Advice for size of new VS pump vs existing 1speed size

[Dan8899]

I recently bought a home with an inground pool in need of some repairs. I'm learning as I go since this is my first pool. Currently have yard dug up to fix +9,000gal monthly water usage (found 1.5" pipe completely split in half) and replace valves at the pump area while its out of service. So my question is, while I have the pipes ripped apart, I'd like to swap out the old pump with a VS type but I don't know what kind or size is the smartest choice. I also don't know if I should reconnect the 3/4"-1" aerator pipe that goes to pool deck above the water line (currently has a white cap on it), or the other 3/4 pipe that must turn into 1.5" ug that goes to a port halfway down the pool wall (a pool guy told me this was probably for an old pressure type cleaning apparatus). Both of these pipes are stubbed up at the pump and just tee in with the return line. All 3 of returns have old rotted out cast metal on/off wheel valves which I plan to replace with PVC ball valves if needed. There is also what I'll call a loop-de-loo in one of the 3/4" pipes at the pump area, which the pool guy told me was someones lazy rigged up piping job to reconnect the piping after someone removed a second pump(purpose unknown) from the setup.
On the VS pump size, everyone I've talked to is saying something different. Leslies is saying go with a 3hp so i can run it at lowest speed which will equal circulation of existing 1hp 1 speed. Pool guy who I hired to show up for an hour and explain my equip said don't bother and keep existing, but if I do go VS, to just get same size 1HP but 3/4hp would prob work. And other outlets on internet are saying just go with a 1.5hp for my 15000gal size.
Any advice you all have would be helpful and much appreciated.

 

[Dan8899]

here are some pics of my mess.

 

[duraleigh]

Match your pump to your pool size and your filter. That pool size if just fine for a 1 HP vs and your filter should have a flow rate of about 70 gpm.

 

[Dan8899]

thanks duraleigh. In that case, the 3hp intelliflo is probably overkill and pool store was just trying to take more of money, and I should just get the 1.5hp pentair superflo vs 342001 or hayward maxpro sp2303vsp and save a few hundred.


And if I find that the 1.5" pipe going directly to the side of the pool wall (that I'm being told is for an old pressure bag cleaner) isn't leaking, I guess I could re-pipe it to the suction side of the pump and add a mixing valve to split draw between it and the skimmer pipe and use it to connect the hayward thepoolcleaner i plan to buy instead of running it's hose through the skimmer door.

 

[CJadamec]

Unless you plan on adding automation and or a SWG the inteliflo is more pump than you need.

The superflo will move plenty of water and do it for very little electrical cost. Check with your local utility company for pool pump rebates.

No need to mess with plumbing just yet but some never-lube valves would be a nice upgrade to replace those old metal gate valves.

 

[Dan8899]

I've also come to the conclusion the 1.5hp superflo is all I really need.

As for the 2 other pipes tied to my return line:
the 3/4 that goes to the aerator port poking out the side of my decking I will just keep as is for now, adding a shutoff valve and taking out the crazy loop they made to reconnect after removing the other equipment since I don't fully understand if I will ever need it again
But the 1.5" pipe running from a port in the side of the pool wall that they necked down through the 3/4 valve in the riser at the pump equip I am going to change back to 1.5" and tie to the suction side with a valve so I can use it to connect a pool robot cleaner instead of plugging the cleaner hose through the skimmer gate. Its either that or just cap it off since there is no reason I can see to have it on the return side other than to use a pressure type which I've read is the old way of doing things