I decided to keep my pool open this winter and now I'm researching how to make my setup a little more energy efficient. I have a 1.5 HP main pump and a booster pump for cleaning. I haven't used the booster pump since buying the house due to the fact we don't like leaving the cleaner in the pool. My main pump works fine and may last many more years, but I hate running it for freeze protection due to energy consumption. After some online research I'm hesitant to go the VS option due to electronic sensitivity to surges. (it storms a lot where I'm at) 2 speed pumps don't provide a ton of options plus I'd rather not upgrade my timers. I'm curious if given my current arrangement with dual pumps and timers if I could replace my booster pump with a parallel 3/4 HP pump. This would allow me to run the 1.5 HP main pump for shorter periods and on demand cleaning, while using the 3/4 HP pump for circulation and winterizing. Basically creating a 2 speed pump system with separate pumps. Our pool is low maintenance so year round slow circulation is something we could really benefit from. I'm just brainstorming if a simple single speed smaller pump and a few fittings would be a lower price option to either 1) a VS pump upgrade or 2) a dual speed pump upgrade that would require a timer modification.
My biggest question concerning this option is if running the smaller pump would keep enough flow through the larger pump to prevent freezing during winter? If flow through the main pump would be an issue while using the smaller pump, I could always valve the larger pump off for isolation and draining. My goal would be to use the smaller pump for slow circulation during the summer and have a thermostat run it during the winter for freeze protection. The larger pump would essentially just be there for summer cleaning and skimming.
My current setup works fine, I just hate moving so much water to keep the plumbing from freezing. I'm basically looking for the cheapest option to install a low speed circulation arrangement. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
My biggest question concerning this option is if running the smaller pump would keep enough flow through the larger pump to prevent freezing during winter? If flow through the main pump would be an issue while using the smaller pump, I could always valve the larger pump off for isolation and draining. My goal would be to use the smaller pump for slow circulation during the summer and have a thermostat run it during the winter for freeze protection. The larger pump would essentially just be there for summer cleaning and skimming.
My current setup works fine, I just hate moving so much water to keep the plumbing from freezing. I'm basically looking for the cheapest option to install a low speed circulation arrangement. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
