Opinion: Bigger Pump vs. Adding a Pump

[portfisherman]

Problem: Slides not getting adequate water as soon as filter gets 5psi "dirty".
Question: Can I simply swap out the 1.85hp pump to a 2.7hp pump or do I add a 1hp pump for slides and replumb everything?
If filter is sparkling clean and variable speed pump is turned up both slides work just fine.

30' x 14' pool with a 10' x 10' spill over spa.
2 Slides. 1-4ft Kiddie, 1- 10ft.
Main Pump: 1.85hp Jandy
Spa Jets Pump: 1.5hp Jandy (does nothing besides spa jets)
Filter: Jandy DEV48 Cartridge DE
iaqualink RS6 - so I have an extra relay for additional pump.

Pool installer didn't take into account the two slides when he sized out the system.
I don't think he took into consideration the spill over either. Both were afterthoughts as far as he was concerned.
The slides are on a valve currently attached to return line.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

Problem: Slides not getting adequate water as soon as filter gets 5psi "dirty".

The slides will increase pressure at the filter. This is normal.

I don't think he took into consideration the spill over either

Try running the slides with spillover closed.

If filter is sparkling clean and variable speed pump is turned up both slides work just fine.

Why not just run the pump speed higher?

 

[portfisherman]

The slides will increase pressure at the filter. This is normal.

Try running the slides with spillover closed.

Why not just run the pump speed higher?

Spillover is on a check valve, Can't close it. When slides are on, pump gets turned to Max 3450. Once filter gets slightly dirty, large slide stops getting water.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

If filter is sparkling clean and variable speed pump is turned up both slides work just fine.

You mention a dirty filter which hints at an algae problem. Can you post a full set of test results from your own test kit. Maybe we can figure out why your filters are getting dirty.

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Your one-stop shop for all things TFP to include: ABCs of Water Chemistry, Recommended Chemicals/Levels, Test Kits, Troubleshooting, and much more!

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[portfisherman]

You mention a dirty filter which hints at an algae problem. Can you post a full set of test results from your own test kit. Maybe we can figure out why your filters are getting dirty.

Pool Care Basics Archives

Your one-stop shop for all things TFP to include: ABCs of Water Chemistry, Recommended Chemicals/Levels, Test Kits, Troubleshooting, and much more!

www.troublefreepool.com

There is no algae problem.
Filter gets dirty throughout the season like normal.
Pool Chemistry is nice and balanced thanks to TFP
FC: 5
PH: 7.4
Alkalinity: 80ppm
CYA: 70
Calcium: 300
Salt: 3600

Right now everything is functioning perfectly. But I know those slides will stop working once the filter gets slightly dirty. Just looking for opinions on Bigger Pump vs Adding a Pump.

 

[mknauss]

What is your clean filter pressure?

A bigger pump will make a difference.

 

[ajw22]

A larger pump will extend the time before your dirty filter stops the flow to the slide.

A dedicated pump replumbed to the slides solves the problem permanently.

If the slides are an important feature of your pool I would put in the dedicated pump.

You know your equipment design with one pump was not correct for your pool.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

Pool Chemistry is nice and balanced thanks to TFP

Great! Good to rule out algae before addressing equipment issues, particularly before dealing with pump/pressure/filter issues. Complete your signature and include your test kit. Linking Pool Math helps as well