Please comment on my new VS pump run times and plan

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georgiamike

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Jun 28, 2013
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Saint Marys, GA
Our pool is 20-year old 17,200 gallon in-ground gunite-marcite finish, 1 1/2" PVC piping and a Hayward salt water T-15 cell. We live on the GA-FL border and it’s pretty hot in the summer with a few freeze days in winter. Very few kid swim days now that their gone, but frequent Corona swim days.

I added a Hayward Super Pump VS (IS2603VSP) and FlowVis Flow Meter (FV-C-15) about 2-months ago and have been tinkering with different setting. If anyone has the time and inclination, I’d appreciate a look-see and comments if it appears what I’ve settle on seems right.

Timer 1: Blank
Timer 2: 7-9AM; 3,250 RPM; 72 GPM; 1,080 watts
Timer 3: 10-Noon; 1,300 RPM; 17 GPM; 89 watts
Timer 4: 2-3PM; 1,300 RPM; 17 GPM; 89 watts
Timer 5: 4-5PM; 3,250 RPM; 72 GPM; 1,080 watts
Timer 6: 5-8PM; 1,300 RPM; 17 GPM, 89 watts
Timer 7: Blank
Timer 8: Blank

Everything is based on the premise that the pool water should be filtered (or turnover) at least once per day.

The SW cell needs a minimum of 11 GPM flow to work per Hayward.

The VS pump range is 600 to 3,450 RPMs.

The FlowVis is positioned after the pump, but before the Hayward cartridge filter.

I’ve left Timer 1 pump setting vacant/off for later use should I have an algae bloom and/or a prolonged freeze and I need to run 24/7.

At 1,300 RPMs and above, water and debris flows into the weir. It will not at lower RPMs. That’s why I’ve selected 1,300 RPM for low speed filtration.

I’m hoping 3 hours of vigorous 3,250 RPM flow should be enough to really move the water around the pool in the event we’re not swimming that day. That is 95% of the VSP max capacity.

All and all, the above schedule gives me 9 hours of run time per day. Using the flow rate that gives me 3 hours at 72 GPM = 12,960 gallons per day and 6 hours at 17 GPM = 6,120 gallons per day, a grand total of 19,080 gallon turnover in 24 hours - which is 1.10% of the pool’s volume.

Did I miss anything? Or misunderstand how best to use the VSP?

Anyone know how to calculate the daily cost of running this new VSP? I don’t. Per my last electric bill, I pay 0.13 per kWh after they add all the different fees.

Thank you for looking & commenting!
 
www.troublefreepool.com

Determine Pump Run Time

To figure out how many hours you need to run your pump, you need to know how fast your pump works. You can find this here.
www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com
Turnover is a myth. Chemistry keeps your pool clear. Filter picks up stuff that falls in the pool.
With a SWCG, the minimum you need to run the pump is long enough to generate the chlorine needed for the pool each day.
Second is skimming needs.
Rate is predicated on what is needed to close the flow switch for the SWCG. Second is high enough to skim the pool and run any water powered cleaners.
You are running the pump longer and higher rates than necessary. But that is up to you.
 
Most VS pumps show Watts on the screen. My VS pump uses 200 watts at 1500 rpm, 1000 watts at 2300 rpm. But all systems are different.

Do you have the SWCG on a timer so that it only is powered when the pump is running?
 
First, I would never run my VSP into the 3000RPM+ range....run it at 2500-2550 and not for 2 hrs, but one hour as in the morning slot.

Next, try this:

Time 1 : 7-8AM; 2550 RPM;
Time 2 : 8am-1pm 1,300 RPM
Time 3 : 6-7PM; 2,550 RPM
Time 4: 7-11PM; 1,050 RPM

The schedule above gives you morning and evening skimming time, works your SWCG, keeps the water moving and only has 2 start times...all that starting and stopping is not good for a VSP...Good luck
 
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I have a simple plan so far, 2200 RPM to skim for 2 hours, 1400 RPM to move water and chlorinate, and 2 more hours at 2200 RPM to skim before it shuts off for the night. I only have 3 times I can set but I think its all I need anyway. To me the times it needs to skim the most is in the morning to get all the stuff that fell in over night, and then at night to get any stubborn stuff that the lower speed wasn't able to get into the skimmer. This is my first year with a VS pump too though, I'm no expert.

The duration of the low RPM time may increase, these things are so quite its great having it run low RPMs during times when you plan to be out by the pool or have people over enjoying it. Then just skim before and after that.
 
georgiamike said:
Anyone know how to calculate the daily cost of running this new VSP? I don’t. Per my last electric bill, I pay 0.13 per kWh after they add all the different fees.
Click to expand...

Mike, here is how you can calculate the daily kWh usage for your pump.

(kW/day) = [Runtime1(hrs)*wattage + Runtime2(hrs)*wattage + Runtime3(hrs)*wattage + …..] / 1000

The divide by 1000 is to convert Watts to kWatts.

So for your “current” schedule:

Timer 2: 7-9AM; 3,250 RPM; 72 GPM; 1,080 watts > 2 hours
Timer 3: 10-Noon; 1,300 RPM; 17 GPM; 89 watts > 2 hours
Timer 4: 2-3PM; 1,300 RPM; 17 GPM; 89 watts > 1 hour
Timer 5: 4-5PM; 3,250 RPM; 72 GPM; 1,080 watts > 1 hour
Timer 6: 5-8PM; 1,300 RPM; 17 GPM, 89 watts > 3 hours



kWh/day = [2*1080 + 2*89 + 1*89 + 1*1080 + 3*89] / 1000

= [3774] / 1000 = 3.77kWh day

Cost/day = 3.77*.13 = 49 cents a day (aren’t VSP pumps great?)

In the grand scheme of pool ownership, it’s almost free but as you can infer by the comments :), most people (including myself) think you are running your pump too much (time and/or rpm). Wear/tear on the VSP is a valid concern as tstex points out. The VSP advantage is that you can efficiently run it long and at low RPMs.

I am a cheapskate, but I’ve decided this summer to run my skimming longer (even during peak electrical hours) because I want my pool to look its best during swim season and avoid the collection of pollen/dust/small leaves that settle on the pool surface during the afternoon. Don’t know if that is a problem you have or even want to solve.

In any case, here is my suggestion for a run schedule. I would “up” the skimming RPM slightly to ensure that skimming is done effectively at all times…it seems to be right on the fringe for you since it doesn’t work below 1300. This will also be impacted by collection of “stuff” in the skimmer. I have seen estimates by people that skimming can be done effectively in the 15-20 gpm range. You are there, but why play on the margin when it is almost “free” to increase it slightly?

So, I would set the schedule to skim at ~1400-1500rpm from 7am to 7pm…you can increase/decrease based on how your pool looks. That’s it…12 hours a day to be adjusted (times and/or rpm) as you see fit. Run your SWG during that period for how many hours your need to run it. I assume you’ll also have to run your Polaris 280 during that time as you see fit to clean debris from the pool, but I have no idea/experience about that.

I don’t know what your wattage will be for your new chosen rpm (1400-1500), but I’ll guestimate at about 150 watts. If that is close, here is your cost per day:

= 12(hrs) * 150(watts) / 1000 = 1.8kWh/day

= (1.8 kWh) * .13 cents = 23.5 cents/day = ~$7 a month

You can see why some with VSPs run them 24hours a day, especially during swim season. If you decide that there is too much stuff floating around in your pool water (I get what I think are little pieces of grass), the VSP’s most efficient solution is to FIRST increase your filtering time, not your filtering RPM.

I am a convert to low rpm “skimming time” thanks to help of the experts on this forum, some of whom commented earlier in this thread, haha...thanks Mark and Marty.
 
Last edited:
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mknauss said:
Most VS pumps show Watts on the screen. My VS pump uses 200 watts at 1500 rpm, 1000 watts at 2300 rpm. But all systems are different.

Do you have the SWCG on a timer so that it only is powered when the pump is running?
Click to expand...

Mod Squad: Thanks. My hat’s off to you if you keep a pool blue in Laughlin. That’s some serious heat. FYI, I could not find anything saying that a once daily turnover is a myth. Even the CDC says once per day. I do understand your point, but I’m still mulling it over. And no, I do not have the SWCG on a separate switch. It’s my understanding that when the flow switch records 11 or more gallons of flow, the cell is active and otherwise off. If that’s not correct, please let me know.
 
ZcottD said:
I have a simple plan so far, 2200 RPM to skim for 2 hours, 1400 RPM to move water and chlorinate, and 2 more hours at 2200 RPM to skim before it shuts off for the night. I only have 3 times I can set but I think its all I need anyway. To me the times it needs to skim the most is in the morning to get all the stuff that fell in over night, and then at night to get any stubborn stuff that the lower speed wasn't able to get into the skimmer. This is my first year with a VS pump too though, I'm no expert.

The duration of the low RPM time may increase, these things are so quite its great having it run low RPMs during times when you plan to be out by the pool or have people over enjoying it. Then just skim before and after that.
Click to expand...

jonpcar said:
Mike, here is how you can calculate the daily kWh usage for your pump.

(kW/day) = [Runtime1(hrs)*wattage + Runtime2(hrs)*wattage + Runtime3(hrs)*wattage + …..] / 1000

The divide by 1000 is to convert Watts to kWatts.

So for your “current” schedule:

Timer 2: 7-9AM; 3,250 RPM; 72 GPM; 1,080 watts > 2 hours
Timer 3: 10-Noon; 1,300 RPM; 17 GPM; 89 watts > 2 hours
Timer 4: 2-3PM; 1,300 RPM; 17 GPM; 89 watts > 1 hour
Timer 5: 4-5PM; 3,250 RPM; 72 GPM; 1,080 watts > 1 hour
Timer 6: 5-8PM; 1,300 RPM; 17 GPM, 89 watts > 3 hours



kWh/day = [2*1080 + 2*89 + 1*89 + 1*1080 + 3*89] / 1000

= [3774] / 1000 = 3.77kWh day

Cost/day = 3.77*.13 = 49 cents a day (aren’t VSP pumps great?)

In the grand scheme of pool ownership, it’s almost free but as you can infer by the comments :), most people (including myself) think you are running your pump too much (time and/or rpm). Wear/tear on the VSP is a valid concern as tstex points out. The VSP advantage is that you can efficiently run it long and at low RPMs.

I am a cheapskate, but I’ve decided this summer to run my skimming longer (even during peak electrical hours) because I want my pool to look its best during swim season and avoid the collection of pollen/dust/small leaves that settle on the pool surface during the afternoon. Don’t know if that is a problem you have or even want to solve.

In any case, here is my suggestion for a run schedule. I would “up” the skimming RPM slightly to ensure that skimming is done effectively at all times…it seems to be right on the fringe for you since it doesn’t work below 1300. This will also be impacted by collection of “stuff” in the skimmer. I have seen estimates by people that skimming can be done effectively in the 15-20 gpm range. You are there, but why play on the margin when it is almost “free” to increase it slightly?

So, I would set the schedule to skim at ~1400-1500rpm from 7am to 7pm…you can increase/decrease based on how your pool looks. That’s it…12 hours a day to be adjusted (times and/or rpm) as you see fit. Run your SWG during that period for how many hours your need to run it. I assume you’ll also have to run your Polaris 280 during that time as you see fit to clean debris from the pool, but I have no idea/experience about that.

I don’t know what your wattage will be for your new chosen rpm (1400-1500), but I’ll guestimate at about 150 watts. If that is close, here is your cost per day:

= 12(hrs) * 150(watts) / 1000 = 1.8kWh/day

= (1.8 kWh) * .13 cents = 23.5 cents/day = ~$7 a month

You can see why some with VSPs run them 24hours a day, especially during swim season. If you decide that there is too much stuff floating around in your pool water (I get what I think are little pieces of grass), the VSP’s most efficient solution is to FIRST increase your filtering time, not your filtering RPM.

I am a convert to low rpm “skimming time” thanks to help of the experts on this forum, some of whom commented earlier in this thread, haha...thanks Mark and Marty.
Click to expand...

JONPCCAR: Wow, that a serious amount of work and I appreciate it. I’m also a somewhat a cheapskate and think I will modify my plan to the 12-hour schedule. We swim early 7/8AM and late as well 7/8PM. That will eliminate the multiple starts per day. I am still amazed at how little a VS can cost. I hope it last as long as my old Hayward.
 

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