Help Adding AquaRite AQR15 to Hayward SP2602 Variable Speed Pump

davidc18 · Jul 20, 2017

Hi,

South Florida. 15,000 gallon in ground pool. We currently have a Hayward Variable Speed pump running on its lowest setting 24/7 using only the internal timer. It is wired without an external timer. We would like to add an AquaRite AQR15 to the system, however this installation is not covered by the Hayward installation instructions. In searching the forum, it appears that some have used a current sensing relay with success, but again, the final "successful" configurations are not posted. Any help is appreciated. I am guessing that using only the flow is not an option. Again, thanks for any help offered.

chiefwej · Jul 20, 2017

The quick and easy way is to just put the SWG on a separate timer. That's what many have done. You will have to find the minimum speed required to operate the SWG flow switch. Then program the pump for a time period and a speed a couple hundred rpm higher for safety. Set the separate timer to turn on the SWG during a time that you are sure the pump is running. You need to keep the two timers synchronized. The flow switch is a safety device and should not be depended upon as a primary switch.

Divin Dave · Jul 20, 2017

This is what I do. Its easy to operate and reliable.

chiefwej said:
The quick and easy way is to just put the SWG on a separate timer. That's what many have done. You will have to find the minimum speed required to operate the SWG flow switch. Then program the pump for a time period and a speed a couple hundred rpm higher for safety. Set the separate timer to turn on the SWG during a time that you are sure the pump is running. You need to keep the two timers synchronized. The flow switch is a safety device and should not be depended upon as a primary switch.

davidc18 · Jul 21, 2017

Divin Dave said:
This is what I do. Its easy to operate and reliable.

Thanks for the input. Seems like a simple solution. I was looking for a more elegant solution but perhaps that would require different (and likely more expensive) equipment.

Dave

chiefwej · Jul 21, 2017

If you want to add an automation system. You can buy Prologic, that includes the SWG controller. There are others who can advise on that.

I'm an old school, KISS advocate, and know nothing about automation. An Intermatic timer is just simple and cheap. Besides my SWG was already controlled by one when I added the VS pump. So I just moved the pump's power feed from the switched side of the timer to the hot side, problem solve.

davidc18 · Jul 22, 2017

I went with the Intermatic timer to control the power to the AquaRite. It was about 58 dollars at home depot and only added 30 minutes to the AquaRite install.

Dave

davidc18 · Jul 27, 2017

Update. For anyone interested: There is adequate flow for the aquarite with the pump spinning at 1000 rpm and 95 watts of power useage. I am still running the pump 24/7 on this speed. It turns out I did not need the mechanical time after all.

chiefwej · Jul 29, 2017

That's unusual, most systems will not provide adequate flow to trigger the flow switch.

davidc18 · Jul 30, 2017

Perhaps the long straight pipe is helping.