Pump sizing help?

[TFPJules111]

Hi folks,

I'm in the market for a new pump. ~13000 gal in ground pool. 2" suction line. 1 1/2" return. 24" sand filter. Soon to be adding a SWCG.

I currently have a pentair whisperflow 1 1/2 hp single speed. Would like to go to a 2 speed or variable, without breaking the bank.

What model/size do you all recommend?

 

[bk406]

I'd get a 1 HP 2 speed. Variable speeds are a waste of money in most cases.

 

[mas985]

You could just downsize the impeller and motor which would be about 1/2 the cost of a new pump. Since you don't have any real flow rate requirements, you go down to a 3/4 full rated HP impeller or even a 1/2 HP impeller. I have a 21k pool and I am using the equivalent of a 1/2 HP pump and it even works fine with solar.

 

[TFPJules111]

Thanks for the input.

I guess I should mention that:

1) the female threads on the whisperflow return are iffy due to a freeze last winter pushing the threaded pvc out - I've had leaking issues all summer around that fitting and am tired of jacking with it

and

2) the motor's bearings are shot, so I'm replacing the pump entirely.

After doing a little price shopping, I think the variable speed is out. But there are so many options for 2 speed vs/ energy efficient single speed - my head is spinning.

What do you mean I don't have any "real flow rate requirements"?

My goals are to spend as little as possible on a good pump and to use as little electricity as possible when I run it.

Any manufacturer/model recommendations would be most welcome - and if anyone needs more info on my setup I'm happy to provide it.

 

[mas985]

#1 is a good reason to get a new pump but #2 is a good reason to get just a new motor.

What do you mean I don't have any "real flow rate requirements"?

What I meant by that is you don't have any HIGH flow rate requirements that would require a large pump so you could go with as small a pump as you can find. The smaller the pump, the more energy that you will save. The Whisperflo WFDS-3 or WFDS-24 (identical performance but different labels) are the smallest two speeds you will find in the Whisperflo line of pumps and they are also very good pumps.

 

[TFPJules111]

Ah, thanks for the clarification.

Both of the pumps you recommend are 115v. I have 230v at the pad & no interest in running 115v out there.

Based on a quick look on the net - all of the 3/4 2speeds are 115v.

I guess I have to go 1hp?

 

[mas985]

You can find 1 HP up rated two speed pump that runs at 230v. Remember that a 1 HP up rated is the same as a 3/4 HP full rated pump. All of these are pretty good pumps:

Pentair SuperFlo 340042
Sta-Rite PHK2RAY6E-102L
Hayward SuperPump SP2607X102S

 

[TFPJules111]

Thanks for your help!

I have a Pentair Superflow 340042 1 HP 2 speed 230v on it's way.