How to choose a new main pump?

Jump to latest Follow Reply
M

Mauser4me

Member
Dec 11, 2024
10
Houston
I currently have a single speed Pentair 'Whisperflo', which has a manufacture date in June 2016. The seal is leaking between the motor and wet side, and I don't want to be leaking water. I have owned my home/pool for only about 6 months and I am learning that the prior owner did not take care of anything so I have no maintenance (or problem) history of the pool equipment. I am learning that just about every problem I put off turns into a bigger one down the line. The local pool servicing company said it would be a few hundred bucks to have the pump serviced with a new seal pack but I am wondering if it is worth putting any money into this old pump. I don't know what the average life expectancy is for these, but I feel safe assuming this one has not been maintained. Additionally I know that variable speed pumps are the way to go. I have been told that my pool is probably around ~14,000 gallons. How do I go shopping for a new pump? Not sure what size/horsepower/etc to be looking for. I do want to maintain a fully pentair system to keep things simple. I am not in any particular rush so would like to shop around and see if there are sales. I know the local companies will have a large markup on these so want to see about getting it myself and maybe having them install it.

TIA!
 
Mauser4me said:
I currently have a single speed Pentair 'Whisperflo', which has a manufacture date in June 2016. The seal is leaking between the motor and wet side, and I don't want to be leaking water. I have owned my home/pool for only about 6 months and I am learning that the prior owner did not take care of anything so I have no maintenance (or problem) history of the pool equipment. I am learning that just about every problem I put off turns into a bigger one down the line. The local pool servicing company said it would be a few hundred bucks to have the pump serviced with a new seal pack but I am wondering if it is worth putting any money into this old pump. I don't know what the average life expectancy is for these, but I feel safe assuming this one has not been maintained. Additionally I know that variable speed pumps are the way to go. I have been told that my pool is probably around ~14,000 gallons. How do I go shopping for a new pump? Not sure what size/horsepower/etc to be looking for. I do want to maintain a fully pentair system to keep things simple. I am not in any particular rush so would like to shop around and see if there are sales. I know the local companies will have a large markup on these so want to see about getting it myself and maybe having them install it.

TIA!
Click to expand...
What horsepower pump do you have now? A Whisperflow pump wet-end will last almost indefinitely and you may only need to replace the motor or sometimes the sealplate as well. That eliminates having to do any replumbing as long as the plumbing at the pump is good.
Pentair only made the plastic parts of the pump and bought the motor from Century, so having a new motor will still be in the Pentair system.
If you want to remain with Pentair and purchase a completely new pump, the Intelliflow3 VSP is the way to go.
What controls the pump now, turns it on and off?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mauser4me
Looks like mine is a 2 HP pump. That's what I find by googling the part number (011774). I am not sure how else to check as the stickers on the pump don't list it.

The pump is turned on by the pentair 'easy touch' control panel.
 
M,

In the old days, with single speed pumps, it was important to match the pump with the size of the plumbing, filter and pool.. In those days, you wanted to run the pump for the shortest amount of time possible due to the cost of operation, and the fact that they were very loud.

Not so much when using today's VS pumps... With a VS pump the basic idea is to buy a large (3 HP range) VS pump and to run it as slow as possible and still get the job done.. Running at a low rpm. means the cost to run 24/7 is often less than $20 bucks a month, and they are so quiet that you almost have to touch the pump to see if it is actually running. They really are Variable HP pumps... You just match the pump to the pool. The bigger the pump, the slower you can run it and still move a lot of water.

I too would recommend the IntelliFlo3... It would require a little replumbing, but unless your current pump is connected with pump unions, you will have to replumb anyway.


This pump comes with an app, and can be controlled by Pentair automation systems. As an option, you can also get it with an internal relay card to control other items, as well as a touch panel..

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back
Jump to latest Follow Reply