Pump Watt Usage

PoolGate · Apr 21, 2024

Based on my Aqualink display, my pump uses between 380 and 420 watts when set at 2000 rpms. Is the variance in usage an indication that the pump might be going? I don't recall if this has ever had the variance before. This is season #8. The pump runs 24x7 at low RPMs during the 5-6 month season. Last season and this season I was getting some squealing upon startup. I ran at low RPMs for a couple days and now am able to run at any RPM with no noise. I am not sure if that is a sign of bearing or other failure. With the cost of this pump approaching $2000, is there any maintenance I can do to avoid pump failure?

Jimrahbe · Apr 21, 2024

PG,

I would 'assume' that the variance is due to the filter getting dirty, or being cleaned.

Thanks,

Jim R.

PoolGate · Apr 21, 2024

Jimrahbe said:
PG,

I would 'assume' that the variance is due to the filter getting dirty, or being cleaned.

Thanks,

Jim R.

That is what I thought so I cleaned the filter yesterday. It is at 428 at the moment. Cleaning does not seem to have made any difference.

JamesW · Apr 21, 2024

Power usage goes up with less restriction.

It is counterintuitive, but less restriction causes more flow and higher power.

JamesW · Apr 21, 2024

For example at 3,450 RPM:

92 feet of head, 46 GPM = 2,000 watts,

76 feet of head, 102 GPM = 2,750 Watts .

As you can see, more restriction causes lower flow and lower power use.

Clean filters means less head loss and more flow so more power use.

JamesW · Apr 21, 2024

The IntelliFlo at 2,070 RPM uses about 350 watts (at 10 gpm) to about 650 watts (80 GPM) depending on the flow, which depends on the head loss/restriction.

Increasing restriction reduces flow and reduces power use.

Reducing restriction increases flow and increases power use.

JamesW · Apr 21, 2024

PoolGate said:
Last season and this season I was getting some squealing upon startup.

That could be from the seal.

Maybe get a seal in stock in case you need to replace the seal.

MSchutzer · Apr 21, 2024

That’s only a +/- 5% power variation and likely limited by the accuracy of the power measurement circuitry.

Also consider that the line voltage varies throughout the day, probably more than you think it does. In addition temperature variations can change the results of the power measurement circuitry in the motor. Power is measured by looking at the voltage and the current drawn by the motor.

This involves analog to digital converter circuitry and a voltage reference, both of which have slight variations with temperature.

+/- 5% variation for the power measurement circuitry is really pretty good.