Looking for a new variable speed pump...

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tfpusername

tfpusername

Well-known member
Apr 23, 2017
119
Las Vegas
I want to upgrade my current (crappy) MagneTek 208-230v 3450rpm 3HP pump. It's loud as heck and not doing anything good for the electric bill.

I'm looking for something that will be quiet, and save me some money in the long run (hopefully the payback will be less than 2 years?).

Any suggestions? Black friday deals? Was looking at this one...

Amazon.com : Pentair 342001 SuperFlo VS Variable Speed Pool Pump, 1 1/2 Horsepower, 115/208-230 Volt, 1 Phase - Energy Star Certified : Garden Outdoor

or

https://www.amazon.com/Variable-Ene...spons&keywords=variable+speed+pool+pump&psc=1
(^this one seems like a great price, but is there a difference between "220v" and "208-230v"?)

*Also, any suggestions for finding somebody to install the thing for me? I imagine the big pool suppliers will charge a lot... About how much do you think it should cost to install the new pump?

Thanks!
 
t,

The Pentair SuperFlo VS is a great pump as long as you don't plan on adding automation at a later date.

208-230 volts is what we all call 220 volts. It just means the pump will run with anything between 208 and 230 volts.

Here is the rub... Variable speed pumps are designed to run at low rpms to save on the electrically bill and to be quiet. But, you are used to seeing your monster 3HP pump running and when you get your new VS pump, you will initially try to make the water in the skimmer and coming out of the eyeballs look the same. If you do, your new pump will not be as quiet or as efficient as it could be, because you will have the speed ramped up to almost max rpm..

For reference, I run my pump at 1200 rpm, most of the time. At that speed it is so quiet I have to touch it to make sure it is still running.. :p It also costs less than $20 bucks to run it 24/7. But, if you look at the skimmer and pool returns, it is almost hard to see the water actually moving. It is moving and it keeps the pool skimmed and sanitized, but it does not look "right" if you are used to a single speed pump.

We have at least one member who is trying out the cheaper pump.. so far so good.. But, I am a "You get what your pay for" kind of guy, so I would go with the SuperFlo.

Good luck with your decision,

Jim R.
 
Hmm well if the low flow aesthetic really bothers me, couldn't I just up the speed a tad (or just turn it on full blast if I plan on being outside, leave it on low 24/7 the rest of the time?).

And what do you mean it's a great pump as long as I don't plan on adding automation? I thought this pump could be programmed (says its "easy to program")? Although the breaker box for my current pump has a timer, so maybe I don't even need that?
 
The pump can be programmed. But it cannot be easily integrated into an Easytouch or Intellitouch automation system.
 
t,

The pump has an internal time clock and control system and works well all by itself... By automation I meant a separate automation system that would be used to turn valves, control a SWCG, control pump speeds and turn water features and lights on/off...

Yes you can run it at whatever speed you want. I was just trying to say, that when it is run at near full speed it is not as quiet or as efficient as it is at low speed.

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
As Jim stated, the pump has an internal timer, clock, and control system. I think the Superflo can do 4 separate programs with different speeds. The Intellflo can do 8.
 
And what exactly does the "program" do? I'm guessing each of the 4 "programs" on the Superflo just simply 'turns pump on at X speed, run for Y hours, then turn off'. Or does it do more than that?

It would be really cool if I could make it run at higher speed during the mid day (when people are swimming), then run at low speed for the rest of the day. Is that possible?
 
t,

You can set up schedules that do what you want.. As an example... you could have a schedule that turns the pump on at 8 am until noon, at 1000 rpm, then another schedule that turns the pump on at noon until 4 pm at 2000 rpm. etc. You can schedule the pump to run any time you want, at whatever speed you want.

You can also just manually push a button on the pump that runs the pump at a specific speeds that you have set up.

Not that it matters, but there is no real advantage to running faster just because people are swimming..

Thanks,

Jim R.
 

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Here's one of three positive reviews on Amazon:

excellent quiet pump,same interface as my last variable speed pump at less than 1/3 the cost. Similar cost to standard pumps, but variable makes much more efficient. Can really consume less electricity. Much less, up to ten times less depending on how it is run. Runs pool hot tub and hayward navigator without issue. The electrical connection is unusual compared to all other pumps I've encountered. Some adjustment to electrical conduit was needed. The actual electrical wire connections were the same as all other motors I have installed. More information on that in the description would be helpful to prepare for installation. Also, I had a 3 hp variable speed before. The 1.5 is more that sufficient to handle all my equipment and every thing works as before. 20000 gal pool with inline hot tub and heater. Do not need more than 1.5 HP.

The only negative review said it could not be programmed as there were no instructions. You could probably figure it out.
 
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