Looking to replace constant speed pump with variable speed pump

[rack04]

I currently have a 230 volt 2 hp Pentair Challenger pool pump and I'm interested in replacing it since it's nearing the end of its useful life. I assume it's an obvious choice to go with a similar voltage and hp variable speed pump. Is this accurate? If so, would I just set my current pump timer to run 24/7 and use the onboard control panel to set the speed and schedule? Lastly, what is the general consensus CaliMar 3 hp variable speed pumps?

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[Bperry]

I currently have a 230 volt 2 hp Pentair Challenger pool pump and I'm interested in replacing it since it's nearing the end of its useful life. I assume it's an obvious choice to go with a similar voltage and hp variable speed pump. Is this accurate? If so, would I just set my current pump timer to run 24/7 and use the onboard control panel to set the speed and schedule? Lastly, what is the general consensus CaliMar 3 hp variable speed pumps?

CaliMar® Variable Speed Pool Pump | 3HP | CMARVSP3.0

Pool Supply Unlimited has some of the best prices when shopping for CaliMar® Variable Speed Pool Pump | 3HP | CMARVSP3.0

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Just be aware that a great feature of a variable speed pump is that you don’t have to run it full speed all the time like the single speed pump. If you run it slower, it’ll be quieter, save on electricity costs, and lots of filters work more efficiently at low speed.

If you have constant waterfall (etc) running that needs high speed then those may not perform the same at lower speed. Just something to be aware of.

 

[rack04]

Just be aware that a great feature of a variable speed pump is that you don’t have to run it full speed all the time like the single speed pump. If you run it slower, it’ll be quieter, save on electricity costs, and lots of filters work more efficiently at low speed.

If you have constant waterfall (etc) running that needs high speed then those may not perform the same at lower speed. Just something to be aware of.

Yep, I was planning to run 24-7 at lower speeds but have a couple hours of higher speed for adequate filtering. I do have a spill over spa but I assume it would be ok just to spill over during 2ish hour full speed period.

 

[reggiehammond]

No need to run faster for the filter. Filters are incredibly basic and you'll be flowing considerably more water in 24/7 mode than most all other pools.

You ought to go ahead and move to a SWCG (salt water chlorine generator) at the same time and see what the rest of us are able to enjoy!

My VSP consumes ~180 watts per hour - basically nothing - all while constantly skimming, filtering, and making chlorine.

 

[Dirk]

If so, would I just set my current pump timer to run 24/7

That would function, but it's not the right way to wire your new pump. The new VS pump should be hard-wired directly to an appropriate circuit breaker, without that old timer in between. Of course you can program that old timer to be always on, but that's just keeping an old, unnecessary component in the loop that doesn't need to be there, and is a potential failure point that adds no benefit.

Additionally, some VS pumps require a special, dedicated circuit breaker, so just wiring up the new pump to the timer and existing circuit breaker might not be the best, and in some cases (some brands) would impact or even invalidate the warranty.

You're looking at some amount of electrical work anyway, so you might as well do it right. It's possible to DIY, but I would recommend you hire a licensed electrician that specializes in pool electrical. Pool wiring and house wiring are different things, and require different knowledge and skills.

 

[Newdude]

what is the general consensus CaliMar 3 hp variable speed pumps?

That's subjective. The math, however, is another story. The flagship pumps are going for $1800 to $2500 these days, possibly more with PB markup if buying from a local retailer. At $519 for the Calimar, you could replace it 3 to 4 times and still be ahead.

*assuming no automation concerns, or one day automation concerns.

I'm usually a buy once / cry once kinda guy, but these pump and filter prices have broke me. They're obscene. The current Calimar has been going for 3 or 4 years now, plenty of time for us to see a pattern here if they had an abnormally high failure rate.

 

[Dirk]

But if money is no object...

If you ever foresee wanting to add an automation controller to your setup (a fancy timer that can be run from inside the house, from computers, from smart phones, etc) and possibly a salt water generator, you want the controller, the VS pump and the saltwater generator to all be compatible, and of the same brand, in order to get the full benefit of remote control.

A hodge-podge of brands and models can be made to somewhat obey an automation controller, but just in a rudimentary "on-off" way. To get feedback about the pump and the SWG, and to be able to fully program both from your vacation home in the Philippines, you need the same-brand compatibility.

And while you might not see the need for automation now, think ahead to when you're less mobile, and/or your lifestyle changes and you find yourself away from home a lot. The ability to check in on your pool might come in handy.

And you don't have to buy anything now for automation, I'm just saying if you someday might, then you want to buy a compatible pump now. Then maybe the compatible SWG next year, and the controller some other future day. Some pumps can work stand-alone with your smart phone, without any other controller, and then later integrate with your automation controller. So you could have some remote goodness with just the right pump, and build your automation system as budget allows.

I didn't study up or plan ahead for what my "someday system" was going to be, and ended up buying some equipment, early on, that didn't later fit the eventual plan. It's the single biggest pool-related purchase mistake I made, and still regret.