I'm currently rushing through selection of a replacement pump for my 12k gallon in-ground pool. The pool, plumbing, and pumps were all installed by the previous homeowner. The current pump is the original Pentair WhisperFlo WF-24 1HP, I'm estimating it's age at around 8 years. It failed a few days ago in somewhat spectacular fashion shooting sparks and burning insulation out the exhaust vent. I'm trying to rush a decision on a new pump, so I can replace it before my pool turns into a total swamp. I want to apologize in advance for asking a few RTFM type questions. I've tried to be diligent in skimming the product manuals, but I'm not being as thorough as I would like due to time constraints.
The plumbing was all done with glued PVC unions, there isn't a removable threaded connection on the entire setup. As such, I'm going to have to cut all the plumbing to replace the pump. I figure I might as well do a few upgrades while I have the whole system apart.
My goals are:
I was hoping to stick with Pentair, but I've been reading they won't warranty self-install. I'm now considering Hayword pumps, I've read they are comparable to Pentair. These are the pumps I think might work, in order of preference. I'm hoping someone can give me some feedback:
Some questions:
This is what my setup looks like, plumbing is all 2":
The plumbing was all done with glued PVC unions, there isn't a removable threaded connection on the entire setup. As such, I'm going to have to cut all the plumbing to replace the pump. I figure I might as well do a few upgrades while I have the whole system apart.
My goals are:
- Two speed pump or VSD, whichever is cost effective.
- A Warranty with self-install
- Possible conversion to SWG
I was hoping to stick with Pentair, but I've been reading they won't warranty self-install. I'm now considering Hayword pumps, I've read they are comparable to Pentair. These are the pumps I think might work, in order of preference. I'm hoping someone can give me some feedback:
- Hayward SP3010X152AZ Super II 1.5 HP Pool Pump, Dual-Speed
- Hayward SP32102EE TriStar 1 HP Pool Pump, Dual-Speed
- Hayward SP3202VSP 1.85 HP Tristar Variable-Speed Pool Pump
Some questions:
- My current pump is a single speed. The current timer (Intermatic PF1202T) seems to not support a dual speed pump. Can I assume this means I should plan on a new timer? Who makes a good timer? I don't have any automation needs, just basic on/off at times of day type control.
- The Tristar variable speed pump says it doesn't need a timer, it has one built in. Would it be able to also control the polaris booster pump? I really considering the Tristar VS pump if it eliminates the need for a timer. It looks like the Tristar VS price is almost the same as the Tristar 2-Speed + Seperate Timer price.
- What is the difference between Super II and Tristar pumps? The super II seem to have higher power motors, but produce less hydraulic power (based on motor specs and pump curves). Is the difference just pump efficiency?
- My current plumbing is all hard glued joints, as mentioned. I'm planning to use these threaded o-ring unions. Are these as good as they appear? Does anyone ever use flexible hose for the pump connections? My employment gets me access to pretty much anything from the Parker Hose catalog. I'm wondering if I could make the install easier with some 2" suction rated flexible hose.
- Is there anything I needed to consider if I plan to also add a SWG? Is the SWG also controlled by the timer, or is it just a flow switch? I was going to post separately on the SWG section for SWG recommendations, but I'd happily take any you have here.
This is what my setup looks like, plumbing is all 2":