No clue what I’m doing. Pump and SWG question

Rambo hustler

Member
May 5, 2020
19
Tennessee
I’ve been searching around the forum for a few hours but most of the threads are very specific. My pool builder is letting me choose what model pump and swg to use but I don’t even know where to start. The pool will be a 16x32 rectangle with approximately 18k gallon. I know I should go with a variable speed pump but no clue on what size. I also see that my SWG should be rated for at least a 40000 gallon pool. I don’t have any jets or spas. I will probably get a medium sized slide but not sure if that will affect what pump I need. I’m not that concerned with the price of it but I don’t want anything that is overkill for my setup.

What model pump and and SWG should I go with?
 
Are you planning on automation? What brand of equipment?

Your signature shows an above ground pool, is this equipment for that or a new pool?
Pool builder said he would let me choose the brand so whatever you think is the best bang for the buck. Signature was from my prior pool. I forgot I even had a signature to be honest. I doubt I need automation but if it doesn’t add much to the cost then I could go with it. Also I will not be going with a heater.
 
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OK -- Simple automation to control the pump and SWCG might be nice. Are you planning on a heater or heat pump? Lights?

Pentair Intelliconnect with an Intelliflo VS and IC40 SWCG would work.

Another option is a small Intellicenter with integrated SWCG system and Intelliflo VS pump. That would cost the most, but provide lots of flexibility and could include the Power Load center in it instead of a separate box on your wall.

There are other options from Hayward and Jandy. Let's see what other members have to say.
 
OK -- Simple automation to control the pump and SWCG might be nice. Are you planning on a heater or heat pump? Lights?

Pentair Intelliconnect with an Intelliflo VS and IC40 SWCG would work.

Another option is a small Intellicenter with integrated SWCG system and Intelliflo VS pump. That would cost the most, but provide lots of flexibility and could include the Power Load center in it instead of a separate box on your wall.

There are other options from Hayward and Jandy. Let's see what other members have to say.
Thank you. That’s very helpful. I will probably just have one light and no heater. My PB originally sent me a quote with a Hayward 1hp vsp and a Jandy salt system but didn’t specify the brand. Not sure how much HP I will need on the pump but 1 hp seemed low compared to what others members seem to have.
 
RH,

A VS pump can never be overkill for any pool. Other than cost, the bigger the better works every time.

The larger the VS pump, the more water it moves at a lower RPM, meaning it costs less to run.

As an example. I have a very simple saltwater pool, no spa, no heater. I run my 3 HP IntelliFlo pump 24/7, most of the time at 1200 RPM. I can do for this for less than $20 bucks a month. I don't have to run it 24/7, but it works well for me as I like to make a little chlorine all the time and skim all the time.

Automation is not cheap, and without a spa you don't really need it. Fun to have, but not a requirement.

Without automation I would buy a Hayward T15 or a CircuPool salt system.

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
RH,

A VS pump can never be overkill for any pool. Other than cost, the bigger the better works every time.

The larger the VS pump, the more water it moves at a lower RPM, meaning it costs less to run.

As an example. I have a very simple saltwater pool, no spa, no heater. I run my 3 HP IntelliFlo pump 24/7, most of the time at 1200 RPM. I can do for this for less than $20 bucks a month. I don't have to run it 24/7, but it works well for me as I like to make a little chlorine all the time and skim all the time.

Automation is not cheap, and without a spa you don't really need it. Fun to have, but not a requirement.

Without automation I would buy a Hayward T15 or a CircuPool salt system.

Thanks,

Jim R.
Thanks for the reply. Does brand matter when it comes to pumps?
 
Does brand matter when it comes to pumps?
RH,

About the same way it does for cars... Everyone loves the one they love. :mrgreen:

I of course love the IntelliFlo, but in the big picture, the big three (Pentair, Haward and Jandy) are all about the same.

I would not normally recommend off brands, but with the Texas big freeze last year, and the supply chain issues, it might be the only option.

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
I’ve been searching around the forum for a few hours but most of the threads are very specific. My pool builder is letting me choose what model pump and swg to use but I don’t even know where to start. The pool will be a 16x32 rectangle with approximately 18k gallon. I know I should go with a variable speed pump but no clue on what size. I also see that my SWG should be rated for at least a 40000 gallon pool. I don’t have any jets or spas. I will probably get a medium sized slide but not sure if that will affect what pump I need. I’m not that concerned with the price of it but I don’t want anything that is overkill for my setup.

What model pump and and SWG should I go with?
My personal preference is Hayward Aqua-Rite SWG for homeowners because their control box will give you a lot of system information that is not available on other brands, and even more information if you use the diagnostic button. Again, tha's my preference. You shold take a look at all the major brands before you make a final decision. For a pump, I prefer the name brand pumps that have seals/gaskets/orings readily available should your pump need service down the road. Best of luck ...
 

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