A few weeks ago, my 10+ year old pump started acting up and finally gave up and died. After doing what I could to see if it was anything I could repair and calling (much to my disdain) a local "pool guy" to come out and see, he confirmed that it was dead. I would like to get a Variable speed pump and after much research, decided on a Pentair Intelliflo 011018. As the warranty involves having a licensed pool guy install, my guy was asked for advice and he found me a Pentair 011017 which has the additional SVRS feature. Of course, I've also been seeing the feedback on the 011055 with the display that would not have to be upside down in our installation. I had finally made my mind up (011018, but drool over the 01055 because it's not available on-line) and someone said - "I think you are being oversold - why would you want to install a 3HP pump, when you are replacing a 1.5HP pump". So now I doubt all my research and want to ask everyone here....what's your advice?
Overwhelmed by new Pool Pump decision - advice needed
- Thread starter MGeller
- Start date
My pool local pool place is trying to sell me on the 3HP Intelliflo 2 VST for $1,300 to replace my 1.5Hp single speed Hayward. It's like it's not even a discussion with this place, must be the only pump they like to install.
- Jul 3, 2013
- 9,028
- Pool Size
- 15000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool SJ-40
that is the way the VS pumps are going, you will probably not ever use the 3hp but its there if you ever needed it 
you will be fine tuning it to do what you want, when you want..
An interesting take Don't Buy the Wrong Variable Speed Pool Pump | Florida Solar Design Group
you will be fine tuning it to do what you want, when you want.. An interesting take Don't Buy the Wrong Variable Speed Pool Pump | Florida Solar Design Group
- May 3, 2007
- 16,833
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Without knowing your equipment setup it is really hard to advise (i.e. add signature with equipment). But if you don't have a spa or other high volume water feature, one of the other VS pumps like the SuperFlo VS might be a better choice. But again, it kind of depends on your entire equipment setup.
Also, more than likely your old pump is repairable so if you want to go that route and get most of the energy savings of a VS, you could replace the motor with a two speed motor. I just want to make sure you understand all your options.
BTW, that web site has incorrect information. The MaxFlo does have an automation option. I also disagree with their premise that the top of the line is always necessary.
Also, more than likely your old pump is repairable so if you want to go that route and get most of the energy savings of a VS, you could replace the motor with a two speed motor. I just want to make sure you understand all your options.
BTW, that web site has incorrect information. The MaxFlo does have an automation option. I also disagree with their premise that the top of the line is always necessary.
Thank you, mas985 - I noticed my signature was missing on my first post and quickly remedied. It should be there now. Thanks!
Thank you, mas985 - I noticed my signature was missing on my first post and quickly remedied. It should be there now. Thanks!
- May 3, 2007
- 16,833
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Ok so with the spa, you want something that can at least deliver the same flow rate as your old pump when the spa is engaged so you will probably need to go with one of the larger VS pumps.
But was the old pump sufficient or were the jets fairly weak?
Also do you know which model pump you actually have (e.g. TriStar, SuperPump, Northstar, etc)?
But was the old pump sufficient or were the jets fairly weak?
Also do you know which model pump you actually have (e.g. TriStar, SuperPump, Northstar, etc)?
Thanks again for your follow up, mas985
- it was a Hayward pump, (I want to say SuperPump, but I'm at work and can't remember) it had under another "brand label" as it was purchased by the previous home owner from Leslie's Pools. The old pump was OK, but could have been better, I have 2" pipes. There are two skimmers, 5 jets, not including the one used by Pool Cleaner or any in the spa. (Don't know if that info helps....) It was actually the motor that went out, but the pump was pre-any of the models that had handles or screws to open the basket cover.
- May 3, 2007
- 16,833
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
- May 3, 2007
- 16,833
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Ok, the SuperFlo VS would probably be a bit iffy on flow rate for the jets so you are probably better off with the Intelliflo, assuming you want Pentair equipment.
But for your location, a two speed pump would work well too and save almost as much as what the VS pump can save in energy costs.
But for your location, a two speed pump would work well too and save almost as much as what the VS pump can save in energy costs.
For 300 more bucks and more capability if you ever decide to add automation or solar I would go with the Intelliflo. Here is a good source.
Pentair IntelliFlo Variable Speed Pump 011018 | Pentair 011018
Pentair SuperFlo VS Pump 342001 | Pentair 342001
Pentair IntelliFlo Variable Speed Pump 011018 | Pentair 011018
Pentair SuperFlo VS Pump 342001 | Pentair 342001
I went with the Pentair Intelliflo Variable Speed Pump 011018. Purchased in a bundle, with unions, surge protector and housing with 2 day shipping for $1,000.00 from Pool Supplies, Spa Supplies and Parts I'll let y'all know how it works out. Going to have someone licensed to install it, so that I can get the full two year warranty. Thanks, everyone, especially Mark, for your feedback!