New Pump? Maybe.

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L

lobral

Member
Jul 28, 2024
15
Sacramento, California
I have a 3/4 hp pump now. I've been going back and forth on purchasing a variable speed pump. All of the variable speed pumps I've looked at are twice the hp (>1.5hp). I'm wondering if I would really save any money on energy if the pump is twice the hp. I know the variable speed part means I can turn it down but not sure how far down a new pump would actually go.

Also, I'm really interested to know if there are brands you like or don't like in pumps.

Thanks in advance for the advice,
Allen
 
If you go VSP, get the largest pump you can afford. A larger pump can move the same amount of water, but at a lower RPM, saving money.

Do you have 115V or 230V service to your pump?
Are you willing to upgrade to 230V if you have to?

Having those answers will lead us to recommendations...
 
Your best bet is the Waterway Defender 1.65. High head pump.

waterwayplastics.com

Power Defender 165 Variable Speed Pump - Waterway Plastics

Pool & Spa Products
waterwayplastics.com waterwayplastics.com

The other available 115v pumps available are medium head.
hayward.com

Super Pump VS 700, Variable-Speed Pump, 230/115V

Super Pump VS 700 variable-speed pool pump is a simple drop-in upgrade that offers superior durability and significant energy cost savings over single-speed pumps.
hayward.com hayward.com

Pentair 348190, 015583

The Whisperflo uses a higher efficiency motor than the Superflo. However, because the Superflo is a smaller pump for the same label HP, it tends to have a better energy factor (gallons/watt-hr). Both are good pumps and I would recommend either one but sizing is important so keep in mind that a 1 HP up rated Superflo has a head curve that much much lower than a 1 HP up rated Whisperflo so they are not equals in terms of performance.

What is your current clean filter pressure?
What is the pump elevation relative to the water level?
What is the maximum recommended flow rate of your filter?
Do you have any water features, spa jets, floor cleaners, suction/pressure cleaner?
What is the diameter of your suction and return lines and how many do you have going from pool to pump?
What is the distance of your plumbing runs pool to pump?
 
Ok. I'm back in town. Here are the answers to the questions asked by PoolStored.

What is your current clean filter pressure? 1.3 bar - Usually, it's 1.0. Looks like I should clean the filters.
What is the pump elevation relative to the water level? The intake is approximately 1' above water level.
What is the maximum recommended flow rate of your filter? Design Flow Rate 150 GPM 568 LPM, Max working pressure 50 PSI, 3.5 BAR
Do you have any water features, spa jets, floor cleaners, suction/pressure cleaner? None.
What is the diameter of your suction and return lines and how many do you have going from pool to pump? There is one 2" suction and one 2" return line.
What is the distance of your plumbing runs pool to pump? Suction is ~12ft. Return is ~20ft.
 
If it matters to you, I don't think you will be able to program the Defender via the iAqualink controller. However, the Defender has on board timer and programming so it isn't huge issue.

If you want the programming capability, you want want either a Jandy VS pump or get a V-Green EVO motor replacement for your current pump. If you go with the latter, I would recommend an impeller upsize to keep noise at a minimum.

 
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mas985 said:
If it matters to you, I don't think you will be able to program the Defender via the iAqualink controller. However, the Defender has on board timer and programming so it isn't huge issue.

If you want the programming capability, you want want either a Jandy VS pump or get a V-Green EVO motor replacement for your current pump. If you go with the latter, I would recommend an impeller upsize to keep noise at a minimum.

Click to expand...
Would need 240V for those motors. OP says he prefers to stay with 120V. The Waterway can use low voltage inputs to change speeds. It uses the Nidec Neptune motor. If there is a change to 240V, those are great options.
 

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  • Neptune Low Voltage Connections.pdf
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