I am an newbie and this is my first post after reading the experts for months. I have a 30,000 galon in-ground with a SWG Autopilot Total Control, with solar heating and a Barracuda G3 cleaner. All these is driven by a whisperflo 1.5 HP (going bad). Escalating power costs are a concern. I run the pump 6 hours a day and with the Autopilot SC-60 cell, I have plenty of chlorine generation capacity to spare (running at 30-40% purifier output).
NOW FOR THE QUESTION: I am replacing the pump and trying to decide between a new Pentair 2 HP 2-speed versus the Intelliflo VF. I like the VF for the high power cost savings. However, I am concerned that I will not take full advantage of the automation and multiple flow/speed capability. I am thinking of the 2-speed alternative because the Autopilot allows for controlling a single or a 2-speed pump automatically. My limited knowledge tells me that the VF cannot be controlled from the Autopilot automatically unless I spend a lot of money in another controller (don't know which one). The desired result is to run the filtration in low speed and the cleaner in high speed automatically SAVING ELECTRICITY.
Do I lose a lot of saving by going with the 2-speed?
Is there a way to control the VF pump inexpensively without my wife having to turn gate valves to close the cleaner?
Is it necessary to change the cleaner/drain/strainer diverter valve from vaccum to pool or viceversa when changing speeds?
What is the best option? My solar heat is controlled separate by a dedicated controller.
Thank you in advance for your collective wisdom.
Richard
Custom 30,000 Sandpiper pool
Autopilot Total Control
Pentair Size 48" DE SS filter
Whisperflo 1.5 HP
Solar heating + Pentair gas
SPA with water feature from spa to pool
NOW FOR THE QUESTION: I am replacing the pump and trying to decide between a new Pentair 2 HP 2-speed versus the Intelliflo VF. I like the VF for the high power cost savings. However, I am concerned that I will not take full advantage of the automation and multiple flow/speed capability. I am thinking of the 2-speed alternative because the Autopilot allows for controlling a single or a 2-speed pump automatically. My limited knowledge tells me that the VF cannot be controlled from the Autopilot automatically unless I spend a lot of money in another controller (don't know which one). The desired result is to run the filtration in low speed and the cleaner in high speed automatically SAVING ELECTRICITY.
Do I lose a lot of saving by going with the 2-speed?
Is there a way to control the VF pump inexpensively without my wife having to turn gate valves to close the cleaner?
Is it necessary to change the cleaner/drain/strainer diverter valve from vaccum to pool or viceversa when changing speeds?
What is the best option? My solar heat is controlled separate by a dedicated controller.
Thank you in advance for your collective wisdom.
Richard
Custom 30,000 Sandpiper pool
Autopilot Total Control
Pentair Size 48" DE SS filter
Whisperflo 1.5 HP
Solar heating + Pentair gas
SPA with water feature from spa to pool