[bpauljr]

Your booster pump is single speed. Your VS pump simply feeds it water.

I assume you do not have automation?
I still believe you can set up a base run of 1800 rpm for 24 hours if that is what works (seems awfully high for the SWCG) and then schedule the higher rpm times. The Highest Rpm schedule wins.

What are you referring to as automation? I have the Screenlogic App which I have setup that scheudle to automatically run at those times.

Sorry I mistyped the schedule, but have corrected it. But yes you are correct Highest RPM schedule wins.
Pool: 5am-12pm at 1800 RPM
Cleaner: 5am-7am 2400 RPM
Pool High: 7am-10am 2600 RPM
Pool: 9pm-4am 1800 RPM

 

[mknauss]

So you have an Easytouch?
If so, do as I said. Schedule POOL mode for 24 hours at 1800 rpm. Then schedule the others for the time frame you wish them to run.

 

[bpauljr]

So you have an Easytouch?
If so, do as I said. Schedule POOL mode for 24 hours at 1800 rpm. Then schedule the others for the time frame you wish them to run.

Yes I have Easytouch. The reason I set the schedule they way I did was because I was trying to avoid running the pump during high peak hours.

 

[mknauss]

Ah -- I see now. I did not see the break. That is fine.

I suspect you could limit your pump run to under 12 hours total if you wish.

 

[Darin]

There is no reason for this speed:
Pool High: 7am-10am 2600 RPM
If it works at 1800 or slower, leave it there.