New pool construction to begin in 3 weeks...builder has proposed the use of a 3 HP Pentair WhisperFlo pump to supply the water features. They are good sized features (waterfall and weeping wall). With the 3 HP pump running, there should be plenty of water for them, and that is the issue. There will be times when we don't want the full allotment of water splashing out, but rather something more modest and quiet. The builder says we can adjust water flow with the valve feeding the water features, obviously (is that good for the pump, however?)
But my question is, it seems that a Pentair IntelliFlo variable speed pump might be the better choice -- especially since everything I read says that at its top output, it is equivalent to a 3 HP pump. (We will have an IntelliFlo variable speed for basic circulation pump). But if we don't want all that water gushing out, it seems we can more easily turn it down with a variable speed pump rather than have to mess with valves (especially since we're using the wireless Pentair controls).
What am I missing? The cost for the IntelliFlo (if I'm looking at the right model) is not that much more money, maybe $100-$150 or so.
But my question is, it seems that a Pentair IntelliFlo variable speed pump might be the better choice -- especially since everything I read says that at its top output, it is equivalent to a 3 HP pump. (We will have an IntelliFlo variable speed for basic circulation pump). But if we don't want all that water gushing out, it seems we can more easily turn it down with a variable speed pump rather than have to mess with valves (especially since we're using the wireless Pentair controls).
What am I missing? The cost for the IntelliFlo (if I'm looking at the right model) is not that much more money, maybe $100-$150 or so.
