Whisperflo pump replacement

[cardude]

I have an older whisperflo pump and 1.5hp motor. I’ve replaced the motor once already and now the motor bolt mounts on the pump itself seem to be stripped out.

Is there a more efficient, quieter pump and motor I can replace this with? Will a variable pump work with my existing Pentair easy touch control panel, which currently controls the whisperflo pump, booster pump for the bottom cleaner, and other things like fountains, etc.

Wondering if something like this variable speed pump would work, but don’t know if the built in timer would be compatible with my existing control panel.

 

[PoolStored]

@Jimrahbe will know the answer...

 

[Jimrahbe]

Dude,

How much is Leslie's going to rip you off for the SuperFlo VS?

The SuperFlo VS will work, and it can be controlled by your EasyTouch. I suspect you will have to replumb to make it fit.

The WhisperFlo VST is a drop-in replacement and can also be controlled by your automation. $1,430 at PolyTech

Pentair WhisperFlo VST Variable Speed Pool Pump 2.6 THP

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[cardude]

Thanks!

The pump at Leslie’s was $1200, but it was only 1.5hp where the one you listed is 2.6hp I think?

All these different pumps are so confusing. I just want something that my panel will turn on and run a little quieter if possible.

Are these pumps actually variable speed, and if so how do I determine what speed to pick? My current 1.5 hp pump has only one speed.

I want to DIY this replacement, and while plumbing doesn’t scare me complex wiring kind of does.

 

[PoolStored]

Thanks!

The pump at Leslie’s was $1200, but it was only 1.5hp where the one you listed is 2.6hp I think?

1.5 vs 2.5. The difference is that the higher HP are actually more efficient, meaning that it can move the same amount of water at lower speeds, saving money. You have a big pool, I'd go with the 2.5, you will get the $200 back in electric usage.

All these different pumps are so confusing. I just want something that my panel will turn on and run a little quieter if possible.

It will also be quieter at lower speeds.

Are these pumps actually variable speed, and if so how do I determine what speed to pick? My current 1.5 hp pump has only one speed.

I want to DIY this replacement, and while plumbing doesn’t scare me complex wiring kind of does.

You will certainly save money over your single speed. Pumps are used for mixing water (chemicals), filtering and skimming. Most of us run our VSPs 24/7 at 1100-1400W, 24/7 mostly because of SWCG. Some run them for a short period of time at higher speeds to get some skimming action. Mine runs my SWCG, filter and skims just fine at 1400 rpm. It uses about 200W...just a couple 100W light bulbs. It is likely your single speed uses up to 1500W. In the end, run it when you need to at whatever speed accomplishes your goals. Run it for 30 minutes after you add chemicals, run it 8 hours a day to filter, run it a bit higher if your skimming works better at higher speed <--these aren't my recommendations, they are examples. I'm saying you can set it up however you want for your needs. A bit of experimenting and you'll come up with it.

Pump Basics: a Swimming Pool Pump Guide

Which pool pump should you buy? Discover the factors to consider when choosing a pump for your swimming pool and make an informed decision.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Jimrahbe]

Dude,

There is no complex wiring involved. VS pumps have a two-wire cable that connects into the pump and into the EasyTouch's com port.

You just set up the speeds you want to use in your EasyTouch, something that we can walk you through no problem.

My IntelliFlo pump is so quiet that when I first got it, I had to touch it just to make sure it was still running.

The whole idea behind VS pumps is to run then at a low RPM so that they are quiet and electrically efficient.

I run my 3 HP IntelliFlo 24/7 at 1200 RPM, most of the time, and that costs me less than $20 bucks a month.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[cardude]

Just watched this video, which cleared up much of my confusion.

So if I get the Whisperflo VST pump you recommended do I also need that communication cable?

Any reason I should upgrade to the Intelliflo for $400 more. What’s the I/O board mentioned on your site?

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

Unless it's changed, the SuperFlo VS EC-342001 does not support RS-485 communication. You need the SuperFlo VST EC-342002 ("T" for Trade) if you go the SuperFlo route.

The WhisperFlo VST is compatible with RS-485 communication. I don't believe it ships with the required cable (#356324z). As of a month ago, the cable had been on backorder for around a year. Not seeing it in stock now at the sources I checked.

IntelliFlo pumps do include the cable. These pumps had been on backorder for a while, so check availability.

Here's a post on a substitute generic cable that might work.

The New Pentair SuperFlo VS or VST??

Alright, so. The M12 (12mm) "aviation plug" was too small. So I ordered this "GX16" - 16mm "aviation plug": https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D3CKL8F/ It's unfortunately too big! =| DREMEL TO THE RESCUE!! I was able to take a dremel to it & I've got it "fitting" well enough, at least...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Jimrahbe]

Oops...

The SuperFlo VS has been discontinued and does not have RS-485 connections. My bad!!!

I was thinking of the SuperFlo VST, which replaces the SuperFlo VS. The SuperFlo VST does have RS-485 control.

I have three pools that all have the older 3 HP IntelliFlo VS pumps. When one of them dies, it will be replaced with another IntelliFlo.

The large the pump the more water it can move at a slower speed. I said earlier that I can run my pump 24/7 for less than $20 bucks a month. The newer IntelliFlo's are much more energy efficient than my old one.

Sorry for any confusion,

Jim R.

 

[cardude]

Do I need the cable for the whisperflo vst?

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

It appears so. The manual for the IntelliFlo specifically states that the cable is included:



The manual for the WhisperFlo does not. The wording is the same as the manual for the SuperFlo, which I know does not include a cable.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Dude

This one..

Pentair SuperFlo VS / WhisperFlo VST Communication Cable

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

The SuperFlo VS has been discontinued

Interesting...I just noticed the IntelliFlo VS 11028 has been discontinued as well.

 

[cardude]

Thanks everyone. Got the whisperflo vst and the cable ordered. Got home today and the old pool pump was locked up. Hoping I can take it apart and get it going again (it’s done this before) until the new pump comes in.

 

[cardude]

I got the new whisperflo vst pump physically installed and plumbed up. I wired it up like the old pump was wired, but when hit the switch on the panel nothing happened.

I also bought the RS-485 cable but don’t understand how to wire it up! This is what my panel looks like:

 

[cardude]

Sorry I hit send before asking my question.

I guess my question is, the wiring diagram for the cable as shown in that last pic shows wiring it up to relay 1-4 on my panel. How do I know which is relay 1-4 on my panel? How many volts are coming in and out of those relays?

I’m so confused. Smh.

 

[cardude]

Sorry, when I said I wired it like my last pump was wired, I just took the existing 240v wires from the old pump and put them on the back of the new pump. Red, black and the green ground.

 

[Jimrahbe]

CD,

The pump should get constant AC power. It should not be wired to the load side of the pump/filter relay (The one in the upper left.)

The RS-485 cable only has two wires and they get connected the J20 com port. Green to green and Yellow to yellow.

Once you get that done, let us know and we'll tell you how to get it running.

If wired correctly, the pump's display will say "Display not active" when in AUTO.

Your pump will not be controlled by relays at all...

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[cardude]

Ok I got it finally. Thanks!

I’m just using the default program until I figure it out, which starts at 8am and runs 2 hours at 3000rpm, 10 at 1400, and then 2 at 2200. Does that sound reasonable? Sure seems like a long run time. I ran my last pump from 9am-5pm, but at much higher rpm I suppose.

Man, this pump is so quiet!!! Love it!!!!

Thanks for all the help.

 

[Jimrahbe]

CD,

Is your pump being controlled by the EasyTouch or are you running the pump for the pump's control panel??

What does the pump's display say when it is running?

Thanks,

Jim R.