I have 16k gallon pool in Northern California. I want to replace my current 1HP single speed with variable speed pump. My solar panels have a 50 foot run about 18 feet off the ground with a head pressure like 45 feet. I have been doing all the research on Pentair and Hayward. All the companies claim that a 3HP motor system will waste no extra energy powering a 1 hp system if the speed is set correctly.
1) Is there any truth to this?
2) I have an old Compool solar controller (LX-28-1) that runs solar with Compool values. I have looked at Pentair Intellicom2 and Hayward direct 12 volt relay control. It seems like nobody has a variable speed solar panel cross-over to your old system. Looks like everyone wants to sell you a new controller for $1k to do the same job of the equipment I already have. Can I just use the 3 relay connectors to the Hayward Ecostar to set my PRIME, slow-flow, booster-pump pool sweep, and no solar speeds? Anyone have experience with this?
3) I find on the Web that Pentair 3HP VS system sells for same discount price as the Hayward Ecostar (at 2.9 HP). There is a lot of "web history" saying the Pentair unit is far mor reliable than Hayward. Is this really true? Is this the CURRENT information that pool owners see? I am trying to make choice between the two and cannot find clear evidence that one is more reliable than the other. The Hayward is more efficient per Watt according to PG&E tables. Anyone feel that there is a clear reason to choose Pentair over Hayward?
4) I do almost all my own installations. Is there a clear reason to spend $400 extra to have a pool specialist install my unit to get 3 year warrantee versus doing it myself and getting a 6 month warrantee? Would it be better to hold onto that $400 to replace motor or controller down the road? Opinions?
Much thanks,
tjcooper
1) Is there any truth to this?
2) I have an old Compool solar controller (LX-28-1) that runs solar with Compool values. I have looked at Pentair Intellicom2 and Hayward direct 12 volt relay control. It seems like nobody has a variable speed solar panel cross-over to your old system. Looks like everyone wants to sell you a new controller for $1k to do the same job of the equipment I already have. Can I just use the 3 relay connectors to the Hayward Ecostar to set my PRIME, slow-flow, booster-pump pool sweep, and no solar speeds? Anyone have experience with this?
3) I find on the Web that Pentair 3HP VS system sells for same discount price as the Hayward Ecostar (at 2.9 HP). There is a lot of "web history" saying the Pentair unit is far mor reliable than Hayward. Is this really true? Is this the CURRENT information that pool owners see? I am trying to make choice between the two and cannot find clear evidence that one is more reliable than the other. The Hayward is more efficient per Watt according to PG&E tables. Anyone feel that there is a clear reason to choose Pentair over Hayward?
4) I do almost all my own installations. Is there a clear reason to spend $400 extra to have a pool specialist install my unit to get 3 year warrantee versus doing it myself and getting a 6 month warrantee? Would it be better to hold onto that $400 to replace motor or controller down the road? Opinions?
Much thanks,
tjcooper