New pump. VS or ??

[cocamoxb]

Moved from here.

If I should start my own thread, I will, but thought this was exactly my question.

I've got a 12k pool with a hot tub, propane heater, and a SWG. My pump came with the 12yr old house and it sounds like a freight train. Plus, I've got to believe a new pump would save on electricity.

Thanks for any feedback!

 

[mknauss]

If you mean by hot tub an integrated spa with your pool, then a VS pump would be good for your situation.

Do you have any kind of automation? What pump do you currently have?

 

[cocamoxb]

It's labeled a Hayward but the motor looks like it's been replaced. The actual motor is labeled "UST1102".

Yes, the spa is integrated into the pool. The skimmer and the pool robot suck the water and it returns via the spa and spills over back into the pool.

I have no automation that I know of. To change plumbing valves, I have to manually rotate the valves at the pool equipment pad.

Thank you for your feedback and advise, mknauss.

 

[cocamoxb]

It's labeled a Hayward but the motor looks like it's been replaced. The actual motor is labeled "UST1102".

Yes, the spa is integrated into the pool. The skimmer and the pool robot suck the water and it returns via the spa and spills over back into the pool.

I have no automation that I know of. To change plumbing valves, I have to manually rotate the valves at the pool equipment pad.

Thank you for your feedback and advise, mknauss.

For reference, here's the pool with spa.

 

[cocamoxb]

I'm guessing I would have to replace the entire pump and I couldn't simply replace the 1hp motor with a 2hp VS motor?

If there are any better options, I'm open to the idea.

Again, many thanks.

 

[Hootz]

If your pump serves both your pool and spa you will want a pump that can achieve at least the same maximum flow. Variable speeds are convenient since you can easily find a setting for any condition required. Variable speed pumps have a built in controller with timer so no external timer required.
Two speed pumps are a good option for some; low speed can be used for most purposes with the option of full speed for spa operation and manual vacuuming. Control of the speeds can be done with a simple switch on the pump or with an external timer.
If the wet side of your pump is in good condition you have the option of replacing the motor with variable or two speed.
Really nice looking pool in great location.

 

[cocamoxb]

Thank you, Hootz.

Yes, one pump handles the whole thing, spa and pool.

I guess a couple of day-to-day questions about single speed vs VS though.

1. Should I leave it always using the robot vacuum and the skimmer with the return flowing into the spa and spilling over into the pool?

2. With the VS motor, based on the above answer, what is the ideal setting when using the spa as the return and a vacuum robot?

Again, grateful to everyone.

 

[setsailsoon]

Thank you, Hootz.

Yes, one pump handles the whole thing, spa and pool.

I guess a couple of day-to-day questions about single speed vs VS though.

1. Should I leave it always using the robot vacuum and the skimmer with the return flowing into the spa and spilling over into the pool?

2. With the VS motor, based on the above answer, what is the ideal setting when using the spa as the return and a vacuum robot?

Again, grateful to everyone.

Coca,

By "pool robot" do you mean a suction powered cleaner? Assuming this is the case you can run the spa spillover as much as you like. The minimum is much less than full-time, only the time needed to make sure the spa is chlorinated. Rest of the time is for aesthetics only or when you're trying to reduce your TA.

As Marty suggested earlier you are a perfect candidate with SWG for a VS pump. You have 3 options as I see it in order of cost. Also, the additional cost is usually recovered by operating cost savings in the first year of operation. Exact economics depend on several factors that are hard to generalize but they can easily be calculated once you make your final choice. Here the options:

• Replace the pump motor again. The noise is almost certainly coming from the main bearing in the motor. When you do this you should also replace the pump seal. Only consider this if the pump housing is in good shape. It's marginal to do this at your pump's age but it can be done and you may expect another 3-5 years depending on the pump condition. If you do this replace the pump o-ring seals, and inspect/replace any damaged or cracked pump parts including the housing, impeller and diffuser. If a lot of parts need replacing this option isn't really viable.
• Upgrade to a 2-speed pump and motor.
• Upgrade to a VS pump and motor.

You can't usually upgrade the motor to a VS motor because the flange face and mounting bolts won't align. Even if this is possible it's not good to do as the pump hydraulics and impeller are designed to get optimum benefit of the motor. We have experts here that can do the calculations to help you decide between options. They will need your power cost to do this. If it were me I'd at least go for a 2 speed pump. You'll probably get the best long-term economics from a VS. Do you have a solar heater?

I hope this helps.

Chris

 

[Hootz]

You should be able to use a new pump with similar valve settings that you currently use. The function of the pump is to distribute chemicals, pull water through the skimmer to keep the surface clean and circulate water through the filter. The goal is to keep water moving in the pool as well as the spa when the pump is running. You can set the spa to overflow and thus spillover or just maintain a constant level in the spa; continuous spillover can sometimes lead to an increase in PH due to aeration.
Pump rpm and valve settings will be experimental at first until you find what works for you. If your goal is cost savings you find the lowest speed at which items such as your heater and swg still are effective.

 

[cocamoxb]

Chris,

That is GREAT information. Thank you!

I'm still learning the lingo. Yes, I have a suction powered hayward navigator pro.

The housing part of the pump looks like it's the original from the builder 12 years ago. So I'm guessing it'll be more economical in the long run to replace the whole pump.

I'm in Tampa, FL and am forced to use Puke Energy (aka, Duke Energy).

Looks like I pay $0.0763 for 1,000 KWH ; $0.0925/KWH after 1,000. My last bill was 1,746 KWH.

 

[mknauss]

For an economical VS pump with a good warranty for a DIY install, consider one from InyoPools.
This one may be a good choice. Be sure to call and speak with Inyo to ensure it meets your needs. Be sure to install using pump unions.

Another option is a two speed motor that would mate up to your pump.
This one may be a good choice. Again - be sure to call and speak with Inyo as you need to be sure you are getting the right flange type and all the necessary seals, etc.

The above pumps are good for non-automation installs. You will need to run at higher flow rates to make your suction cleaner work. You could also consider getting a real robot that cleans your pool with out needing the main pump to run. With a screen enclosure and using a SWCG, you could dramatically reduce your electricity cost, if so desired.

Your current pump motor, is it 115V or 230V?

 

[cocamoxb]

Those are great options and they support their warranty for self installation, which Pentair doesn't.

Much appreciated!!

 

[setsailsoon]

Coca,

Ditto everything Marty said. You can do a LOT better than a single speed pump. The two-speed motor replace is an option I left out. If you want more information on the cost savings here's a great paper on this issued by the Department of Energy. There are also links to superb pump and hydraulic information from our experts at the bottom of my signature. If this is just waaaay more than you want to know about pumps just Google "pool motor savings". You can find a great simplified "generic saving" approach at the Inyopools site Marty mentioned or calculators like the one at the Jandy site where you can enter your information and it will do the calculation. If you need any help just ask questions here. In the unlikely event Marty doesn't know the answer there are pump guru's here that know absolutely everything pump.

I hope this helps.

Chris