Replacement pool pump help

FLDude

Active member
Jul 21, 2022
42
Clearwater,FL
Hi All,

I've got a 13k gallon pool with a couple spa jets and a bench built into the pool itself in the shallow end.
I'm now ready to start thinking about replacing the pool pump for more energy efficiency and have a few questions.

Here are my pool details:
  • The pool is 13k gallons
  • I have a sand filter that has a filtration and backwash design flowrate of 62 gpm
  • The current pump is a 1hp pentair superflo high performance pump (one speed) 3450 rpms
  • I plan to install an SWG in the next 6 months
Here are the questions that i have:
  1. Can i get a two speed pump given my setup or would it be better to buy a VS speed pump?
  2. What hp/size pump should i be looking to purchase?
  3. Does anyone have any specific recommendations of a good replacement pump?
Thanks in advance for the help and advice!
 
Can i get a two speed pump given my setup or would it be better to buy a VS speed pump?
100% no question, VSP if you're after efficiency.
What hp/size pump should i be looking to purchase?
If you go with VSP, HP is usually static across the flagship models within a brand. The energy consumed is directly related to RPM (pump speeds), so while you won't need it's "max" HP, you aren't really concerned with it being overkill. The flexibility to change the speeds and 'power' is nice to have for cleaning or features.
Does anyone have any specific recommendations of a good replacement pump?
If you have Pentair, I'd say stick with it. I like Pentair quite a lot over other brands. You're gonna have a tough time getting the more common Intelliflo VSF (011056), so you're probably looking at an Intelliflo 3 (011075). Which is the same price or less, and would be great for you if you don't have automation, because it will give you smartphone access and you could run your SWG from it with the I/O board down the road (011076). You will need to replumb your system though, because the superflo is not the same form-factor as these. But you'll likely have that issue across all brands if you upgrade to VSP - which you should. ;)
 
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If you plan to install a SWCG then definitely go with a VS pump. You will have a lot more flexibility in setting SWCG output and run time at low RPMs. with regard to Hp - most name brand VS pumps will be 2.7 to 3 Hp. No worries though as when you run at lower rpm your energy consumption will be much lower. Also, a higher Hp pump that is run at lower speed is actually quieter. Below is graph of my pump showing energy used at various speeds. I normally run around 1550rpm for majority of the 21 hrs I run my pump.
1675536931568.png
 
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Hi All,

I've got a 13k gallon pool with a couple spa jets and a bench built into the pool itself in the shallow end.
I'm now ready to start thinking about replacing the pool pump for more energy efficiency and have a few questions.

Here are my pool details:
  • The pool is 13k gallons
  • I have a sand filter that has a filtration and backwash design flowrate of 62 gpm
  • The current pump is a 1hp pentair superflo high performance pump (one speed) 3450 rpms
  • I plan to install an SWG in the next 6 months
Here are the questions that i have:
  1. Can i get a two speed pump given my setup or would it be better to buy a VS speed pump?
  2. What hp/size pump should i be looking to purchase?
  3. Does anyone have any specific recommendations of a good replacement pump?
Thanks in advance for the help and advice!
Unless you can find old stock, 2-speed pumps are no longer available in the name brands due to DOE regulations. If you find one, the added cost of a 2-speed control (time clock) usually bring the price up to VSP range. You're far better off with a VSP. If you're happy with your SuperFlo, get a variable speed one. No replumbing needed, just change the O rings in the unions.
Your existing time clock could then be used to control the SWG as the pump will have its own timer built in (power is constant to the pump).
 
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+4.

Get a VS and eventual SWG. Run 24/7 at a low RPM for $20 or less a month in electricity.

Never think about if you're skimming or filtering enough again. Produce a little FC around the clock, topping you off at all times so you're always ready for the next event that would lower your FC. Kick yourself for not doing this all years ago. That wasn't hard enough. Do it again and mean it.
 
Just doing some shopping around and found this for a good price. Will this do for what im looking for or will i need something with more power?

Couple recent thread on the B&D:
 
Thanks!

I also found this one, does anyone have any experience with this pump or know if its any good or not?

Harris proforce inground vsp
I don't love the way the pump lid works. I feel like you'll eventually have issues with compression and the threads on the wing nuts or volute.

But that's not based on any real experience. Just an observation.
 

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I don't love the way the pump lid works. I feel like you'll eventually have issues with compression and the threads on the wing nuts or volute.

But that's not based on any real experience. Just an observation.
Yeah i looked around a bit and pulled the trigger on the b&d one after i read some good reviews about it. Thanks for all the help!
 
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