Newbie wants to install new pump

[Dwiessner]

Hi all,

This is my first season owning a pool. When I had the pool inspected when we bought the house, the pool inspector said that the single speed pump was going to kill our electric bill and that a variable speed would pay for itself really fast. I've seen on Amazon that I can get a highly rated Hayward variable speed pump for about 700-800 bucks, and my county will give me a rebate up to 200 bucks for swapping it out. I'm estimating that the pump is currently drawing about 150 bucks a month. I'm not sure how much savings i should expect.

I'm really new to pools, but I'm relatively handy. Is installing a new pump something I can do myself without much trouble? Is there anything I need to take into consideration, or will pretty much any pump work?

I'm looking at several pumps, but the main one is this: Hayward SP2303VSP MaxFlo VS Variable-Speed Pool Pump Energy Star... the main reason is, its 110 or 230, and I don't know what it's wired for over there.

Is it worth trying to install myself, or should I have a pool repairman install it?

Thanks in advance!

 

[mknauss]

Typically rebates require a 'professional' to install the pump.

I suspect you may need to replumb. But that depends on what pump you have now. Can you add that to your signature?

Another option to investigate is just replacing the motor on your existing pump to a 2 speed. Unless you have water features, spa, etc, a 2 speed may be more economical.

Take care.

 

[Dwiessner]

Typically rebates require a 'professional' to install the pump.

I suspect you may need to replumb. But that depends on what pump you have now. Can you add that to your signature?

Another option to investigate is just replacing the motor on your existing pump to a 2 speed. Unless you have water features, spa, etc, a 2 speed may be more economical.

Take care.

It's a first choice 56-frame champion pool pump. Motor is 2.2 hp century E-Plus centurion switchless. It is 115 I think.

 

[scooperhsd]

2.2 HP on 120 V - what's it pulling, 15-20 amps ?

It REALLY matters what voltage your pump is running at - most of the variable speeds are 230V.

If there are no problems with the existing pump - you can get most of the benefits of the VSP by replacing the current single speed motor with an equivalent 2speed (i.e the high speed on the 2 speed has the same SFHP as the single speed) and running it on low speed. I will say 2.2 HP is a monster of a pool pump motor for your pool size - my next pump is likely to be a 1 HP 2 speed myself. At the very least, put a timer on it and DON'T run it 24 /7.

I see you're in CA - they have those laws / regulations that the largest single speed replacement pump you can use is 1 HP (which would still be plenty for your pool). You would need a 2 speed or variable speed for any larger.

 

[Plankton]

I'm up in Northern California, I had a 1HP pump similar to yours, the name sounds awfully familiar. Just like you about $150 of my month bill was due to the pump and I tweaked it to no end to try and save. Anyway, I installed a Pentair InteliFlo pump, I did see my electric bill drop by at least $100 a month and I did receive the rebate also from PG&E. As long as you submit the paperwork that you purchased an approved pump they will send you the rebate. Doesn't matter who does the installation. In my case the Intelliflo was so new it wasn't on their list of approved pumps at the time so they denied it. About 8 months later I received a check in the mail from PG&E and couldn't figure out what it was, I finally read the entire explanation and found that it was the rebate check for the pump. Once they approved the pump, they had kept all my paperwork and sent me the check. I had to take back all the foul language that I used against them when I first got the denial letter. LOL!!
As far as installation, I still have a 1 HP for my water features but I installed my variable speed myself, ease of installation wasn't bad but I lined up my plumbing with what was already installed and the electrical part was easy, it is a 230V. If you are handy with PVC it shouldn't be a problem. I hate working with PVC but I figured I could do this and make it work. So it all depends on what you are comfortable with. As far as a two speed VS a variable I went with the variable because I thought I would get more bang for my buck and I'm glad I did. Hope this helps.

 

[Meadow]

@OP...I'd say go for VSP and start saving on your electrical bills. I don't think your existing 2.2hp motor is running on 120VAC supply.

I made the switch from 1HP single speed to VSP and my electrical bills from SCE always put a big smile on my face, since! Just make sure you get the motor qualify for the SCE $200 rebates. LINK ...you need to make a quick decision before its' gone per SCE! Also there is another $75 rebates being offered by Hayward only if the motor is installed by a qualified licensed professionals.

I bought Hayward SP3202VSP TriStar (1.86THP) like I stole it from Vegas and installed it myself. So far, no regrets here! Good luck...