Good day all, I feel like Iv'e done enough reading over the past few days to ask some questions. Please if you could steer me in the right direction I would appreciate it.
I'm interested in a new pool pump. I love my pool, but the one thing I dread every year is the electric bill going up. As it stands, I have a Hayward Power Flo Matrix 1.5HP pump. It's way overkill (At least I found that out after reading this forum!). All hand me down equipment. I turn it on for 4-5 hours a day and hate it. I can feel my meter spin. After everything it's $.142/KW here. I live in Maryland and right now we have a $400 rebate from the utility company if we get a VS pump, or $150 rebate for a 2 speed. I've been looking at the Pentair 342001 VS Pump 1.5HP. I just want to make sure this would be a good move. Does anybody have any downsides to VS pumps? I would go with a 2 speed to save money, but with the rebate it's a no brainer. I have a business acquaintance that's a certified electrician and plan to at least have him vouch for the work for the 3 year warranty. I also plan to house the pump in some kind of enclosure to prevent the elements from getting to it (I don't want the Pentair one, that looks flimsy, anyone have any DIY links I'd appreciate it).
If you look in my sig you'll see my equipment. I don't know what to expect the RPM's/wattage to need to be at to go through the pool heater. Pentair states for my model heater it requires minimum 40/GPM. The pool heater will have a bypass, so when I'm not heating, no water needs to go that route (hopefully save the heat exchanger in the long run.)
For me, $650 on a pump will be more than I've invested in the whole pool (not including electricity). I just want to make sure this is a wise investment and I'm on the right track.
P.S. - To all those that have contributed to this forum, thank you. My pool has (mostly) stayed clear, and been easier to maintain than I ever imagined because of you. The wife and kids don't know it, as I'll admit I take full credit, but it's because of you!
I'm interested in a new pool pump. I love my pool, but the one thing I dread every year is the electric bill going up. As it stands, I have a Hayward Power Flo Matrix 1.5HP pump. It's way overkill (At least I found that out after reading this forum!). All hand me down equipment. I turn it on for 4-5 hours a day and hate it. I can feel my meter spin. After everything it's $.142/KW here. I live in Maryland and right now we have a $400 rebate from the utility company if we get a VS pump, or $150 rebate for a 2 speed. I've been looking at the Pentair 342001 VS Pump 1.5HP. I just want to make sure this would be a good move. Does anybody have any downsides to VS pumps? I would go with a 2 speed to save money, but with the rebate it's a no brainer. I have a business acquaintance that's a certified electrician and plan to at least have him vouch for the work for the 3 year warranty. I also plan to house the pump in some kind of enclosure to prevent the elements from getting to it (I don't want the Pentair one, that looks flimsy, anyone have any DIY links I'd appreciate it).
If you look in my sig you'll see my equipment. I don't know what to expect the RPM's/wattage to need to be at to go through the pool heater. Pentair states for my model heater it requires minimum 40/GPM. The pool heater will have a bypass, so when I'm not heating, no water needs to go that route (hopefully save the heat exchanger in the long run.)
For me, $650 on a pump will be more than I've invested in the whole pool (not including electricity). I just want to make sure this is a wise investment and I'm on the right track.
P.S. - To all those that have contributed to this forum, thank you. My pool has (mostly) stayed clear, and been easier to maintain than I ever imagined because of you. The wife and kids don't know it, as I'll admit I take full credit, but it's because of you!
