Calimar, Circuflo, Black + Decker, and BlueTorrent Pool Pumps

[BlueRidgePoolGuy]

If these are all the same, is the real difference in the length of the warranty?

To me, the Calimar is a no-brainer if that's the case especially for the 3HP version when compared to the price of the Black + Decker. Prices are below:

Black + Decker:

BLACK+DECKER 3HP Energy Star Variable Speed Inground Swimming Pool Pump (Qualifies for Utility Rebates)

Energy Star Certified and with an included 5-year warranty, the BLACK+DECKER 3 horsepower variable-speed pool pump outperforms all other pumps on the market—and pays itself off with up to 80% of energy costs saved in all phases of operation. This truly versatile unit allows slower filtration for...

poolpartstogo.com

Calimar:

CaliMar® Variable Speed Pool Pump | 3HP | CMARVSP3.0

Pool Supply Unlimited has some of the best prices when shopping for CaliMar® Variable Speed Pool Pump | 3HP | CMARVSP3.0

www.poolsupplyunlimited.com

BlueTorrent:

Blue Torrent 3 HP Cyclone Energy Efficient Listed Variable Speed In Ground Swimming Pool Pump

Blue Torrent 2 HP Cyclone Energy Star Listed Variable Speed In Ground Swimming Pool Pump

islandrecreational.com

Circuflo:

CircuPool SmartFlo® Energy Efficient Programmable Variable Speed Swimming Pool Pump - 3.0 THP

www.circupool.com

 

[Newdude]

If these are all the same, is the real difference in the length of the warranty?

Likely.

To me, the Calimar is a no-brainer if that's the case

So the prices may upend and be different tomorrow, or next week, but yeah.

Once all the shortages hit, I started seeing alot more of these other pumps mentioned. I'm not sure it was related but there has been more mention of them the last couple years. Several members went with those and did well. My current thoughts are that at half (or even 1/3!!!) the cost, you can replace them 2 to 3 times as often and break even. If they last longer than that, which is very likely, it's all gravy and you made out.

*please excuse my terrible manners


Welcome to TFP !!!

Pool Care Basics
How Clear is TFP Clear?

 

[BlueRidgePoolGuy]

*please excuse my terrible manners


Welcome to TFP !!!

Pool Care Basics
How Clear is TFP Clear?

Thank you!

 

[gkw4815]

Other than the warranty length and the different stickers/paint jobs, another difference between the B&D and Calimar pumps is that the B&D pump comes with an additional "spacer/platform" that may optionally be used to position the pump a bit higher and minimize required PVC work on a pump swap.

I have the 3hp Calimar pump and I'm very pleased with it - quiet, powerful, and as expected it sips electricity compared with my old fixed-speed pump.

If you have automation - note that there's a Circupool SmartFlo Interface Kit that seems to be compatible with all of these pumps (it definitely works with my Calimar pump). This adapter allows you to select low/mid/high pump speeds using relay commands from your automation system (for instance, you can tell the pump to select medium or high speed whenever the cleaner, spa, or heater are running).

 

[ajw22]

You are paying for the difference in the warranty and customer sevice.

Calimar/Circupool/BD/Blue Torrent Pump - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

If you have automation - note that there's a Circupool SmartFlo Interface Kit that seems to be compatible with all of these pumps (it definitely works with my Calimar pump). This adapter allows you to select low/mid/high pump speeds using relay commands from your automation system (for instance, you can tell the pump to select medium or high speed whenever the cleaner, spa, or heater are running).

Pool Supply Unlimited now offers an Automation Adapter Panel for the Calimar pump. I don't believe this was available when you installed your pump.

 

[ajw22]

Pool Supply Unlimited now offers an Automation Adapter Panel for the Calimar pump. I don't believe this was available when you installed your pump.

How does that work? RS-485 connection or relay control speed selection?

What does the automation see it as?

 

[gkw4815]

Looks like the same adapter, but at 1/3 the price that I paid

 

[ajw22]

How does that work? RS-485 connection or relay control speed selection?

What does the automation see it as?

I looked at the manual. That is identical to the Circupool Smartflo Automation Adapter giving relay control.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

How does that work? RS-485 connection or relay control speed selection?

What does the automation see it as?

There's no RS-485 control. Each speed requires an external relay.

Here's the manual for the Calimar unit:

https://www.poolsupplyunlimited.com/Products/Manuals/187101_2022112314226.pdf

 

[BlueRidgePoolGuy]

Just called 3 different carriers of the Calimar and was answered with "on order". One person said "1 week, 2 weeks, 2 months, 6 months, we have no idea" another guy said they had 30-40 on order and the last said "8-12 weeks"

 

[tcat]

I have a Pentair VS (about 5 seasons), was thinking of getting one of these as a back up since they are so cheap. It says warranty void in salt pools. Is anyone using this in a salt pool? How are these holding up?

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

...It says warranty void in salt pools. Is anyone using this in a salt pool? How are these holding up?

That limitation is for above ground pools...

"Above Ground Pools
Saltwater chlorination systems void the warranty on all CaliMar above ground pools."

 

[tcat]

That limitation is for above ground pools...

"Above Ground Pools
Saltwater chlorination systems void the warranty on all CaliMar above ground pools."

Depending on where you buy, the warranties all read differently. The salt thing was confusing, but does look like it's covered. Some warranties don't include labor if you read the fine print. Not sure about shipping.

 

[gkw4815]

I had my Calimar VSP replaced under warranty due to an intermittent error message on the drive. I was never asked, during the claim approval process, whether or not I had a salt pool.

 

[veedub]

Is this Ebay item the same pump?

Calimar is about the same price though PoolSupplyUnlimited. Can you purchase a third party extended warranty on the Calimar pump through a third party company? Is it worth it?

 

[ajw22]

Is this Ebay item the same pump?

Nope.

The specs on that pump are comical.

 

[thestooge1]

Howdy all. So I bought the Calimar pump and the automation control… but this one HAS rs485 pins in addition to the 5v and in1 - in4. I wired it to my BAS with everything else removed, and I can see chatter on the interface.
I reached out to the local Calimar folks and I was told that yes they are going to be capable of rs485 control but they haven’t released anything further yet.
I have seen older automation interfaces for these that didn’t have the +- connections, but mine does… pics show my interface.
I tried to connect the pump as intelliflo vs but it doesn’t control it.
Thoughts? Am I excited for nothing?

 

[thestooge1]

thinking about this, my interface also came with 2 jumper wires about 1 inch long each. There is nothing in the instructions about them. I’m wondering if they are going to make rs485 connectivity enabled by jumping 1-2 and 3-4 or something like that.