CaliMar VS Pumps Updates

[Bill Winston]

Hello. I installed a Calimar 3HP VSP pump and am trying to set the priming speed and duration. I have the updated controller for use with automation (CMARVSPIB). The pump runs just fine, however it primes at 3400rpm for 5 minutes every time it starts (manual or schedule). I haven't yet connected the automation. I'm using the schedule in the pump controller. The manual says to, (after letting the water drain from the pump)
"Turn on the pump and switch to Manual mode to test Priming by operating SPEED1. Take note of the time that the water filled the PUMP HOUSING, then stop the pump. Restart the pump to set the SPEED1/Priming duration."
So that's what I did, and of course, nothing changed. I've talked with the seller (PoolSupplyUnlimited) who referred me to the sales email at Calimar. I received a reply from Calimar with the section of the manual with the priming instructions above, which didn't help. I asked Calimar for more specific steps (like do I disconnect power too?), but they went dark. Is this like setting the clock, where you have a few minutes to set speed 1 after initial powerup (or long press some keys to enter "pump prime mode)? I have speed 1 set with the correct speed and duration for priming, but the pump still runs 3400rpm 5 minutes at each startup. Does anyone here know the specific steps to set the Calimar pump priming speed and duration with the automation controller? Thanks.

Yes I know this is a very old thread - just wondering from the OP if the Calimar VS pump is still working ok?

 

[wireform]

I have several out there the oldest did two complete seasons and ran strong up until winterization this year.

 

[Bill Winston]

They are factory set but are user changeable to whatever you like. I have one in one of the pools this past season and very happy with it.

Just pulling up old Calimar threads and checking to see how they are holding up after a couple years of operation?

 

[Bill Winston]

I have several out there the oldest did two complete seasons and ran strong up until winterization this year.

Sorry to hear one may have gone belly up - hopefully that’s an exception and your others continue to work longer.

Will you replace with another Calimar, or will you bite the bullet and buy an intelliflo or similar?

Still cheap enough and easy enough to swap out, but unreliability could leave you in a lurch at an inoperatune time.

Pros and cons like airy thing.

 

[gkw4815]

My first one was installed ~October 2022. It worked great until late summer/early fall 2023, when it would intermittently shut down with an undervoltage error and require a manual restart. I never figured out the issue, but oddly - it ONLY appeared while running the pool in spa mode, after the water got up to temperature, so maybe it was temperature related?

In any case, Pool Supply Unlimited customer service was excellent. They quickly shipped a replacement pump (a few weeks before the warranty expired). Replacement pump has been in service for over a year with zero issues.

 

[wireform]

I'd use a pentair product as a replacement if it needed to due to automation but if brand isn't a necessity there are choices.