Folks - I have a 36x18 Pool with old Superflo pump and very old sand filter. Plumbing was 1.5". I snapped and decided to get the XF Intelliflo b/c I was tired of crazy electricity bills. I also went with a Pentair 420 Catridge filter to match up.
Reputable pool store told me XF would work fine with 1.5" plumbing (would just have to run it at lower speeds). I just finished the install and have some interesting observations and questions:
- I upgraded lines on the pad to solid 2" PVC with no hard 90" elbows (everything is gradual sweep elbows).
- The pump basket is never totally full like my old one. Even if I burst up to 3000 RPM. Water level in pump basket is about 1.5" from the glass
- I opened the air bleed valve on cart filter and air shoots out and then water. A half our later I go back to open air valve and more air comes out and then water a few seconds later
- I got it running for last hour at 1500 RPM – returns are putting out a lot of water – pretty much same return pressure as the old 1.25 HP pump at full speed
- PSI on Cartridge filter are like 1-2 PSI at 1500 RPM. Most I could get the PSI to was 7 PSI at full speed. I was told a large filter would require less cleaning but is pump able to feed this beast?
- Flow switch on chlorinator and heater is fine at 1500 RPM – so I must be getting atleast 25 GPM++
I put three steel clamps on intake poly line.. super tightened down, let all glue cure overnight.. no leaks anywhere on return side of pump.
Questions:
- Not sure if the fact the basket isn’t getting full is somehow related to filter building up air? I expected the air to bleed out first time and not have air after that?
- Should I be concerned that pump basket isn't getting full or PSI on filter are so low?
Thanks guys - appreciate a second opinion (waiting for my pool guy to respond as well)
Reputable pool store told me XF would work fine with 1.5" plumbing (would just have to run it at lower speeds). I just finished the install and have some interesting observations and questions:
- I upgraded lines on the pad to solid 2" PVC with no hard 90" elbows (everything is gradual sweep elbows).
- The pump basket is never totally full like my old one. Even if I burst up to 3000 RPM. Water level in pump basket is about 1.5" from the glass
- I opened the air bleed valve on cart filter and air shoots out and then water. A half our later I go back to open air valve and more air comes out and then water a few seconds later
- I got it running for last hour at 1500 RPM – returns are putting out a lot of water – pretty much same return pressure as the old 1.25 HP pump at full speed
- PSI on Cartridge filter are like 1-2 PSI at 1500 RPM. Most I could get the PSI to was 7 PSI at full speed. I was told a large filter would require less cleaning but is pump able to feed this beast?
- Flow switch on chlorinator and heater is fine at 1500 RPM – so I must be getting atleast 25 GPM++
I put three steel clamps on intake poly line.. super tightened down, let all glue cure overnight.. no leaks anywhere on return side of pump.
Questions:
- Not sure if the fact the basket isn’t getting full is somehow related to filter building up air? I expected the air to bleed out first time and not have air after that?
- Should I be concerned that pump basket isn't getting full or PSI on filter are so low?
Thanks guys - appreciate a second opinion (waiting for my pool guy to respond as well)