Another one replacing (very) old pump and filter...

[gregch]

Last year we finally got around to replacing the liner and pool surround of our pool (you can see it in the under construction forum). We had planned to update the pump and filter as part of that project, but ran out of time and money last year - so we're going to deal with it now.

The pool is 28' x 14' hopper shape, rough guess about 12,000 gallons.

First, the pump.
The existing pump is a Sta-Rite 1/2HP, it primes fast and works fine but has got dramatically noisier the past couple of years and I believe both the bearings *and* impeller need replacing, hence looking at replacing the pump.


Question: the existing pump is 1/2HP, and seemingly it's worked fine, but we've been told we should replace with 3/4HP. The cost is pretty much the same - but I had a concern that it might cause additional stress on the pipework. Is that a legitimate worry, or?

Second question, the filter.


The existing filter is called a "3D" and seems to be about 19" - again it's worked OK but we've been told we should replace with 24", specifically Pentair Triton TR60. One supplier has suggested we could save a fair chunk of money with the top-mounted version, Tagelus. I read people on here suggesting that the front-mounted was a better option?

Thanks for any opinions/insight/advice, very much appreciated.

 

[Newdude]

This is my current fav. For the price, its hard to beat and will literally pay for itself a few times over.

Many of us love our cartridge filters so consider those as well.

 

[gregch]

Thanks for the link, appreciated - I get that the variable pumps are more efficient and save money in the long term; my concern is the upfront cost is a problem. I can't find the one you linked to available anywhere here in the UK, and the variable ones that are available are 2x or 3x the cost of the (non-variable) Sta-Rite, which has been pretty dependable over the years (hence I was thinking of replacing with the exact same thing).

Same deal with the cartridge filter; love the idea of not backwashing all the time, but the upfront (and filter replacement) cost is maybe too high.

I'd like to get decent equipment that'll do the job and not need replacing again too soon, but the real focus right now is on keeping the up front cost down!

 

[1poolman1]

Last year we finally got around to replacing the liner and pool surround of our pool (you can see it in the under construction forum). We had planned to update the pump and filter as part of that project, but ran out of time and money last year - so we're going to deal with it now.

The pool is 28' x 14' hopper shape, rough guess about 12,000 gallons.

First, the pump.
The existing pump is a Sta-Rite 1/2HP, it primes fast and works fine but has got dramatically noisier the past couple of years and I believe both the bearings *and* impeller need replacing, hence looking at replacing the pump.
View attachment 486450View attachment 486452

Question: the existing pump is 1/2HP, and seemingly it's worked fine, but we've been told we should replace with 3/4HP. The cost is pretty much the same - but I had a concern that it might cause additional stress on the pipework. Is that a legitimate worry, or?

Second question, the filter.
View attachment 486453
View attachment 486455
The existing filter is called a "3D" and seems to be about 19" - again it's worked OK but we've been told we should replace with 24", specifically Pentair Triton TR60. One supplier has suggested we could save a fair chunk of money with the top-mounted version, Tagelus. I read people on here suggesting that the front-mounted was a better option?

Thanks for any opinions/insight/advice, very much appreciated.

If the 1/2hp pump works, no need to increase to the next size, would be a waste of electricity. Impellers virtually never wear out, motor bearings get damaged. Nothing is as good a new except new. Top-mounted TA60 is a very good filter if you want to go to a larger size and will backwash with a 1/2hp pump. You would not "overload" your plumbing, but there is no need to go larger and a VSP with a sand filter is an even better option if the funds are available.

 

[StephanieW]

I get that the variable pumps are more efficient and save money in the long term; my concern is the upfront cost is a problem. I can't find the one you linked to available anywhere here in the UK, and the variable ones that are available are 2x or 3x the cost of the (non-variable) Sta-Rite, which has been pretty dependable over the years (hence I was thinking of replacing with the exact same thing).

shows 2 speed option available, not sure about in the UK.

Sta-Rite Max-E-Pro Series Replacement Pump Parts

PoolZoom Pool Parts and Pool Supplies Online. Huge In-Stock Inventory, Quick Shipping

www.poolzoom.com

you would need a switch for the dual speed that they link to.

A.O. Smith Century 3/4 HP Square Flange 48Y Dual Speed Full Rate Motor - SQS1072R - INYOPools.com

Century 3/4 HP Square Flange 48Y Dual Speed Full Rate Motor - SQS1072R

www.inyopools.com

or

Century (A.O. Smith) 1.0 HP Full Rate Motor, Square Flange 48Y Frame, Dual Speed - Model SQS1102R - INYOPools.com

Century 1.0 HP Square Flange 48Y Dual Speed Full Rate Motor - SQS1102R

www.inyopools.com

The 1hp motor could be ran on lower speed till current filter bits the dust, or you get a larger filter.
Using the .75hp motor, I wouldn't think 1/4 hp would put your filter over its stated max 50 psi.
And could still give you some savings in ELE bill.

 

[gregch]

If the 1/2hp pump works, no need to increase to the next size, would be a waste of electricity. Impellers virtually never wear out, motor bearings get damaged. Nothing is as good a new except new. Top-mounted TA60 is a very good filter if you want to go to a larger size and will backwash with a 1/2hp pump. You would not "overload" your plumbing, but there is no need to go larger and a VSP with a sand filter is an even better option if the funds are available.

Now that's interesting, thank you! I must admit I'm kind of torn between replacing more or less like for like, on the basis that it's worked OK for years so far, and doing what pool guys have recommended in terms of what pump and filter *should* be used for this pool size!

The 3/4hp pump is pretty much the same price as the 1/2hp, though I get what you say about more electricity I guess I could run it fewer hours? So it seems to sort of make sense to go for the 3/4hp, if there's no real risk of stressing the pipework if I increase the pump power by 1/4hp?

And thanks for the input on that filter. I'd also been looking at a 24" Lacron (I think maybe more popular in Europe) filter but seems like the TA60 (or TR60) might be a pretty good choice.