Optimizing VS Pump and Schedule

[Hwmeador]

I’m now trying to optimize my pump schedule and save some energy. I just installed a flow meter in the hole where I removed Nature 2 express mineral filter from my system. Now I have flowrates that my system is operating at .
Pump: Jandy ePump 2.7 VS
Controller: iAquaLink
Pool Size: 18,000 gal

The pool builder setup the system running the following schedule:
6 hrs - Pump Running at 2400 Rpm’s , it is currently pulling 800 watts running at this speed.
2 hours - cleaning and Polaris running, ups the rpm to 3200 pulling 1930 watts.

Flowrates as read from my new gage:
65 gpm ( 2400 rpm’s)
90 gpm (3200 rpm’s)

According to my calculations I am getting more than enough turns of the water.

Should I leave my speeds alone and just reduce run time? Or should I look at reducing the speeds of my pump. I just want to save some energy while keeping the pool in great condition. Right now my pool is crystal clear and everything is in check.

 

[mknauss]

As it appears you do not have a SWCG, you run the pump to skim the surface and distribute any chemicals you add. Turnover is a myth. If you are using the tablet chlorinator, you will need to be sure to run the pump at an rpm and length of time necessary to erode the tablets for your chlorine needs. Otherwise, lower the rpm to the lowest that will sufficiently skim the surface. Run the pump long enough to keep the pool clean to your liking.

 

[Hwmeador]

I do not use the tablets, that is a relic from the original owner and pool builder. I am using the TFP method and chlorinating manually using liquid chlorine.

I only use the pump for skimming filtering and running the two waterfall features.

 

[mknauss]

Then find the rpm that skims the pool. Are the water features run all time or only on occasion?

 

[Hwmeador]

They originally had them setup to run all the time. I changed that when moving to TFP method and reduced it to only run like the last two hours with the water feature on . This was done to help reduce agitation and pH rise.

 

[mknauss]

Likely do not need to run them that long. But up to you.

This time of year, likely can run pump for 6 hours per day or less at 1200 rpm or so for normal skimming. Or as long as is needed to skim the surface. Consider running the water features for 15-20 minutes in the morning and again in the afternoon.

 

[Hwmeador]

It looks like I’m somewhat limited by my skimming. I dropped to 2000 rpm’s and couldn’t really see much flow/velocity in my skimmers. How much flow should I see at the skimmer?

 

[mknauss]

Is the water coming over the skimmer weir? That is what creates the skimming effect.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Hw,

I run my IntelliFlo at 1200 RPM and my skimmers work just fine. If you are used to looking at skimmers when using a single speed pump, it will look much different when using a VS pump. Just because you don't see a lot of action when looking down into the skimmer basket, does not mean the skimmer is not working. As long at the water is pushing the weir door up and down a little the skimmer is working.

Try running at say 1500 for a couple of days and see if you notice any skimming difference. I'll bet you skimmer basket fills up just fine.

You can't hurt anything by trying it..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[HermanTX]

2 hours - cleaning and Polaris running, ups the rpm to 3200 pulling 1930 watts.

I run my Polaris at 2800rpm. You need to do some trials at a lower rpm and determine if your Polaris still runs efficiently. Remember that that booster pump is the main force to run the cleaner. The lower you can run it the less energy used.
Just as Jim said on the rpm for skimming - trial it at different speeds and determine what is best.

Also, count whateever time you run your cleaner as part of your skimming time because it is also do that as well.