Jandy single speed FHPM2.0 vs. variable speed VSFHP270JEP real world experience

[Captchaos]

I struggled over a few months trying to decide on pumps, such as which variable speed pump to buy, how efficient it would be, which was the same size for a retrofit, and a myriad of other things to drive myself insane. I thought I would post this thread using specific Jandy model numbers to help anyone else in the same boat.

My pool was just built and the builder included a Jandy FHPM2.0 single speed pump. I wanted a variable speed pump to increase efficiency. The cost to upgrade to a variable speed pump was $1200 so I opted not to upgrade. In my opinion, the upgrade should have been around $500, based on prices I found online. After a month, I purchased and installed a Jandy VSHP270JEP variable speed pump and Jandy IQPUMP01 controller.

I ran the Jandy FHPM2.0 single speed pump for about a month, using a Zwave Aeotec Heavy Duty Smart Switch on an 8 hour per day schedule. This drew approximately 1920 to 1955 watts at 3150RPM (the only speed it is capable of running). The pool was kept clean and there were no issues, except I felt that it used too much energy.

I purchased and installed the Jandy VSHP270JEP and IQPUMP01 controller. The VSPHP270JEP was a direct fit replacement for the FHPM2.0 so I did not have to make any plumbing changes. I did have to use plumbers tape on the threads to eliminate leaks as the height was approximately 1/8" off but I attributed that to small differences in the case size that were easily worked around.

Based on running the new pump for a few days and the energy usage reported by the IQPUMP01, I have found out what everyone already knew and that the variable speed pump is significantly more efficient than the single speed. Based on my runtimes, it will take a long time to recoup the cost, but with the $400 rebate from my electric company and potentially upgrading to a SWG in the future, I think it was worth it.

Here are some detailed comparisons on runtimes and costs (my electricity rate is $0.133 per kWh):

Variable speed pump:

Schedule	RPM	Hours	kWh	Cost Daily	Cost Monthly
12p-5p	800	5	0.046	0.03059
8a-9:30a	2500	1.5	0.945	0.1885275
7p-10p	2500	3	0.945	0.377055
12a-3a	600	3	0.035	0.013965
		12.5		0.6101375	$18.30

Compared to my old single stage pump:

8a-9a	3150	1	1.92	0.25536
12p-4p	3150	4	1.92	1.02144
7p-10p	3150	3	1.92	0.76608
		8		2.04288	$61.29

 

[mswlogo]

You're not quite comparing apples to apples though. You're also filtered a lot less water by my rough calculations.

What was your daily turn over before and what is it now?

If what you have now is fine, you might have been over filtering before.

But do you really need 2500 RPM for 4.5 Hrs day? Waterfall? Cleaner?​

Don't get me wrong it will save a lot and it's a lot more flexible.

 

[Captchaos]

You're right, I probably am filtering less water due to lower RPM across the board, even with longer run times. I do not have anything to measure GPM.

My waterfall is on a separate 1HP pump, and I do not have a pressure side cleaner. I don't need 2500 RPM for 4.5 hours per day, I think I can get away with 1700 or so. It has been raining a lot and I haven't been able to determine at what point my skimmer doors drop. I have four returns in my tanning ledge and four in a pseudo-spa area that I like to run at higher speeds for the effect. 1700 RPM doesn't move enough water to give the desired effect.