Help choosing the right size Pentair VS pump

[CaliVa]

Hi All,
New member and pool owner here. I have a 25 year old IG pool that I've estimated to be about 12,000 gallons. It has a small waterfall feature and an IG spa with it's own booster pump. Current main circulation pump is a single speed 3/4 HP 3450 RPM Sta-Rite Dura Glas that runs 7 - 8 hours a day. There is a large gas heater that we rarely use, and a good sized Sta-Rite filter with 300 SF of media and a 100 GPM max rate. Piping is 2 inch. We're struggling with very high utility bills, $600-800/ month, with just a 2000 SF house. I am looking to upgrade the pump to a Pentair VS and am considering Model 342002, 1.5 HP SuperFlo VST. Will that provide the ability to reduce the RPMs enough to cut down on our electric bill and also run the pump longer, for better filtration cycles? I have access to a very nice 1 year old pump that was replaced due to a pool remodel, and can get it for a very good price from the original purchaser. For $500, it's very tempting. I'm the kind of guy that buys good used cars, used high quality appliances, and works on all my own stuff. I'll be installing and maintaining this as well. Thoughts and advice welcome!

 

[reggiehammond]

You want the biggest VSP possible - the 2.7-3hp options. Larger pump is more expensive upfront, but can pump more water at the lower RPM's. The electricity savings easily offset the entire cost of the pump.

Intelliflo 3 is newest Pentair, but there are also good lower cost options like Calimar, etc for $600 or so. If I were you, I'd want the peace of mind of a new pump, in the largest size.

 

[ajw22]

If your pool and spa ran fine with a 3/4 HP pump then the Superflo VST will be quieter and use less electricity.

You need to decide if it is lightly used and has good seals with no leaks. $500 can be a decent price for a $1,200 pump.

 

[CaliVa]

If your pool and spa ran fine with a 3/4 HP pump then the Superflo VST will be quieter and use less electricity.

You need to decide if it is lightly used and has good seals with no leaks. $500 can be a decent price for a $1,200 pump.

Thanks! I was leaning in this direction based on a previous thread regarding the same pump I have now, and an even larger pool.

Looking for recommendations on replacements pool pump

I am looking for recommendations for a replacement pool pump. Currently have a Sta-Rite dura glas pump with 3/4 hp motor that is beginning to go bad (very loud). Electrical is 115. We have replaced the electric motor once before and are considering changing the pump entirely to something that...

www.troublefreepool.com

The 1.5 Superflo VST was recommended by two others, but I was looking for any additional bits that might be specific to my pool. Since I have a booster pump for the spa function, the main pump is essentially filtration and circulation, with the occasional waterfall used. I'm currently running 3450 RPMs, so anything less than that is a win.

 

[CaliVa]

You want the biggest VSP possible - the 2.7-3hp options. Larger pump is more expensive upfront, but can pump more water at the lower RPM's. The electricity savings easily offset the entire cost of the pump.

Intelliflo 3 is newest Pentair, but there are also good lower cost options like Calimar, etc for $600 or so. If I were you, I'd want the peace of mind of a new pump, in the largest size.

Thanks for your Calimar recommendation. I had never heard of them, and am very impressed with the price of a 3hp VSP. Excellent reviews all around. Leaning heavily in that direction, for the same price as a used Pentair pump.