Hello all. I'm new and need to lean on your experience for direction. See my signature for current pool equipment.
Issue at hand: Resilience salt cell is caking rather quickly such that I can barely go 2 weeks without having to clean it. Local dealer suggested turning down production (from 80+% to 30%-50%) and running longer. So I did and, while improved, it wasn't much but operating cost for the pump have risen. Additionally, I was finding I wasn't producing enough chlorine because the old Resilience system would stop production / drop to 10% (minimum indicator). So to try to de-cake the plates and continue production, created a polarity reversing circuit my home automation (home assistant) triggers when it detects power usage is out of a threshold. While this works great for renewing production, I'm still caking rather fast with higher cost.
Desired resolution: I'd like to replace both single speed pumps with a single variable speed pump and use a motorized valve to divert for the booster when it is needed. This would allow me to run the chlorine generator for longer and still at lower power while the pump is running more economically. Removing the booster pump saves on the replacement cost and one could argue some of the operating/maintenance cost, too. Furthermore, I'd like to be able to integrate this with my Home Assistant automation system for monitoring and control. I believe there is an integration for most every kind of publicly known interface for Home Assistant. I suspect RS485 would be what I would need.
The local shop, when asked about this, said it couldn't be done. I don't see the physical "why" it can't be done. In my research for parts to support or debunk the local shop, I found this forum.
Regardless of can or can't be done, I need to replace the single speed motors/pumps so looking for suggestions. Was looking at Century vGrene 165 for just the motor option as I think it will function as desired in all respects.
Desired education: (bold is where I'm leaning)
It can/can't be done.
Motor / Pump brand/model recommendations.
Replace motor (reuse wet-head) and forego $350 EnergyStar Rebate vs pump recommendation with $350 EnergyStar Rebate.
Flow gauge recommendations. Was thinking of the H2 FloVis Digital but I'd hate to spend that kind of money on something so simple (plastic with what is probably a magnet controlled potentiometer). Would like one with some feedback I can monitor with my home automation. I don't know/haven't found what all is on the market that might suit my needs.
Can I reduce the THP of the motor from 1.65THP given advancements in motor/pump efficiencies?
Info not in my signature related to equipment:
The booster runs on a 1" line. The rest of the system runs on 2" line. I currently have no way to gauge flow rates.
Main pump is 240v and consumes 707.92 kwh/month
Booster pump is 240v and consumes 115.38 kwh/month
Hayward DE Filter: 8-10 psi / 72gpm
Polaris 280: 28-32 psi / 12gpm
For the return, there are 3 dedicated returns for circulation plus 2 that has a manually selectable venturi effect for a 2 person seat.
There is a return from the booster pump.
For the suction, there is 1 skimmer and 1 low end drain.
A huge oak tree overhangs a portion of the pool and thus I have to deal with a good amount of leaves pollen seasonally.
I hope to make the house a short-term rental so I'd like to be able to remotely control as much as possible.
Sorry so long. Trying to give all that might be of use the first time around.
Thanks so very much for your time and advice.
Issue at hand: Resilience salt cell is caking rather quickly such that I can barely go 2 weeks without having to clean it. Local dealer suggested turning down production (from 80+% to 30%-50%) and running longer. So I did and, while improved, it wasn't much but operating cost for the pump have risen. Additionally, I was finding I wasn't producing enough chlorine because the old Resilience system would stop production / drop to 10% (minimum indicator). So to try to de-cake the plates and continue production, created a polarity reversing circuit my home automation (home assistant) triggers when it detects power usage is out of a threshold. While this works great for renewing production, I'm still caking rather fast with higher cost.
Desired resolution: I'd like to replace both single speed pumps with a single variable speed pump and use a motorized valve to divert for the booster when it is needed. This would allow me to run the chlorine generator for longer and still at lower power while the pump is running more economically. Removing the booster pump saves on the replacement cost and one could argue some of the operating/maintenance cost, too. Furthermore, I'd like to be able to integrate this with my Home Assistant automation system for monitoring and control. I believe there is an integration for most every kind of publicly known interface for Home Assistant. I suspect RS485 would be what I would need.
The local shop, when asked about this, said it couldn't be done. I don't see the physical "why" it can't be done. In my research for parts to support or debunk the local shop, I found this forum.
Regardless of can or can't be done, I need to replace the single speed motors/pumps so looking for suggestions. Was looking at Century vGrene 165 for just the motor option as I think it will function as desired in all respects.
Desired education: (bold is where I'm leaning)
It can/can't be done.
Motor / Pump brand/model recommendations.
Replace motor (reuse wet-head) and forego $350 EnergyStar Rebate vs pump recommendation with $350 EnergyStar Rebate.
Flow gauge recommendations. Was thinking of the H2 FloVis Digital but I'd hate to spend that kind of money on something so simple (plastic with what is probably a magnet controlled potentiometer). Would like one with some feedback I can monitor with my home automation. I don't know/haven't found what all is on the market that might suit my needs.
Can I reduce the THP of the motor from 1.65THP given advancements in motor/pump efficiencies?
Info not in my signature related to equipment:
The booster runs on a 1" line. The rest of the system runs on 2" line. I currently have no way to gauge flow rates.
Main pump is 240v and consumes 707.92 kwh/month
Booster pump is 240v and consumes 115.38 kwh/month
Hayward DE Filter: 8-10 psi / 72gpm
Polaris 280: 28-32 psi / 12gpm
For the return, there are 3 dedicated returns for circulation plus 2 that has a manually selectable venturi effect for a 2 person seat.
There is a return from the booster pump.
For the suction, there is 1 skimmer and 1 low end drain.
A huge oak tree overhangs a portion of the pool and thus I have to deal with a good amount of leaves pollen seasonally.
I hope to make the house a short-term rental so I'd like to be able to remotely control as much as possible.
Sorry so long. Trying to give all that might be of use the first time around.
Thanks so very much for your time and advice.
