Pentair - When and how to run pump during summer months

[pjt]

The huge benefit of a VSP is their efficiency at low RPMs. Run your pump at the minimum speed that still meets your requirements (SWG flow, skimming, etc.). I operate my pump at 1,000 rpm 24/7, which uses around 75 watts. That equates to $6/month in electricity. I like the constant chlorination, skimming, circulation, and filtering. You might need a slightly higher rpm when operating your heater.

I just don't know where an appropriate SWCG setting would be

Use PoolMath. "Effects of Adding" --> "SWG"

I just ordered the K-2006C-SALT, so I am guessing that will give far superior results than the "store" tests

Excellent choice. Vastly superior to store testing. Get a SpeedStir.

 

[SteveTech]

Also, a quick note.. I dropped the VSF pump down to 1600 RPM and the spill ways are basically dry.. very little to none water flowing thru them, seems like most is going to jets.. too little RPM or is this more of a valve setting? Also the app is no longer showing a "GPM amou

I did some adjustments to see the affects.. This is what I noticed..

• When running the pump below the 1900-1950 RPM mark, the "CELL" light on the IC40 is dark, but the "FLOW" light is green. When I bump up the RPM to 2000, the CELL light turns green.
• When running the pump below 1900 or so RPM, the spill ways are almost dry, outside of a few trickles.. so no flow out of the spa into the pool. The vlave for the returns is set at 80% +/- SPA returns and 20% +/- pool returns. This tells me the water is taking path of least resistance (pool jets).

It seems if I run the pump at very low RPM (1600, etc) 24/7, there will be NO spillways as the pressure needed to have some water run over would need to be at least 2000 (24 gal per minute per app), to get a minimal flow over the spillways. if i wanted full blown water falls, pump would need to run at 2750+ RPM

What this is telling me, and I could be off here, is that the HP of the pump is not high enough to handle the throughput needed. (Correct me if I am wrong)

My apology for all the questions.. this is truly a learning experience

 

[mknauss]

If you wish, you can set up a Spillway schedule and run the spa spillover a couple times per day for 20-30 minutes. Then run the rest of the time in Pool mode at the lower rpm.

The IC Cell light goes on and off during its 5 minute cycle. So if you have the % generation set to 50%, it will be on for 2.5 minutes and off for 2.5 minutes.

 

[SteveTech]

If you wish, you can set up a Spillway schedule and run the spa spillover a couple times per day for 20-30 minutes. Then run the rest of the time in Pool mode at the lower rpm.

The IC Cell light goes on and off during its 5 minute cycle. So if you have the % generation set to 50%, it will be on for 2.5 minutes and off for 2.5 minutes.

The IC Cell light goes on and off during its 5 minute cycle. So if you have the % generation set to 50%, it will be on for 2.5 minutes and off for 2.5 minutes.
Ahh.. Maybe just looking at it at the wrong time.. ok.. and good point on the spillway schedule.. Still kinda lame on the spillways.. you would figure a pool "feature" would not need a pump running on full blast to enjoy

 

[SteveTech]

If you wish, you can set up a Spillway schedule and run the spa spillover a couple times per day for 20-30 minutes. Then run the rest of the time in Pool mode at the lower rpm.

The IC Cell light goes on and off during its 5 minute cycle. So if you have the % generation set to 50%, it will be on for 2.5 minutes and off for 2.5 minutes.

Spillway circuit created, runs 4x a day for 30 mins at a higher RPM.. works perfectly Thank you

 

[reggiehammond]

Still kinda lame on the spillways.. you would figure a pool "feature" would not need a pump running on full blast to enjoy

You only want to use the spillways/waterfalls/water features when you’re out there enjoying it. Otherwise, it’s just electricity ($$) and aeration of the pool, causing pH to rise.

 

[mknauss]

Spillway circuit created, runs 4x a day for 30 mins at a higher RPM.. works perfectly Thank you

Great. I know you have multiple threads going. Leaving for now. You do need to adjust the cam in the actuator to create the proper Spillway operation.