Getting ready to install a new VS pump do I need a flow meter with it?

May 17, 2017
74
Gilbetsville, PA
So I am getting ready to order a new pentair superflow 342001 to replace my aging hayward super pump. I have seen that some folks recommend installing a flow meter like the flowvis along with the pump. I don't really need a check valve so would it be wort the extra $125 to get one? What do you really need it for? I am trying to save some money as we just had to replace our robot as well.
 
So I am getting ready to order a new pentair superflow 342001 to replace my aging hayward super pump. I have seen that some folks recommend installing a flow meter like the flowvis along with the pump. I don't really need a check valve so would it be wort the extra $125 to get one? What do you really need it for? I am trying to save some money as we just had to replace our robot as well.

I used one on my install. I found it to be very handy when calculating flow at certain speeds, as my superflo vs doesn't tell you flow rate. I see some here feel that flow rate is irrelevant because turnover rate is irrelevant, and the focus is on chemistry. I'm still learning about it and I only have the systems operating but not open for swimming and daily operation. I can keep you posted if you'd like.
 
I used one on my install. I found it to be very handy when calculating flow at certain speeds, as my superflo vs doesn't tell you flow rate. I see some here feel that flow rate is irrelevant because turnover rate is irrelevant, and the focus is on chemistry. I'm still learning about it and I only have the systems operating but not open for swimming and daily operation. I can keep you posted if you'd like.

I am in the same feeling as ncinthenext3 about the flow meter. I have no way to tell how much flow at 1000rpm. it would be nice to know out of the pump and at the exit of the filter.
 
I am in the same feeling as ncinthenext3 about the flow meter. I have no way to tell how much flow at 1000rpm. it would be nice to know out of the pump and at the exit of the filter.

My question is... why do you care what the flow is at 1,000 rpm? What are you going to do with that info?

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
You can figure the flow out of your pump with reasonable accuracy by knowing the pump rpm and filter pressure. Take those two numbers and read the pump flow chart for your pump. No fancy gauges needed.

I like Jim really have no idea why you need to know the flow rate tho other than just to be curious about it.
 
I installed and use my FlowVis primarily to determine the flow through my solar panels, which expect a certain amount of flow to optimize the heat exchange. For me, it was a valid expense. I think there is a way to calculate flow, but because I needed a check valve anyway, for the solar, the difference in cost between the check and the FlowVis made sense for my application. Just in time alone (time I didn't have to spend calculating flow otherwise, plus the bigger chunk of time: learning how to do so!). Calculating flow would have been a guesstimate at best, with the Vis I'm confident I know exactly what it is (within its margin of error, of course).

I have since used it to optimize flow through my SWG, and for my suction-side vac. And I monitor flow for general plumbing "health," and as a backup to my filter's pressure gauge.

Other than the solar use, I'd say a flow meter is a luxury, not at all a necessity.
 
You can figure the flow out of your pump with reasonable accuracy by knowing the pump rpm and filter pressure. Take those two numbers and read the pump flow chart for your pump. No fancy gauges needed.

I like Jim really have no idea why you need to know the flow rate tho other than just to be curious about it.

I check the pump curves (Jacuzzi and Pentair intellflo) and i don't see the PSI rating that associate with dynamic head, GPM, RPM. would you point me into the right direction please? unless dynamic head loss is the PSI.
 
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Feet of head is roughly equal to the (gauge pressure in psi) x (2.2). The psi on the filter is the actual head on the pump in real time, you just need to convert it to feet of head to apply it to the chart.
 
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