I need some advice. My local pool company contacted me and offered to do an energy audit on my pool equipment. The result? They recommended I upgrade to an IntelliFlo VS 3050 from my current single speed pump. They estimate in my area, I could save about $800 annually, by running the new pump 24/7 - 15 hours at 1400 rpm and 9 hours at 2400 rpm - putting me at 2 turnovers per day for 25K gallons. This seems reasonable to me because we live in a rural area with lots of trees, so junk is always blowing into the pool. The cost - $1650 for the pump and installation after they took off $100 as an incentive. They also worked out a deal with Pentair to offer a written 3 year warranty if I have them install it. I'm sold on the idea of saving some money, then I started checking the internet.
First, I find I can buy the same pump from Amazon (for example) for about $900. Second, I see there are issues with the IntelliFlo pumps in that people are reporting them failing after 1-2 years due to condensation accumulating where the circuit board is located. Apparently there are no weep holes or anything to let the condensation to dissipate. Third, if the pump does fail it appears the customer service is lacking and it's very difficult to get the pump serviced. Finally, I see there is a IntelliFlo VF, which might be a better investment?
My questions:
Should I pony up the extra money and let the pool company do everything or do it myself?
What is the reliability of the Pentair IntelliFlo pumps and am I just seeing only the bad reviews? I currently have a Pentair SuperFlo that's been great.
Should I go with the VF over the VS? I prefer leaving it run 24/7 due to the windblown debris, as long as it switches speeds on it's own via programmed schedule.
Any other recommendations you have for me?
I don't have to do anything now, just trying to save as much money as I can. Thanks!
First, I find I can buy the same pump from Amazon (for example) for about $900. Second, I see there are issues with the IntelliFlo pumps in that people are reporting them failing after 1-2 years due to condensation accumulating where the circuit board is located. Apparently there are no weep holes or anything to let the condensation to dissipate. Third, if the pump does fail it appears the customer service is lacking and it's very difficult to get the pump serviced. Finally, I see there is a IntelliFlo VF, which might be a better investment?
My questions:
Should I pony up the extra money and let the pool company do everything or do it myself?
What is the reliability of the Pentair IntelliFlo pumps and am I just seeing only the bad reviews? I currently have a Pentair SuperFlo that's been great.
Should I go with the VF over the VS? I prefer leaving it run 24/7 due to the windblown debris, as long as it switches speeds on it's own via programmed schedule.
Any other recommendations you have for me?
I don't have to do anything now, just trying to save as much money as I can. Thanks!