Signing tomorrow morning. Quick question

[wxguy23]

All, thanks again.

Is a 2-speed Hayward Tri-Star pump worth the $500-$600 up charge over a Hayward Tri-Star 1.85 pump?

Sure I have seen what the paperwork says...but really? What's the difference in electric?

This is for a 20x35 grecian. 4-5-4.

 

[jblizzle]

That is kind of expensive for a upgrade from a single to 2-speed. The pumps are only around $200 difference in price. Install is the same, although a little more electrical to add a switch (unless you have automation too).

Pretty easy to save over 50% of the electrical cost to run the pump.

I would argue that the pump price difference is only ~$200 and suggest they upgrade you for $300-400.

 

[wxguy23]

Certainly don't mind saving on electric for several years...but paperwork is rarely real life conditions...
But if 50% cheaper to run, heck it's worth it on the front end. I will certainly ask for a cheaper rate.

 

[jblizzle]

On low speed, they move about 1/2 the water as on high speed (which is the same as a single speed), but on low only use 1/4 the electricity.

If they are adding a timer to control the speeds, that could be part of the cost. Although pretty easy to switch it manually only when needed and leave it on low most of the time.

 

[wxguy23]

Basically you really only need to run "high" when swimming, then low the rest of the time?

 

[jblizzle]

You only need high when backwashing or vacuuming.

 

[wxguy23]

Interesting...
Thanks! Just know some things sound good on paper, but in reality not all it's cracked up to be.

 

[Household6]

Two thoughts from my POV:
it costs $80/m to run our single speed pump 24/7. Especially during the winter, 24/7 isn't necessary (we keep it uncovered and kept up year around purely for esthetics).
I heard a lot of negatives about pool timers and how often they break, so I never put one in. But what I wish I had was a switch inside the house so I could turn the pump on and off without have to freeze and crawl into the pump house in the winter.
I can't imagine that adding a switch and a line in a shallow ditch from the pump to inside the house would be expensive ($200 maybe?) but I can guarantee that I'd have saved that much money on the electric in just a few months if I'd had the switch inside!

 

[pooldv]

An Intermatic pool time clock is very reliable and will last a long time.

 

[Household6]

An Intermatic pool time clock is very reliable and will last a long time.

EDIT: the last time I considered one was over 5 years ago. I should have prefaced my thoughts with that. But my point remains the same - have a convenient means to turn the pump on and off. It'll save a fair amount of cash.

 

[Divin Dave]

+1 on adding a simple timer if one isnt included with the install. If not, its a very easy DIY for very little cost and a lot of benefit for the sake of convenience.
Intermatic T104R timer costs about 60ish dollars.

 

[wxguy23]

Got the upgrade to variable speed with timers. For $350

 

[Divin Dave]

You will love the VS pump.

Got the upgrade to variable speed with timers. For $350

 

[pooldv]

Yep, I love my VS pump!

 

[jblizzle]

Did you get a 2 speed pump or the VS pump? That's a good deal either way.

 

[Household6]

So when is the ground breaking ceremony?!

 

[wxguy23]

Did you get a 2 speed pump or the VS pump? That's a good deal either way.

Hayward Tri-Star VS pump. 3200.

- - - Updated - - -

So when is the ground breaking ceremony?!

Was going to post when they broke ground, likely next Wednesday. But they were out drawing it up yesterday.
20x35 Grecian
990 sq foot of sandstone color stamped concrete
with pump/etc in back left corner.
Just hope I don't regret those trees! Pool is about 20-25' from the privacy fence and trees. Once they "fill" in, I will trim the parts hanging over the fence back. (I took out 3 large pine trees in May, which stunted the growth of the other trees).
I may be forced to moved the natchez crepe myrtles, and loose the shade and beauty they create. The pool water is only 15-17 feet from the trunks.

 

[Household6]

Sure you don't want to just use the blowup pool in the background instead?
;-)

 

[wxguy23]

Sure you don't want to just use the blowup pool in the background instead?
;-)

That will become the family pool raft.