Best pump, warranty, mfg

[djw]

I am going to replace my old pump with a fancy VS pump in the next week(s). I have gotten 18 years from the old single speed pump and am looking forward to some savings going to probably a 2.7hp Variable Speed.

I have a large pool and during the summer I need to run my Aquarite T-cell-15 nearly 24 hours per day to satisfy the chlorine needs of a 40K gal pool. I am not sure what approximate flow rate/rpm will be needed by a VS pump to satisfy the Aquarite's flow switch? Any info?

I probably will not install this myself (back surgery) but in another time I might. But I do most of my own pool service work. I will not replace my old Hayward 2100 pool controller just yet and, for now, operate the VS pump from it's own control system, however good or bad it is. The replacement of the rest of the pool controller equipment is probably a "next year" expense.

Given the above, any recommendations on a pump/mfg combo? Pentair, I undertand, is difficult to deal with (requires "professional installation") for repairs for homeowners. Jandy, Hayward, Pentair, etc? Any insight appreciated. Or the fact that they are all about the same is also appreciated.

 

[splashpad]

@djw, I just popped 2.7hp in the search box, here are some threads to check out while you wait for replies Search

 

[Arizonarob]

DJW, with that small of a cell for your SWG, you will not heed any savings of the VS pump install, because you will have to run it at full speed to maintain the same amount as your current pump.
You need to upgrade that cell to a much larger one, to reap the benefits of a VS pump.

 

[djw]

@djw, I just popped 2.7hp in the search box, here are some threads to check out while you wait for replies Search

The 3hp Pentair is not out of the question either.

I'm interested in hearing about any material differences. I have searched the forum for info on this and often the response is "yeah, I have that one and it seems fine". Maybe they are all about the same in the end.

 

[djw]

DJW, with that small of a cell for your SWG, you will not heed any savings of the VS pump install, because you will have to run it at full speed to maintain the same amount as your current pump.
You need to upgrade that cell to a much larger one, to reap the benefits of a VS pump.

I am having trouble understanding why this would be the case:

1. Mine is the largest Aquarite cell. I get there are others slightly larger, but this cell can indeed maintain chlorine levels in my pool but the pump has to run most of the day in the summer. This has been my experience.
2. My understanding is that the Aquarite puts out a fixed amount of chlorine over a given period of time when it is running, regardless of whether the pump is on, say 100% or 25% (presuming the flow switch can be "on" at 25%). More volume does not make more chlorine over a given time.
3. If the above statement is true, the T-cell will produce the same amount of chlorine, regardless of flow rate, as long as the cell is operational. Why would the pump's velocity have anything to do with it?

Please let me know if I am thinking incorrectly.

 

[ajw22]

DJW, with that small of a cell for your SWG, you will not heed any savings of the VS pump install, because you will have to run it at full speed to maintain the same amount as your current pump.
You need to upgrade that cell to a much larger one, to reap the benefits of a VS pump.

Not sure I agree with that. @djw will only need to run a new VS pump fast enough to satisfy the SWG flow switch. Something between 1500 - 2000 rpm should satisfy it which would give him significant energy savings from a SS 3400 rpm pump.

Pentair Intelliflo 011018 or 011028 is a workhorse VS pump compatibale with Pentair Easy Touch and Intellitouch automation. If you wait until the 011028 gets into the supply chain it has a display that is rotateable and also can be wall mounted. That can be helpful to those with a bad back.

 

[ajw22]

T-15 is a cell sized for a 40K gallon pool. Just about the size pool you have which is why you need to run it nearly 24 hours a day. It is the largest cell Hayward sells.

Pentair has the IC60 SWG cell that is sized for a 60K pool. If you were buying a SWG today I would direct you there. We recommend a SWG be at oversized so you don't need to run your SWG and pump 24 hours a day. But you have what you do. Someday if you need to replace your SWG consider the IC60.

 

[Arizonarob]

The problem as I see it is, he’s currently running a T-15 which is rated at max 40k gallons. (His pool is 40k gallons) He states that he has to run his pump almost 24 hours a day during summer time to keep his FC up. With a larger cell combined with a VS pump, he would be saving time and money in the long run, by not having to run that cell for that long of a time.

 

[ajw22]

The problem as I see it is, he’s currently running a T-15 which is rated at max 40k gallons. (His pool is 40k gallons) He states that he has to run his pump almost 24 hours a day during summer time to keep his FC up. With a larger cell combined with a VS pump, he would be saving time and money in the long run, by not having to run that cell for that long of a time.

From the baseline of @djw current energy usage moving to a VS pump at about 60% of SS rpms would give him significant energy savings. Getting to the next step of a larger SWG and less pump run times can get more savings. Sounds like he is beginning a multiyear equipment upgrade cycle so the right VS pump is a good first step.

 

[Jimrahbe]

D,

In the DFW area, running a 3 HP VS pump 24/7 at the RPM the closes the flow switch would only cost $20 bucks a month.. No matter which VS pump you select, it will save you 80% or 90% of what a single speed pump is costing you.

In my opinion the IntelliFlo is the gold standard of pool pumps. You can have the best, or spend you time worrying about the warranty, it is up to you.

Thanks,

Jim R.