How to program variable speed pump with Zodiac Barracuda

[AstroPHX]

Hi all, my old single-speed pump just died and I replaced it with a VSP (Pentair Superflo VST). I have an old (~50 years) pool that has only one return from the skimmer to the pump. I can use a diverter that can connect/disconnect the main drain to the skimmer so it's either sucking water from the skimmer or the deep end main drain. When I connect my Barracuda, I connect directly to the skimmer intake.

I haven't connected the Barracuda up with the new pump in, but it does not seem that the lower flow settings will generate enough pressure to get the vacuum to do its job. So if I leave the cleaner in the pool, the program will only get the Barracuda roaming the pool for a the first step of the program (first 2 hours @ 3000rpm, then to 1400rpm, then to 2000rpm).

How are other Barracuda + VSP owners getting this combo to work?

 

[JoyfulNoise]

This is unfortunately a problem with pump driven cleaners and VSPs - most suction cleaners are designed with a single speed pump in mind and do not have accommodations for newer variable speed pumps.

When I used to have a Pentair Kreepy Krawly suction side cleaner, I could not run my pump less than 2300RPM or else it would not clean well. Anything less than 2000RPM and it would barely move around the pool. I eventually bought a Dolphin robotic cleaner and it was transformational. Not only do I now run my pool pump at much lower speeds throughout the day (saving money) but also the Dolphin can clean the pool in under 2 hours and only uses 200W while cleaning. So cleaning my pool costs pennies worth of electricity rather than dollars.

I know you probably don’t want to hear this, especially after laying out a lot of money on a new VSP, but you might consider saving up for a robot. They do a much better job at cleaning a pool for less money and there’s no fooling around with skimmer plates and hoses. Obviously they are an expense up front but it may be worth it given that your pool only has one skimmer and one return.

 

[ZcottD]

My pool has a min drain and one skimmer as well. I calibrated my Barracuda MX8 with the main drain closed and the skimmer on full. I have my pump set to run at 1400 RPMs for 8 hours so when I want to run the MX8 I put it in for that time period and override the RPMs for that day/time period.

 

[AstroPHX]

Thanks both for your thoughts. I was considering programming the "Quick Clean" button in the pump to run at the minimum RPM necessary to get the Barracuda to run, at the length of time necessary to do the job. That will require me to set it up and tear it down every day I want to run it, which is a bummer. Alternatively, I reprogram the plan to run at a higher RPM when I want to use the Barracuda.

I eventually bought a Dolphin robotic cleaner and it was transformational. Not only do I now run my pool pump at much lower speeds throughout the day (saving money) but also the Dolphin can clean the pool in under 2 hours and only uses 200W while cleaning. So cleaning my pool costs pennies worth of electricity rather than dollars.

Sounds dreamy. If you were buying today, which model would you be looking at? I do love my Barracuda because it's just so simple, so I fear the breakdowns of the robot.