I am getting ready to build a pool and have two pool contractors giving me different advice. One says to have a separate 1/2 hp pump for the solar system with its own intake and output ports in the pool. The other contractor tells me to have an automated valve and use the existing 3 hp variable speed pump. All of the equipment is Pentair and the easy touch will control the solar. Anyone have an opinion on this?
Solar
- Thread starter booboo
- Start date
- May 3, 2007
- 16,880
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Either way will work but why have two pumps when you don't really need two. The advantage of solar with a VS pump is that you can optimize the RPM for low energy use and at the same time maximize heat transfer.
I agree. I have a variable speed pump (Pentair Intelliflo VF) and use the same pump when solar is off at 26 GPM (275 Watts), when solar is on at 48 GPM (1500 Watts), when the gas heater is on at 40 GPM (615 Watts), and when the pressure-side The Pool Cleaner is on at 15 GPM (540 Watts) on a dedicated line. I was able to get rid of my booster pump I had for my Letro Legend pool cleaner.
My pentair 3hp VS pump does everything, filter, solar, waterfall. I have different presets for each.