variable vs single speed

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G

Giri

Silver Supporter
Oct 21, 2021
86
tampa,fl
I am having conflicting opinions on saving money in the long run using a variable speed pump. Appreciate any input on the worth of changing the pump to variable speed. I was told that the replacement cost for a motor for a variable-speed pump is very expensive, unlike a single-speed pump.

How do I measure the cost of running a pump for 8 hours? My electric bill recently is more than $400 and trying to factor on how much from pump. Appreciate it.
 
A single speed motor can use upwards of 2.5 kWh per hour, as can a variable speed pump at full speed. The beauty of the VSP, is that you can get the same results at much lower RPMs.

8 hours of pump time at 2.5 kWh is 20 kWh. If your electrical costs are $.20 per kWh, it cost you $4.

With a VSP, you can likely run at 1/10th or more the power, making your costs $.40 for the same 8 hours.

That's how a VSP pays itself back so quickly; and there are other benefits.
They can be virtually silent, you can run longer for more skimming, etc.
 
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Giri said:
I am having conflicting opinions on saving money in the long run using a variable speed pump. Appreciate any input on the worth of changing the pump to variable speed. I was told that the replacement cost for a motor for a variable-speed pump is very expensive, unlike a single-speed pump.

How do I measure the cost of running a pump for 8 hours? My electric bill recently is more than $400 and trying to factor on how much from pump. Appreciate it.
Click to expand...
I run my VSP pump 24x7 and I’ve never seen a bill higher than $200 and that’s including running the AC all day.
 
reggiehammond said:
A single speed motor can use upwards of 2.5 kWh per hour, as can a variable speed pump at full speed. The beauty of the VSP, is that you can get the same results at much lower RPMs.

8 hours of pump time at 2.5 kWh is 20 kWh. If your electrical costs are $.20 per kWh, it cost you $4.

With a VSP, you can likely run at 1/10th or more the power, making your costs $.40 for the same 8 hours.

That's how a VSP pays itself back so quickly; and there are other benefits.
They can be virtually silent, you can run longer for more skimming, etc.
Click to expand...
Appreciate the detailed reply. Right now I have single-speed pump and I got a quote to replace the motor at $450 as there is an issue. I was told that it would cost almost $2000 to change the motor for variable speed. Is it true? Good to know variable speed is a quiet motor as it is next to our bedroom.
 
Giri said:
Appreciate the detailed reply. Right now I have single-speed pump and I got a quote to replace the motor at $450 as there is an issue. I was told that it would cost almost $2000 to change the motor for variable speed. Is it true? Good to know variable speed is a quiet motor as it is next to our bedroom.
Click to expand...
A top-brand Pentair Intelliflo 3 could cost $2k with pool service installed pricing.
But a pump is not difficult to swap out and there's lower cost models available held in high regard here in the forum.

You might look at: CaliMar® Variable Speed Pool Pump | 3HP | CMARVSP3.0

If the PVC needed a bit of re-doing, it's very easy.
 
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Different pumps behave differently and no two plumbing systems are the same and whatnot, but here is my pump acting like a Single Speed and at the lowest speed that still performs the functions I need.

Screenshot_20231010_192222_Chrome.jpg

Screenshot_20231010_192218_Chrome.jpg

It's an extreme example and I don't run 700 RPMs, but I could. It's so cheap I splurge all the way up to 1500 RPMs, about 210W, for more water movement. We like seeing it flow-y.
 
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reggiehammond said:
A top-brand Pentair Intelliflo 3 could cost $2k with pool service installed pricing.
But a pump is not difficult to swap out and there's lower cost models available held in high regard here in the forum.

You might look at: CaliMar® Variable Speed Pool Pump | 3HP | CMARVSP3.0

If the PVC needed a bit of re-doing, it's very easy.
Click to expand...
Thanks. We have jandy pool pump with controller. I was told compatibility also issue to match each other. Anyway, I want to go to wifi and if I can get a decent price would like to change both at the same time. Appreciate any recommendations.
 
Giri said:
We have jandy pool pump with controller
Click to expand...
So...... heater, spa, water features, the whole 9 yards ?

Take a moment and please fill out your Signature with all relevant details and model #s.

@HermanTX and @PoolGate are both mighty fluent in Jandy. They'll have thoughts.
 
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What hp is your ss pump? Do you know how many amps it draws when it’s running?
I have a 1.5 hp single speed- it draws approximately 12 amps when it’s running.
You use ohms law—>
I (amps) x E (volts) = P (watts)
12 x 120 = 1440 watts
Here’s what that looks like in $$
IMG_7835.jpeg
You can also use this to see the difference in the two

www.pentair.com

Pool Pump Savings Calculator

Use Pentair’s Pool Pump Calculator to estimate how much you can save on energy costs by switching to one of our variable speed pool pumps. Get started today!
www.pentair.com www.pentair.com
 
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No one put the cost chart in?

No authorized Jandy retailer will sell you a pump. So if you want to go with Jandy, you'll need to look to eBay and unauthorized sellers. Then there is the issue of them possibly denying warranty if any problem arises. If the only thing you have is just the one Jandy pump, I would look at a new eco-system for your pool equipment.

BTW: Buy once, cry once. Those cheap Chinese pumps on Amazon often fail with a couple years. Buy only a tier one brand.

vsp-costs-b.jpg
 
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Below, you can see the graph of watts vs. RPM.

The power goes up by a cube factor, so twice the speed = twice the flow in GPM, but 8 times the power.

At 1,200 RPM, your power usage will be about 100 watts.

Y = Power in Watts.

X = Pump Speed in RPM.

1697039560999.png


1697039867900.png

1697040539823.png

y=2349X^3/(3450)^3, y from 0 to 500 - Wolfram|Alpha

Wolfram|Alpha brings expert-level knowledge and capabilities to the broadest possible range of people—spanning all professions and education levels.
www.wolframalpha.com www.wolframalpha.com
 
Last edited:
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Giri said:
Thanks. We have jandy pool pump with controller. I was told compatibility also issue to match each other. Anyway, I want to go to wifi and if I can get a decent price would like to change both at the same time. Appreciate any recommendations.
Click to expand...
Tell us what controller you have with the existing Jandy pump. Is it an automation system? You want to go with wifi - what do you have now? Maybe take some pictures of your pump and your equipment pad. Is there a controller mounted to the wall near the equipment pad?
We can provide recommendations but need to know what you have now. Thanks.
 
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I just had my old Hayward single speed pump replaced with a Pentair VSP...motor and pump as I didn't want to screw with mismatched stuff.

I paid under $2k installed, and would have paid $1350 without installation. The install gets 2 years of warranty instead of the 60 days if DIY.

It's remarkably quiet. All I need to do now is get a current sensing switch to run my SWG.
 
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Hi,
I went to my outdoor system and providing the list of devices with model numbers that are installed at the bottom of the post. The pump is making noise and was told by the installer of the system that it needs new motor and provided these to enable wifi also.
-------
1.5 hp motor and shaft seal for $450.00
A new display board for $800.00
And a new antenna for $700.00
-----------------------------

I would like to evaluate what options I have if I need wifi Wi-Fi-enabled controller and energy-efficient pump. We do get rebate from Florida TECO electric company. Appreciate any recommendations. I really don't know anything on the pool as it is the first time and got with previous owner.

---------------

Systems we have

Jandy Pool and spa air blower Model PSB210
Zodiac rated HP X S.F = Total Motor HP 1.5X 1.10 = 1.65 Model 193986XCN(Century Centurion Switchless motor) FHPM1.5
Jandy Aqualink Z4
Jandy Pro Truclear 11P
Jandy Pro Pool/Spa filter Model CS100
Jandy Pro pool & SPA heater JXI260N
Jandy Pro 18 channel RF Trnsceiver R0686300(For Aqualink 17 channel handheld wireles remote)
Aqualnk Jany Pro R0687300 Remote
 
A VS pump would be best. Under current regulations, any single speed filter pump that is replaced should be with a Vs pump. However, if you just replace the motor then you can get around that requirement. This is why the service company offered the motor replacement.
You can go with a Jandy ePump or a Pentair IntelliFlo or IntelliFlo3 which either will communicate with the Jandy automation.

Based on my research it appears that the Z-4 can be upgraded with the new iQ30-Ant (antenna only) to offer wireless communication via phone app or PC. This would replace your existing handheld PDA.

Maybe @PoolGate can provide some info on Z-4. The Z-4 automation is the most basic automation offered by Jandy.
 
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I think Aqualink TCX is the entry level controller now. I am not sure they still sell the Z-4. The TCX does everything you want except controlling a spa. It only controls a single JVA though. It is for a basic pool.

Smart Pool Controller: AquaLink Automation System | Jandy

Looking for a Smart Pool Controller? Find the AquaLink Automation System for the Perfect Pool Experience. Buy Now w/ a Pool Pro Near You!
www.jandy.com www.jandy.com
 
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Griswald said:
I just had my old Hayward single speed pump replaced with a Pentair VSP...motor and pump as I didn't want to screw with mismatched stuff.

I paid under $2k installed, and would have paid $1350 without installation. The install gets 2 years of warranty instead of the 60 days if DIY.

It's remarkably quiet. All I need to do now is get a current sensing switch to run my SWG.
Click to expand...
Thanks. One of my friend said he is having variabe pump, but he has to run all the time at high speed due to a cleaner that he connected to some port in pool. I am not worried about it. I am planning to add an independent cleaner which is also the next budget item for me.
 
PoolGate said:
I think Aqualink TCX is the entry level controller now. I am not sure they still sell the Z-4. The TCX does everything you want except controlling a spa. It only controls a single JVA though. It is for a basic pool.

Smart Pool Controller: AquaLink Automation System | Jandy

Looking for a Smart Pool Controller? Find the AquaLink Automation System for the Perfect Pool Experience. Buy Now w/ a Pool Pro Near You!
www.jandy.com www.jandy.com
Click to expand...
PoolGate said:
I think Aqualink TCX is the entry level controller now. I am not sure they still sell the Z-4. The TCX does everything you want except controlling a spa. It only controls a single JVA though. It is for a basic pool.

Smart Pool Controller: AquaLink Automation System | Jandy

Looking for a Smart Pool Controller? Find the AquaLink Automation System for the Perfect Pool Experience. Buy Now w/ a Pool Pro Near You!
www.jandy.com www.jandy.com
Click to expand...
We have SPA also. Does this controller not turn on heater for spa? I really don't know if current controller can turn on spa but we need to learn and use this year to use spa. Don't know if we need to turn on the valves. It is overwhelming on so much stuff.

I was told that if pump is changed, controller can be changed to any brand. I am open to any solution for my goal to have a variable speed pump and wifi controller. Appreciate it.
 
Can you post a picture of your equipment pad that shows all of the plumbing? Automation that controls a Pool AND a SPA means it will activate automated (motorized) valves, bump heat to SPA heat setting and perhaps a few other SPA only functions. If you don't have or don't want any of those, then you can just get the basic automation that controls your pump and a few other things.
 
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