Need Advice on Inground Pool Pump Motor Replacement & Electrical Setup

[Gflande1]

Hey everyone,

I’m in the process of replacing the motor on my Pentair SuperFlo pump and could use some advice on both motor selection and electrical setup.

Current Setup:

• Pentair SuperFlo pump (needs motor replacement)
• Running on 120V
• Saltwater generator (SWG) also running on 120V, plugged into the same GFCI receptacle but on a digital timer
• No Intermatic mechanical timer
• I have a current sensing relay I never installed (life happened), so I rely on the SWG’s flow switch for now

Motor Options I’m Considering:

1. Century VGreen Variable Speed 48Y TEFC 2.25HP (Model EVQ225)
   • Dual voltage (115/230V)
   • Simple single-button control
2. Nidec/US Motors Neptune 2.25THP SQFL Var-Spd (Model NPTQ225)
   • 230V only
   • Has an auxiliary load relay, which I believe could be used to power the SWG for added safety

I prefer the control for the Nidec better, I like to manage my schedule more than what the Century single button allows. What I don't like is having to upgrade that circuit to 230v. Our panel is full (as is the neutral bar), so I would need to figure that out, and I just don't to spend money I don't need to.

Electrical Considerations:

If I go with the Nidec (230V only), I’ll need to:

• Swap my breaker and outlet
• Upgrade to a double-pole 20A GFCI breaker (already have 12 AWG wiring)
• Figure out the best way to wire the other end

Questions for those with experience:

1. Motor Choice: Has anyone used either of these motors? Any strong recommendations one way or the other? Is upgrading to 230v worth it? I am not worried about a little power savings I might get from it.
2. Saltwater Generator Control: Would the Nidec’s auxiliary load relay be a good way to safely control my SWG, or am I misunderstanding its purpose?
3. AC Disconnect: I thought of connecting the pump using a fused AC disconnect, but I need to be able to store the pump for winter, and my former pool guy scoffed at the idea (said receptacle is easier), anyone else do it this way?
4. Receptacle Options: Can I install a 230V weather-resistant receptacle with an in-use box?

I know I could do this with an Intermatic T100 timer, but my setup is simple, and I don’t see much use for it since I will use the pump for scheduling.

I appreciate any input—just trying to make the best decision without unnecessary upgrades. Thanks in advance!

Glen

 

[wireform]

I only have experience with the Neptune motor which I like very much. Being it's a variable speed motor you can take advantage of the efficiency and run it lower rpm for 24/7 and also not have to worry about the secondary safety for the SWCG. The relay on this pump I think will only work above a certain rpm as I was told by a Neptune tech when i was researching similar. The circuit breaker that will work best without nuisance tripping is the Siemens brand of gfci breakers. I'm not a fan of the cord set used when the pump will be removed for the winter but understand it'll need to be of the water tight verity.

 

[Gflande1]

I only have experience with the Neptune motor which I like very much. Being it's a variable speed motor you can take advantage of the efficiency and run it lower rpm for 24/7 and also not have to worry about the secondary safety for the SWCG. The relay on this pump I think will only work above a certain rpm as I was told by a Neptune tech when i was researching similar. The circuit breaker that will work best without nuisance tripping is the Siemens brand of gfci breakers. I'm not a fan of the cord set used when the pump will be removed for the winter but understand it'll need to be of the water tight verity.

I appreciate, I think I will go with the Neptune. I didnt realize how much more amps the century draws. I really like having a variable speed, last year I calculated my GPM, then figured out the speed I needed to turn the pool over 3 times. Kept the motor at that and the pool was sparkling all year (adding the SWCG helped a lot!).

Have a great one

 

[1poolman1]

I appreciate, I think I will go with the Neptune. I didnt realize how much more amps the century draws. I really like having a variable speed, last year I calculated my GPM, then figured out the speed I needed to turn the pool over 3 times. Kept the motor at that and the pool was sparkling all year (adding the SWCG helped a lot!).

Have a great one

I have had great success with the Neptune motor, BUT the aux relay only actuates at 2200rpm or higher, which is probably faster than you need for efficiency and to actuate the SWG. It might be better to just use the existing time clock for that piece of equipment. I have been using a time clock for mine with my SWG and VSP for many years.
The amp rating on a variable-speed motor is the maximum rated amp draw, but at lower speeds it is much less. For the control you have with the Neptune motor, it is still a better fit.

 

[wireform]

last year I calculated my GPM, then figured out the speed I needed to turn the pool over 3 times.

It's a nice thought "pool turnover" but here on the forum we don't do anything because of turnover which is a myth. We run the pump to get enough chlorine into the water and that would be enough. The rest of the pump time is owner preference for filtering, skimming and the like. A vsp allows you to run more efficient so it affords you if you like to run 24/7 which lots of us do and at the same time we have the SWCG run at a lower percent along with it. The water remains very clear because of constant filtering.
Turnover of Pool Water - Further Reading