researching filters and variable speed pumps for energy efficiency for new pool It seems filters require 50 gmp flow does it make sense to buy variable speed pump that can run low gmp flow and save energy when filters require that minimum flow pool size approx. 30-40k gal
filter operation with varaiable speed pump
- Thread starter bear30956
- Start date
- May 3, 2014
- 62,694
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Welcome to the forum!
Filter do not have a minimum flow requirement. In fact, the lower the flow the better the filtering. They do have a maximum flow.
See this Pool School - Pool Filter Comparison
Cartridge filters the bigger the better. You will have to clean it less. DE filters are now going to a 'cartridge' filter type that you do not backflush but clean much like a cartridge filter, but they are easier to clean. Sand filters are the easiest, just backflush, the sand should last a lifetime if you follow TFPC methods, but you use up water as you do backflush.
Take care.
Filter do not have a minimum flow requirement. In fact, the lower the flow the better the filtering. They do have a maximum flow.
See this Pool School - Pool Filter Comparison
Cartridge filters the bigger the better. You will have to clean it less. DE filters are now going to a 'cartridge' filter type that you do not backflush but clean much like a cartridge filter, but they are easier to clean. Sand filters are the easiest, just backflush, the sand should last a lifetime if you follow TFPC methods, but you use up water as you do backflush.
Take care.
bear,
Welcome to TFP... A Great place to research all your new pool needs, whether your mountain is Pleasant or not...
As Marty says, filters do not generally have a minimum flow requirement... I run my pump at 1200 rpm just to keep my salt cell's flow switch closed.. at that speed my filter pressure is only 2 or 3 lbs...
I believe that any new pool builder that does not install either a 2-speed, or variable speed, pump is making a costly mistake...
Thanks for posting,
Jim R.
Welcome to TFP... A Great place to research all your new pool needs, whether your mountain is Pleasant or not...
As Marty says, filters do not generally have a minimum flow requirement... I run my pump at 1200 rpm just to keep my salt cell's flow switch closed.. at that speed my filter pressure is only 2 or 3 lbs...
I believe that any new pool builder that does not install either a 2-speed, or variable speed, pump is making a costly mistake...
Thanks for posting,
Jim R.
thanks to jim and marty for the filter info and reference to pool filter comparison looks like cartridge mite be easiest to maintain and take up less space another question now plan to buy heat pump and my research shows "Hayward HP21404T Heat Pro" 140k btu with 5.7 cop to be good performer any ideas? thanks
- Feb 2, 2012
- 272
Hi bear30956,
We sell quite a few heat pumps (various brands) and I would agree with your assesment. I would suggest the Hayward HP21404T 140,000 BTU Heat Pump I like this unit as it has one of the highest BTU Ratings at 140,000 BTU's meaning it will heat your pool quicker than others (the comparable Raypak is 133,000 BTU). It has a good COP at 5.7 meaning that it will cost less to operate then lower COP models (the comparable Raypak is 5.5 COP). It has a titanium heat exchanger which means that one of the most expensive parts on the unit will last a very long time. It has as Scroll Compressor which means it will be quiet. Finally it comes in at the best price compared to the comparable models sold by the other manufactures. For me it ticks off all the boxes.
We sell quite a few heat pumps (various brands) and I would agree with your assesment. I would suggest the Hayward HP21404T 140,000 BTU Heat Pump I like this unit as it has one of the highest BTU Ratings at 140,000 BTU's meaning it will heat your pool quicker than others (the comparable Raypak is 133,000 BTU). It has a good COP at 5.7 meaning that it will cost less to operate then lower COP models (the comparable Raypak is 5.5 COP). It has a titanium heat exchanger which means that one of the most expensive parts on the unit will last a very long time. It has as Scroll Compressor which means it will be quiet. Finally it comes in at the best price compared to the comparable models sold by the other manufactures. For me it ticks off all the boxes.
thank you Patrick while on equipment want do you think of the variable speed Pentair 342001 1.5 hp pump has built in timer and will run on 110 or 220 recommended by pool serv profess any others you prefer? bear
- Feb 2, 2012
- 272
Hi Bear,
If you are needing to a 115V pump then the Pentair 342001 Pump is a great pump. The only downside is that if it is not installed by a pool professional then the warranty is only 60 days, if you do have a pool professional install the pump then it has a 2 year warranty. I do like the PureLine Prime Variable Speed Pump 1.65 HP as it has an 18 month warranty regardless of who does the install, and this pump uses a very reliable Century/AO Smith Motor. The PureLine Prime is 230V only and requires a seperate Intermatic T104 Timer for Operation.
If you are needing to a 115V pump then the Pentair 342001 Pump is a great pump. The only downside is that if it is not installed by a pool professional then the warranty is only 60 days, if you do have a pool professional install the pump then it has a 2 year warranty. I do like the PureLine Prime Variable Speed Pump 1.65 HP as it has an 18 month warranty regardless of who does the install, and this pump uses a very reliable Century/AO Smith Motor. The PureLine Prime is 230V only and requires a seperate Intermatic T104 Timer for Operation.