As part of my pool remodel I'm planning on replacing my older Sta-rite 1 HP pump with a variable speed pump, and am looking for some advice/guidance.
About the pool:
Will be ~20k gallons after remodel is complete
Single pump intake source, skimmer with a relatively straight 15' run of 2" pipe to equipment pad
No main drain
1 1/2" return loop, with only 2 return fittings
Adding 36" sheer descent fed by old 1 1/2" whip hose line, which splits into parallel 1" lines before joining back into a single 1 1/2" line just before sheer descent
Considering adding a SWCG (looking at CircuPool)
Have no desire for automation at this time
Triton II TR60 sand filter
Equipment pad ~1.5ft lower than water level
I'm also keeping all of the old 3/4" whip hose fittings, but will have them plugged to start. I figured I might want to try messing with removing the plugs from some of them to change/increase circulation in some parts of the pool since I only have the 2 standard size return fittings.
I know that there's no such thing as a variable speed pump that's too big, but I've been looking at the 1.5-2 HP range in the hopes that I can save a few bucks over the popular 3 HP VS pumps. After comparing pump curves and prices, I think I've narrowed it down to the Pentair Superflo, Pureline Titan, or Hayward Tristar. The Tristar is the most powerful and best performing based on my curve comparisons, but the price is approaching that of the nicer high end 3HP pumps. The Pureline Titan slightly outperforms the Pentair Superflo and is cheaper, but I know the Pentair brand is more trusted and has a better quality motor.
I looked into the local power company rebates, but they require the pump be purchased from and installed by one of the "certified" local pool companies, all of which want to charge what seem to me like excessive prices for both the pump and the installation. I'm not sure it's worth an extra ~$500 for a $100 rebate and a 3 year warranty. This means I'm most likely looking at a DIY install, which results in the Pureline having the best warranty.
Here's the table I put together after looking at all of the pump curves:
Any thoughts or suggestions?
About the pool:
Will be ~20k gallons after remodel is complete
Single pump intake source, skimmer with a relatively straight 15' run of 2" pipe to equipment pad
No main drain
1 1/2" return loop, with only 2 return fittings
Adding 36" sheer descent fed by old 1 1/2" whip hose line, which splits into parallel 1" lines before joining back into a single 1 1/2" line just before sheer descent
Considering adding a SWCG (looking at CircuPool)
Have no desire for automation at this time
Triton II TR60 sand filter
Equipment pad ~1.5ft lower than water level
I'm also keeping all of the old 3/4" whip hose fittings, but will have them plugged to start. I figured I might want to try messing with removing the plugs from some of them to change/increase circulation in some parts of the pool since I only have the 2 standard size return fittings.
I know that there's no such thing as a variable speed pump that's too big, but I've been looking at the 1.5-2 HP range in the hopes that I can save a few bucks over the popular 3 HP VS pumps. After comparing pump curves and prices, I think I've narrowed it down to the Pentair Superflo, Pureline Titan, or Hayward Tristar. The Tristar is the most powerful and best performing based on my curve comparisons, but the price is approaching that of the nicer high end 3HP pumps. The Pureline Titan slightly outperforms the Pentair Superflo and is cheaper, but I know the Pentair brand is more trusted and has a better quality motor.
I looked into the local power company rebates, but they require the pump be purchased from and installed by one of the "certified" local pool companies, all of which want to charge what seem to me like excessive prices for both the pump and the installation. I'm not sure it's worth an extra ~$500 for a $100 rebate and a 3 year warranty. This means I'm most likely looking at a DIY install, which results in the Pureline having the best warranty.
Here's the table I put together after looking at all of the pump curves:
| Flow (gpm) at… | ||||||
| 3450 RPM | 3450 RPM | 1500 RPM | ||||
| Pump Model | HP | Inlet/Outlet Size | 40 ft head | 60 ft head | 10 ft head | Price |
| Circupool SF1.5P | 1.5 | 2" | 90 | 63 | 35 | $ 599.00 |
| Circupool SF1.5H * | 1.5 | 1.5" | 70 | 43 | 20 | $ 599.00 |
| Pureline prime | 1.65 | 2" | 65 | 38 | 27 | $ 599.00 |
| Pureline rapids * | 1.5 | 1.5" | 70 | 43 | 20 | $ 499.00 |
| Pureline titan | 2 | 2" | 97 | 70 | 40 | $ 539.00 |
| Pentair superflo | 1.5 | 1.5" | 83 | 58 | 37 | $ 619.00 |
| Hayward super pump | 1.5 | 1.5" | 69 | 34 | 25 | $ 694.00 |
| Hayward maxflo | 1.65 | 1.5"/2" | 59 | 32 | 15 | $ 660.00 |
| Hayward tristar | 1.85 | 2"/2.5" | 112 | 80 | 43 | $ 772.00 |
| Carvin Magnum Force | 1.65 | 2" | 98 | 73 | 40 | $ 699.00 |
Any thoughts or suggestions?
