Does this make sense? Replace pool pump after closing instead of before?

[patplh]

Hi, About a week before our pool closing, our single speed pool pump has died. It's an old Hayward 2HP Superpump with a 3 yr old motor. It had a leak I fixed with silicone and seemed to be lagging the last few weeks (pressure was lower than it should be) so I knew it was close to replacement. A few questions though...
1. I told the company who closes our pool that our pool pump died, and I wanted to replace it before closing. He said I should close it and then he would install the new pool pump. Does that make sense? I thought we should replace the pump and then use the new pump to drain the pool and then close it.
2. I was eyeing a Pentair variable speed pump. This pool service company is an authorized dealer of both Hayward and Pentair, but recommended Hayward b/c Pentair customer service is poor. Is that the same as other people's experience?
3. I haven't looked at any Hayward pumps closely - but see a lot of different models compared to Pentair. Eco-Star, MaxFlo, Tristar? Which should I consider for for my set up. Should I get a 2 speed or variable?
4. Ballpark price I was quoted for a variable speed Hayward (without telling him it's replacing a 2HP single speed) was $1800. Does that sound about right?

We have a 24,500gal gunite freeform (kidney) pool. There's a waterfall, which can only get enough water if I turn off the 4 wall returns and allow water back into the pool only through the 2 in-floor returns (deep end). I'd like to be able to use the waterfall and the 4 wall returns at the same time - not sure if that's possible. We installed an SWG last year and it's been doing a great job keeping our pool chlorinated, while running the single speed from 9am until 4pm. Our pool is in the sun from around 9am until 3pm.

Thanks so much for the feedback.

 

[JamesW]

Pentair is a good company and has good customer service.

The intelliflo is a very good pump.

Running the waterfall is probably best when the returns are closed. Otherwise, you need way too much flow.

The fountain is a return, so no need for other returns at the same time.

For the price, you should get multiple quotes that list the price of the pump and the cost to install including parts and labor. You should be able to negotiate a better price than $1,800.

If possible, I would wait for opening to install the pump.

Why have it sit outside all winter using up the warranty period.

They can use their own pump to clean and close the pool.

 

[Dirk]

Have you ever considered automation? The controller, the SWG and the pump should all be of the same brand, and Pentair automation doesn't support their entire line of pumps. If automation is a possibility, buy a pump with that in mind. In this case, the IntelliFlo would be a good choice, unless your IC40 is on its last legs and due to be replaced soon anyway.

Whatever you do, do not get a pump that carries the acronym "SVRS."

I've gotten excellent service from Pentair. And I love my Intelliflo 2 VST pump.

+1 for install next season. Definitely leverage the warranty as much as possible.