Builders are trying to change pumps on our build

[1poolman1]

The motors themselves are just very sound, robust, long lasting (with no outside problems), mechanical devices. The drives (control/interface/VFD) are computers and the weak point in the system of any VSP. We put them in some of the harshest environments, heat, cold, humidity, covers left open, etc. I saw/repaired two Pentair Intelliflows about 3 years ago, at the beginning of Covid, where the electronics had literally "exploded," blew the entire control panel off the drive. Why? No telling. Power surge? They were in different parts of my area. They were both about 5 or 6 years old, out of warranty, Pentair couldn't explain why.

They are all vastly improved over even 5 years ago in reliability. Watch this forum long enough and you will see the overwhelming majority of questions regarding a VSP that has stopped working are directly related to the electronics. When Pentair came out with the first widely-available VSP many years ago, 4 speeds, manually controlled unless a $600.00 iNtelliComm was added to the system, they had about a 50% failure rate for the first year or so, based on what my suppliers told me and the number that you could see in their "warranty" pile in the warehouse. As with everything, great improvements have been made in them.

Many have responded regarding their Hayward pumps on this thread and they are all positive. Mine was one of the "bad" ones but has given me zero problems in the at least 10 years it has been in my system. You can rest easy if you go with Hayward.

The weak point in all VSPs or in Hayward's specifically? All of this seems so foreign to me. I understand the difference between the single/2speed pumps and the VSPs but the differences between the vendors are making my brain hurt.

 

[IUsedToSail]

While 320 sqft is a lot of filtration, why not go for the larger 420 filter? The cost difference is not that much and the foot print is nearly identical.

 

[Newdude]

While 320 sqft is a lot of filtration, why not go for the larger 420 filter? The cost difference is not that much and the foot print is nearly identical.

I am the biggest fan of oversizing there is. But at some point, especially with a 7k gallon pool, it's already ridiculously oversized and no gains will ever be seen.

The much lower surface area to suck up yard blowings makes a huge difference. With less footprint, that much more debris will blow right by the pool instead of into it.