Hayward Super II replacement for water feature

[akaillwill]

New homeowner, in-ground pool included. Built in 2004, approximately 20,000 gallons, plaster finish.

There are two pumps:

• Hayward Super 2 (single speed 2.2 HP) - This unit runs the main filter
• Hayward Super 2 (single speed 0.75HP) - This unit runs the water feature (the water feature is three lion heads that have a stream coming out of the mouths, much like a hose)

The water feature pump is leaking and the motor bearing is loud. My local pool guy is suggesting a variable speed pump but I am asking myself, why?

I totally understand changing out the main filter pump for variable speed which would be much more efficient and likely save on energy costs. However, when it comes to the water feature I don't ever see a time where I would need to adjust the speed. The fountain is either on or off and only when I'm using the pool. Wouldn't a single speed 3/4 HP replacement be a cheaper option? I don't feel like I'm gaining anything by going with variable speed.

To second that thought, would a Hayward Super pump (W3SP2605X7) be a worthy replacement or is there something to gain by keeping the unit a Hayward Super 2 pump (W3SP3005X7AZ)? Both are rated at 3/4 HP.

 

[1poolman1]

New homeowner, in-ground pool included. Built in 2004, approximately 20,000 gallons, plaster finish.

There are two pumps:

• Hayward Super 2 (single speed 2.2 HP) - This unit runs the main filter
• Hayward Super 2 (single speed 0.75HP) - This unit runs the water feature (the water feature is three lion heads that have a stream coming out of the mouths, much like a hose)

The water feature pump is leaking and the motor bearing is loud. My local pool guy is suggesting a variable speed pump but I am asking myself, why?

I totally understand changing out the main filter pump for variable speed which would be much more efficient and likely save on energy costs. However, when it comes to the water feature I don't ever see a time where I would need to adjust the speed. The fountain is either on or off and only when I'm using the pool. Wouldn't a single speed 3/4 HP replacement be a cheaper option? I don't feel like I'm gaining anything by going with variable speed.

To second that thought, would a Hayward Super pump (W3SP2605X7) be a worthy replacement or is there something to gain by keeping the unit a Hayward Super 2 pump (W3SP3005X7AZ)? Both are rated at 3/4 HP.

Get a VSP for the pool. Take the impeller off the water-feature pump, take the impeller off the working single-speed and, after replacing the shaft sea and body gasket, put the 3/4 impeller and the diffuser on the working motor. Problem solved for a while. Your Roseville Electric rates are getting close to my SMUD ones.

That Super Pump is not California-legal and the vast majority of online companies will no longer ship one to CA.

Or, do yourself a favor, get a Nidec NPTT220 motor for the filter pump and do the rest of above. Put the 2.2hp motor on the water feature, with a 3/4hp impeller on it and you won't notice any difference. You don't mention automation, so suggestions may not apply.