Need to replace 15 year old s/s pump -- looking for feedback

[DIY]

Hi Folks,

I have a single speed Pentair pump (WhisperFlo WFE-26) from my original build, need to replace it before opening this season. This forum has been a wonderful resource!
I've used liquid chlorine for many years now, looking to replace with a SWG -- tired of the 5 gal jugs/daily dosing/and much higher cost now. Nothing fancy in my build, just a plane rectangle pool, no automation, not necessarily looking to add.

I have all Pentair equipment and no problems in 15 years. Given the above, looking for feedback on brand/replacement for my WhisperFlo. Also, do I need VS or VS&F? Also looking for recommendation for SWG. I'm not married to Pentair, but have had good experience with my original equipment. It's much more expensive than other choices -- do you get what you pay for or just a high price bc of the label?

Also, I've seen lots of recommendations to run VS pumps 24/7. How does that affect the SWG (do you have to turn it off/does it lessen the lifespan)?

Thanks in advance for the advice, as always!

 

[wireform]

If your wet end is still good and only the motor is bad you can save lots of work and replace the motor. If efficiency is in the mix then the complete pump will need to be changed out for a vsp. As far as SWCG we here tend to like the circupool line of cells for a non automated set such as yours. Some more pictures of the equipment pad would be helpful. I've used Calimar 3 hp several times and i think they're good.

 

[kjdiver]

Hi DIY, I'll share my experience (I'm just a pool hobby guy because of TFP...LOL...otherwise I would be SOL). My two-speed pump developed a shaft leak, and despite being in worse condition than anticipated, I managed to rebuild it. I replaced the bearings and seals, but also had to deal with scraping and painting various damages. Although it currently runs, it tends to overheat, and I doubt it will survive a summer in Virginia.

Fortunately, my power company recently started offering a $300 rebate for variable-speed (VS) pumps. So, I decided to purchase a Century Motor Vgreen Variable Speed Replacement Motor for $406. This pump is a basic VS pump with just one button. Since I already have a digital timer, I can synchronize the new motor and my existing SWG. I plan on installing everything over the weekend, you might see a bunch of desperate posts from me on this forum over the weekend!

I highly recommend checking if your power company offers any rebates. Depending on the condition of your pump and your DIY skills, a replacement motor might be a viable option.

As for the SW, I bought a basic SWG via Alibaba four years ago (rated for 60k gallons), thus far has worked well. Same one rebranded by INYo and other companies.

 

[jamesey]

I'm not married to Pentair, but have had good experience with my original equipment. It's much more expensive than other choices -- do you get what you pay for or just a high price bc of the label?

You definitely get what you pay for. There are certainly cost efficient options out there, but not much data in terms of reliability and how long they will last. Pentair Intelliflo is considered the crème de la crème. Several members have had theirs for over a decade running 24/7 non-stop in warm weather climates. It will absolutely serve you well in PA.

Also, I've seen lots of recommendations to run VS pumps 24/7. How does that affect the SWG (do you have to turn it off/does it lessen the lifespan)?

There's minimal effect on the SWG running "24/7". Most cycle on and off based on the output % set and doesn't lessen the lifespan. For example, 8 hours at 100% output is essentially the same as 24 hours at 33.33%. Running your VS 24/7 allows you to continuously circulate water, generate/distribute chlorine, and skim your pool at an extremely cost efficient rate.

If automation is not important to you and you're truly not married to Pentair, then I highly encourage you to do some searching on other options. There are some good threads on others brands that will help you make the choice that is right for you.

 

[DIY]

Hi Folks,

Need to replace my 15 y/o ss pump (Pentair WFE-26) and looking to add a SWG. Looking at the Pentair Intelliflo 011056 and have a few questions (pictures attached for reference).

1. Is there a difference between the Intelliflo 011028 and 011056 or is the 011056 just the latest model? Pentair has too many Dang choices and their technical support is NOT helpful at all.

2. Will my current electrical setup support the Intelliflo, which must be wired for 230v? My WFE-26 can be wired for either 115 or 230v, but I *think* my setup is 230v -- photos attached.

3. Do I have enough electricity in the panel to support adding both the Intelliflo and a SWG too? And maybe a heat pump down the line?? Photo attached.

4. If I am able to add a SWG with no electrical mods, I was looking at the CircuPool, but confused about all the choices. Appreciate some guidance from the group here. Also, I'm assuming I'd cut out the "Nature 2 Cartridge" and put the SWG there. Any reason to keep the puck feeder too? Photos attached.

5. My pool is 16 years old and the plaster/local water makes my pH run very high all the time. Am I going to have an unmanageable pH issue by converting to SWG?

6. I have nothing fancy in my build and maintenance is manageable -- is adding automation something I should think about/plan for in my choices?

7. Anything else I should consider, like an ozone system, pH controller, automation, etc.?

As always, thanks for your sage advice! This forum is so wonderful!!!
--Jen

 

[1poolman1]

1. Intelliflo 011028 is variable-speed, you set the speed you wish and when the speeds change as needed and they are constant with each setting. Intelliflo 011056 is variable-speed/variable-flow, you can set a desired flow rate and the pump will change speeds to keep that flow constant as conditions change.
2. You would need a 20amp ground fault circuit breaker. The Pentair pumps need the Siemans QF220A so as to not have nuisance tripping. It looks like your panel will accept that breaker.
3. Hard to determine without knowing the size of wire feeding your panel. As a SWG doesn't draw that much amperage you probably have a large enough circuit for it, the pump, and your light. Keep you existing time clock to power the SWG on and off. Extremely unlikely that the circuit is large enough to support a heat pump. They need a circuit similar or larger than most home A/C systems.
4. Remove the Nature2 and tab feeder.
5. No.
6. Automation is always nice, IF you actually use it. If this is not a pool/spa combo it will be less useful.
7. Those are subjects not usually endorsed on TFP.

 

[DIY]

Thanks so much for the info. -- always so helpful here. I am very handy and was hoping to do the pump and SWG install myself, but now am concerned about the electrical. A local pool service company recommended the (relatively new) Pentair Whisperflo VST (#011533) -- but they seem to be a little too new for my liking. I know the Intelliflo is tried and true.

As for the electrical, there is a quad breaker feeding the pool sub panel, so I'm not sure if there is enough power out there already to add the required new/additional breakers. Anthony & Sylvan built my pool (they're a semi-national builder) and they have a reputation for oversizing equipment for future needs. I was hoping to avoid having to pay an electrician...ugh.

 

[1poolman1]

Thanks so much for the info. -- always so helpful here. I am very handy and was hoping to do the pump and SWG install myself, but now am concerned about the electrical. A local pool service company recommended the (relatively new) Pentair Whisperflo VST (#011533) -- but they seem to be a little too new for my liking. I know the Intelliflo is tried and true.

As for the electrical, my house electrical seems to be feeding out 120 amps to the pool sub panel (new photo attached), so I'm hoping that there's enough power out there already to add the required new/additional breakers. Anthony & Sylvan build my pool (they're a semi-national builder) and they have a reputation for oversizing equipment for future needs. I was hoping to avoid having to pay an electrician...ugh.

View attachment 493151

No, your main is feeding 240V, 30A to the outdoor panel. Only the center 2 breakers feed the pool panel according to the label and you don't add all the breakers together. That's enough to service the pump, SWG, and light that you have/plan on, but not a heat pump.
A Whisperflo VST is an Intelliflo with a SuperFloVSP drive and motor. Whisperflo and Intelliflo use the same wet-end but different motors.

 

[DIY]

Yes, I understand I cannot add the numbers together -- I realized that after I posted and was actually in process of editing my post when you replied.

As for the pumps, from what I read on the forum, bigger seems to be better, and I'm a bit concerned that the SuperFlo motor is a little undersized for my setup, which is why I was leaning to the Intelliflo. The newer Whisperflo VST seems to be marketed as an in-between size. The benefit of the Whisperflo/Intelliflo wet end over the Superflow for me is that my setup is really tight and that wet end would be a 'plug and play' option. I'm still going to need an electrician to switch the breaker out though, it seems.

 

[1poolman1]

Whisper/Intelliflo and Superflo pumps are completely different pumps. I would always recommend the Whisperflo or Intelliflo, but I prefer high-head pumps.
Horsepower ratings are almost meaningless today. The WhisperfloVST has a total horsepower (thp) of 2.6. The Intelliflo is 3.95. But, when you slow the pump down those numbers are out the window. The advantage to the larger horsepower is that it has a larger impeller and can move more water per revolution or move the amount you need for less RPM and save more energy. I'd go with the Intelliflo.

 

[DIY]

Very much appreciate all the advice! I have an electrician coming out to do the breaker replacement and wire up the new pump. I think I have settled on the Intelliflo 011056 because it's $400 (!) less expensive than the 011028. I was reading the installation manual for the Intelliflo, and Pentair (of course) has their own branded breaker -- PA220GF. Is there a difference between that and the Siemans QF220A you recommended? Or is the Pentair breaker a rebanded version?

 

[DIY]

Thanks everyone for your input -- much appreciated! I opened a new thread asking specifically about my electrical setup, and included pictures there, but attaching here too for your feedback.

I've just about settled on the Pentair 011056 VSF pump, because the Pentair 011028 is $400 more expensive. My understanding from reading through lots of threads is that I don't need to use the "flow" option on the 011056 -- i.e., I should just use the speed adjustments.

I learned on my other post that I will need to replace/upgrade my existing pump breaker to accommodate the new pump. Going to have to pay an electrician for that part, which I was hoping to avoid, but it is what it is.

Now I'm trying to settle on the SWG. Looks like a lot of folks recommend the CircuPool as well as the Intellichlor. I don't have automation, but read in one thread that if you get the Pentair EasyTouch, you don't need the Pentair Power Center. With no heater/spa in my setup, the ET seems like overkill. But now that I have to bring an electrician into the mix anyway, would you recommend the CircuPool or the Intellichlor SWG. If Intellichlor, with the PowerCenter or with EasyTouch?

Pictures attached below. The power supply to my sub panel is from a quad 30 amp breaker with 10 gauge wire (that picture wouldn't attach, so putting in the body of the message). Wires to timer/existing pump are 14 gauge and I know need to replaced with 12, along with the new 20amp breaker.

Do I have this all right??? Any other thoughts?

Thanks in advance!!

 

[jklocke]

Have you looked into the newer Intelliflo3 pumps? The Intelliflo3 with I/O board (model 011076) has the ability to control 2 devices (including an SWG) using the Pentair Home app, so you wouldn't need to also buy an EasyTouch or other automation system. I would recommend an IC40 with Power Center SWG to pair with it because it makes everything easier to control if the equipment is from the same manufacturer, although everyone here says the Circupool SWGs work well. I love my 011056 VSF pump, but if I was buying one this year instead of last year I would have purchased the 011076.

I'm pretty sure the Pentair GFCI breaker is just a rebranded Siemens breaker. I have the Siemens and have had no issues with it at all.

Good luck with your upgrades!

 

[1poolman1]

Very much appreciate all the advice! I have an electrician coming out to do the breaker replacement and wire up the new pump. I think I have settled on the Intelliflo 011056 because it's $400 (!) less expensive than the 011028. I was reading the installation manual for the Intelliflo, and Pentair (of course) has their own branded breaker -- PA220GF. Is there a difference between that and the Siemans QF220A you recommended? Or is the Pentair breaker a rebanded version?

Pentair breaker is the re-branded one. Costs are very similar now. When they first came out the Pentair name was a sticker that cover the Siemans name and part number. Also the cost was double what the Siemans one sold for at the same wholesaler. They tried to say they wouldn't cover a warranty issue if the Pentair-branded one wasn't installed, at least in my area (but I have never trusted the local Pentair rep), but that got shot down very quickly.