New Pump Time

[Bmholloway]

This is probably a pretty trivial choice from what I have read, but figure I would ask the experts. I am going to pull the trigger on a replacement pump and going to go with VS i the form of either Hayward Super Pump Vs or Hayward Max Flo VS. Pump is maybe 6-12" above waterline, about 10 feet away. All plumbing currently 1.5". Skimmer line is about 15ft from pump, main drain about the same (8ft deep end). Single 1.5" line for 3 returns and a dedicated 1.5" line for pressure side cleaner (Polaris 280 with booster). Currently have a 24" sand filter that shows 20psi when backflushed.

From what I have read, the max flo might have a slight efficiency edge at "medium head" which I am guessing is about where I am operating. I like that the Max Flo VS has 2" ports as I am contemplating a larger filter if I can pick one up on Craigslist for a deal (would go to 30" sand, perhaps Tagelus 100D or Hayward S311SX, Triton II if a good deal can be had) and would likely change pool pad plumbing to 2" at that time.

I understand that the newer versions (2602VSP an 2302VSP) have programmable timer / clock as well. I don't have any other automation aside from a timer.

Any input would be most welcomed.

 

[DaninFLA]

honesty, unless you have a lot of different items running off your pump, I just don't see the need for variable speed. you can save a lot of money and get the operating savings with just a two speed pump. how big is your pool and are you running fountains, etc off it?

 

[JasonLion]

We recommend the MaxFlo VS over the SuperPump VS, though the difference is quite small.

That said, I agree with DaninFLA, you will save a little money in lifetime cost by going with a suitable two speed pump rather than a VS, though the difference isn't all that large.

 

[DaninFLA]

We recommend the MaxFlo VS over the SuperPump VS, though the difference is quite small.

That said, I agree with DaninFLA, you will save a little money in lifetime cost by going with a suitable two speed pump rather than a VS, though the difference isn't all that large.

I was referring to the upfront costs savings rather than operational. i.e. I meant you can just get the 2 speed and get the same operational savings. sorry that wasn't clear.

 

[Bmholloway]

Looking at Hayward's site, there are 3 pumps that are 2-speed (1, 1.5 and 2HP). Current pump is a Super Pump 3/4hp with a 1.5 SF. Will the 1.0 HP at slow speed have enough to take care of filtration or is the 1.5 better? I was going to get a feel for total head in the system, but need to get an extension tube on the vacuum side to get a gauge on it. The 1.0 and 1.5 are both around $470 (with the VS being $650).

Thanks for the input.

 

[mas985]

You don't really need anything but the smallest pump for circulation. I use a 1/2 HP pump on a 20k pool with solar.

Another option that would cost even less would be to swap out the motor in your current pump with a two speed motor.

 

[Isaac-1]

What Mas said, if there is nothing wrong with the wet end of your current pump it is easy enough to simply swap motors for a 2 speed and run it on low to save electricity most of the time.

 

[Bmholloway]

Mark
What kind of pump are you running on your pool? Are you running low speed to circulate and high speed for solar use?

 

[mas985]

It is a 1/2 hp Northstar pump with a two speed motor replacement.

And yes I usually run on high for solar and low on for circulation.