We are planning a Florida New Pool Build and had settled on the Pentair Intelliflow. We will have the Pentair SolarTouch Solar Control System.
A further research is leading me to believe that based on the cost of the pump and the cost of my electric rates, a variable speed may not pay itself back for a while? We know that most of the manufacturer comparison calculators are designed to show extreme savings / comparisons that are not real life....
So, do the other reasons listed below provide enough reason to spend the extra cash?
- Sound level is better on these because they can run at a lower speed most of the time
- Cool factor. Let's face it VS is the new thing and when someone asks what kind of pump I have variable speed is cooler
- Eco factor. Cost aside, it saves electricity and that is good for everyone and the environment.
- More flexibility in the control
- Claim is that filtering is better at low speeds
- Built in timer and thus I may not need a external timer? If this is a tru, might be able to same a little by not having a separate timer. Was not planning on a electronic color box anyway.
- On a $45 to $50k build, the difference is not worth fussing over
Thanks for looking. Isn't all of this part of the fun of a build or remodel.
For comparison sake:
2 speed Pentiar - $589
Amazon.com : Pentair 012518 WhisperFlo High Performance Energy Efficient Two Speed Up Rated Pool Pump, 1 1/2 Horsepower, 230 Volt, 1 Phase - Energy Star Certified : Swimming Pool Water Pumps : Patio, Lawn Garden
VS Pentair - $875
Amazon.com : Pentair 011018 IntelliFlo Variable Speed High Performance Pool Pump, 3 Horsepower, 230 Volt, 1 Phase - Energy Star Certified : Swimming Pool Water Pumps : Patio, Lawn Garden
- Pool will be 12,500 gallons
- No spa
- 2 Bubblers
- 2 Sheers
- Solar on 2nd story
A further research is leading me to believe that based on the cost of the pump and the cost of my electric rates, a variable speed may not pay itself back for a while? We know that most of the manufacturer comparison calculators are designed to show extreme savings / comparisons that are not real life....
So, do the other reasons listed below provide enough reason to spend the extra cash?
- Sound level is better on these because they can run at a lower speed most of the time
- Cool factor. Let's face it VS is the new thing and when someone asks what kind of pump I have variable speed is cooler
- Eco factor. Cost aside, it saves electricity and that is good for everyone and the environment.
- More flexibility in the control
- Claim is that filtering is better at low speeds
- Built in timer and thus I may not need a external timer? If this is a tru, might be able to same a little by not having a separate timer. Was not planning on a electronic color box anyway.
- On a $45 to $50k build, the difference is not worth fussing over
Thanks for looking. Isn't all of this part of the fun of a build or remodel.
For comparison sake:
2 speed Pentiar - $589
Amazon.com : Pentair 012518 WhisperFlo High Performance Energy Efficient Two Speed Up Rated Pool Pump, 1 1/2 Horsepower, 230 Volt, 1 Phase - Energy Star Certified : Swimming Pool Water Pumps : Patio, Lawn Garden
VS Pentair - $875
Amazon.com : Pentair 011018 IntelliFlo Variable Speed High Performance Pool Pump, 3 Horsepower, 230 Volt, 1 Phase - Energy Star Certified : Swimming Pool Water Pumps : Patio, Lawn Garden