best pump for maximum suction lift

[JamesW]

You can plug the skimmer and then fill the line with water.

If you have a check valve at the discharge of the pump, then the pump will stay primed when you unplug the skimmer.

You can even add a hose bib to the discharge of the pump before the check valve to allow you to fill the entire system with water before starting the pump.

Plug the skimmer, connect a garden hose to the hose bib, open the hose bib, turn on the hose until the water is coming out of the returns, close the hose bib, unplug the skimmer, start the pump.

You can remove the pump lid to fill the suction if necessary.

Hose pressure is really high and can damage system components if the water has nowhere to go.

So, be careful not to pressurize the system with the hose by leaving a valve closed.

If you get a single speed pump, and your suction lines are 1.5", the pump will probably cavitate.

 

[JamesW]

Make a water level out of 3/8" vinyl tubing to get the exact elevation difference between the pool water surface and the pump inlet.

 

[icepond]

You can plug the skimmer and then fill the line with water.

If you have a check valve at the discharge of the pump, then the pump will stay primed when you unplug the skimmer.

You can even add a hose bib to the discharge of the pump before the check valve to allow you to fill the entire system with water before starting the pump.

Plug the skimmer, connect a garden hose to the hose bib, open the hose bib, turn on the hose until the water is coming out of the returns, close the hose bib, unplug the skimmer, start the pump.

You can remove the pump lid to fill the suction if necessary.

Hose pressure is really high and can damage system components if the water has nowhere to go.

So, be careful not to pressurize the system with the hose by leaving a valve closed.

If you get a single speed pump, and your suction lines are 1.5", the pump will probably cavitate.

Thanks for all your help James. I noticed that you replied to another thread on similar subject. Is there a way to identify what the suction lift capacity is for a pump ? Most manufactures will rate by WEF, GPM, and HP, but very rarely do they mention what the suction lift is ?

 

[JamesW]

Is there a way to identify what the suction lift capacity is for a pump ?

Not unless the manufacturer specifies it in a document somewhere.

Maybe contact Pentair, Jandy and Hayward to see if they will tell you the suction lift of their pumps

 

[JamesW]

This pump says 24 feet.

The SVL56 is self-priming up to 24 feet. Most pumps are between 6-8 feet, which means they are working harder, and subject to more wear and tear on the pump. While other manufacturers brag about 10 feet of lift, the SVL56 pump provides 24 feet of lift above water level.

http://www.waterwayplastics.com/wp-content/uploads/150-8010.0213.pdf

Once you go more than 5 feet, you will have issues priming.

If you can get the system fully primed, the water going back to the pool should offset the water being pulled from the suction.

In my opinion, an Intelliflo, Intelliflo XF or a 2.7 hp TriStar VS would be the best choice so that you can adjust the speed as needed.

If you have a fully primed system that is airtight, then it should work.

I would not try to prime the pump by just letting it run.

I would fully fill the system before starting the pump.

I would use two Jandy 2 x 2.5” check valves at the discharge of the pump.

If the suction lines are 1.5", I would limit the flow to about 25 gpm per line.

 

[mas985]

I predict nothing but trouble with the pump at that height.

 

[JamesW]

5 feet is probably reasonable for most pools.

10 feet is the maximum I would try to operate.

Over 10 feet is almost definitely not going to work or it will be continuous frustration trying to make it work properly, especially with 1.5" plumbing.

I would try to figure out a way to get the system elevation below 10 feet, and ideally, below 5 feet.

 

[wireform]

Even of you got it to work, once the pump shuts off you'd be back to square one and lose prime.

 

[JamesW]

Even of you got it to work, once the pump shuts off you'd be back to square one and lose prime.

As long as the system is perfectly airtight, and if you have a check valve at the discharge of the pump, the system should not lose prime if the pump shuts off.

The best operation is probably to allow the pump to run 24/7 at about 25 gpm.

You can have a regular 2 way Jandy valve at the suction to lock in the prime when you need to open the pump lid.

It might be able to work at 15 feet, but probably not.

The OP can try it if they want, but if it does not work, they should be prepared to move it to a lower location.

 

[icepond]

This pump says 24 feet.

http://www.waterwayplastics.com/wp-content/uploads/150-8010.0213.pdf

Once you go more than 5 feet, you will have issues priming.

If you can get the system fully primed, the water going back to the pool should offset the water being pulled from the suction.

In my opinion, an Intelliflo, Intelliflo XF or a 2.7 hp TriStar VS would be the best choice so that you can adjust the speed as needed.

If you have a fully primed system that is airtight, then it should work.

I would not try to prime the pump by just letting it run.

I would fully fill the system before starting the pump.

I would use two Jandy 2 x 2.5” check valves at the discharge of the pump.

If the suction lines are 1.5", I would limit the flow to about 25 gpm per line.

Thanks James, learned a lot last couple of days....one last question. I've heard of Hayward and Pentair, pretty reputable companies and easily available here in Canada. Not so much about Waterway. Are they a reputable manufacturer ? any reviews out there ? I think it'll come down to the Hayward TriStar or this Waterway that you pointed out to me. Plus all the advice I've received in this forum.

 

[JamesW]

I think it'll come down to the Hayward TriStar or this Waterway that you pointed out to me. Plus all the advice I've received in this forum.

I would not go with a single speed pump because the flow will be too much for your 1.5" plumbing.

I recommend a variable speed pump.