Is automation on the VS pump worth it?

[TyTyTy]

Hi,
The Hayward SWG S3 I am getting has some built in automation. It says it can control the heater and VS pump. With regards to the VS pump, it is only compatible with a handful of Hayward pumps, which are much more expensive than other Hayward pumps simply for their larger interface and communication abilities . However, even the most basic Hayward VS pump has a scheduler built in, just not an interface that can communicate with the S3 board.

My question is:
Is there really any true benefit for me to spend several hundreds more on a pump that can communicate and be controlled by my SWG? What benefit will this add if any at all? Thank you.

 

[ajw22]

The SWG will operate at less than 20 GPM. A heater requires around 40 GPM. Automation lets you run your pump at the speed the SWG needs and will raise the speed when the heater is on. Otherwise you end running the VS speed at the fastest needed for your pool and lose a lot of the efficiency benefits.

 

[guinness]

The Hayward SWG S3 I am getting has some built in automation. It says it can control the heater and VS pump. With regards to the VS pump, it is only compatible with a handful of Hayward pumps, which are much more expensive than other Hayward pumps simply for their larger interface and communication abilities.

Are you getting the AquaRite S3 Omni Salt System? Documentation shows either a TriStar 950, TriStar 900, Super Pump 700 or MaxFlo 500. However if you look at Technical Updates for Pool Professionals it shows all the pump models that work with Omni-Based systems.