learthur said:I have enjoyed my Hayward TriStar energy efficient version. I only regret I didn't buy the 2 speed instead of the single speed. I also have a WhisperFlo that is OK but uses more electricity and is noisier and the prefilter basket lid is much easier to unscrew on the TriStar.
I am interested in the comments that the Hayward Tristar energy efficient version uses less electricity and is quieter - do you have data on how much less electricity?
I am looking at replacing an old 1HP (at least 10 years old pump) - not sure what the pump is but the pump motor information for the plate is MOD 1103016419 (seems to be a Franklin Motor) rated at 1HP SFR 1.65 MLA 19/9.5. I have an ~16 -20k gallon pool (30' x 15' kidney pool and 8' deep at the deep end) old 1 1/2" piping and seven glazed Sunearth Empire solar panels. The pool equipment is close to the (~10') pool and the solar panels are also very close mounted on a single story garage. Currently the pump is pushing around 15 GPM thru the panels with the balance (unknown GPM) of the water going directly thru return lines into the pool. In fact there is so much water returning to the pool that the Polaris runs happily cleaning the pool even when the booster pump is not running.
Living in Northern CA and paying PG&E rates I am looking to save money - my top rate electricity is now $0.38 per kWh (just reduced this month by PGE&E from $0.48). So I was thinking about getting a variable flow pump (taking advantage of the PG&E rebate) - however two experienced techs have both said with 1 1/2 piping the variable flow pumps will not work as well. One is suggesting downgrading to 3/4 HP the other feels a modern 1/2 HP will be more than sufficient and suggests the 1/2 HP WFE-2 Whisperflo - which brings me to my original question - do you have data showing the Hayward TriStar energy efficient version uses less electricity? Looking at the Whisperflo spec its MLA is 4.5 Amps vs the Hayward at 5.5 Amps. Maybe naively I am hoping that a 1/2 HP Whisperflo with MLA of 4.5 Amp will save me half the cost of my old 1 HP pump with MLA of 9 Amps. I would try to use the spreadsheet reference further up the page but I am not sure what pump to use as an equivalent to my old pump.
Also any thoughts on whether the 1/2 HP Whisperflo will be sufficient for my set up?
My booster pump is also screeching and I may replace it at the same time - however I can't find can't find any efficiency information on the PB5-60 Polaris booster pumps or alternatives. I know it runs for a shorter period - but at nearly 40c a kwh I would rather get an efficient replacement if I can.