That's kind of what I was thinking. If you normally use the pool at a certain time, run the pump at a higher speed for xx hours to adequately skim the surface before jumping in, lower speeds the rest of the time.
Is this a dumb idea with Variable Speed pump?
- Thread starter caseyrichards
- Start date
Panzer
0
Obviously, running the pump at a lower rate will lower the flow into the skimmer. If you feel that the surface is accumulating more material than you'd prefer, then pulling more suction from the skimmer than from the main drain will help.
On my previous pool I ran a skimmer extension arm (at 45° angle to the skimmer). I was surprised at how well it helped direct material into the skimmer, even when the flow near the pool wall was relatively low. Inexpensive, easy to install, with no modifications needed to the pool... maybe it's an option for you.
Respectfully,
On my previous pool I ran a skimmer extension arm (at 45° angle to the skimmer). I was surprised at how well it helped direct material into the skimmer, even when the flow near the pool wall was relatively low. Inexpensive, easy to install, with no modifications needed to the pool... maybe it's an option for you.
Respectfully,
Stoopalini
Gold Supporter
- Jun 8, 2020
- 590
- Pool Size
- 14060
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
As others have stated, the pump does 3 things for you ... filters the water (at any speed), creates skimming action (at some minimum speed), and enables chlorination of the water (due to your in-line chlorinator).
Ideally, you would be able to set a VSP to run at a low speed most of the time (for water filtering) and then kick up to a higher speed on a schedule (for improved skimmer action), through automation. This gives you the best energy efficiency, while still meeting the 3 goals. I personally have my VSP scheduled to run 1200 RPM for 24hours, and then also have a schedule which kicks it up to 2500 RPM twice a day, for one hour each time (8-9am and also 7-8pm). This keeps my water crystal clear, skimmed well, and enables my SWCG to produce chlorine all day. Given my local electric rates, this costs me $0.30 a day to run line this, so less than $10 a month, or roughly $110 a year in electricity.
But based on this picture you posted, it appears your pump doesn't allow scheduling different speeds for different times of the day, and is limited to a single chosen speed, for a set # of hours
Seeing as that is the case, I would say your best bet is to run it at the lowest speed which creates good skimming action, for the minimum # of hours required to keep the water clear and the FC level in range.
What is your pump's model number? I wonder if you could buy a different control board for it, so you can take full advantage of the variable speed capabilities ....
Ideally, you would be able to set a VSP to run at a low speed most of the time (for water filtering) and then kick up to a higher speed on a schedule (for improved skimmer action), through automation. This gives you the best energy efficiency, while still meeting the 3 goals. I personally have my VSP scheduled to run 1200 RPM for 24hours, and then also have a schedule which kicks it up to 2500 RPM twice a day, for one hour each time (8-9am and also 7-8pm). This keeps my water crystal clear, skimmed well, and enables my SWCG to produce chlorine all day. Given my local electric rates, this costs me $0.30 a day to run line this, so less than $10 a month, or roughly $110 a year in electricity.
But based on this picture you posted, it appears your pump doesn't allow scheduling different speeds for different times of the day, and is limited to a single chosen speed, for a set # of hours
Seeing as that is the case, I would say your best bet is to run it at the lowest speed which creates good skimming action, for the minimum # of hours required to keep the water clear and the FC level in range.
What is your pump's model number? I wonder if you could buy a different control board for it, so you can take full advantage of the variable speed capabilities ....