Pool pump and plumbing pressure

[Jonhood]

I just replaced my pool pump due to Hurricane Ian storm sure damage. I replace a Superflo VST 1.08 HHP 2.2 THP with an intelliflo VSF 1.88 HHP THP 3.95.
What pressure is ok to run my pool pump and plumbing without damage.
The filter is rated for a max of 50 psi.
Right now at 2500 rpm - I have 17 psi on the pump and around 13 psi on the filter gauge.
Thanks,
Jon

 

[HermanTX]

Since you have a SWCG, you most likely run your pump at low speed for x hrs a day. At max speed your filter pressure should not exceed 30psi unless you have blockage in your filter or a very complex plumbing design. Traditionally, FL residents have small filters (yours shows to be 150 size), so that may add to your pressure values, especially if you have lots of debris.
Maintaining pressure under 20psi is quite good.

If you have a spa - when you turn on your heater you may see pressure creep up close to 30psi but that is fine for short durations.

 

[Jonhood]

Since you have a SWCG, you most likely run your pump at low speed for x hrs a day. At max speed your filter pressure should not exceed 30psi unless you have blockage in your filter or a very complex plumbing design. Traditionally, FL residents have small filters (yours shows to be 150 size), so that may add to your pressure values, especially if you have lots of debris.
Maintaining pressure under 20psi is quite good.

What would be the max pressure I should stay below for the plumbing and filter?

 

[HermanTX]

What would be the max pressure I should stay below for the plumbing and filter?

Has your system pressure changed with the new pump?

 

[Jonhood]

Yes - if I increase the speed - it’s a stronger pump - so I don’t want to create any back pressure issues

 

[HermanTX]

Yes - if I increase the speed - it’s a stronger pump - so I don’t want to create any back pressure issues

Most plumbing setups rarely go above 30psi with a clean filter. Just ensure you monitor your filter pressure and if it goes 25% above the "clean" filter pressure, then it is time to clean your cartridge filter. You would rarely run your VS pump at maximum speed other than priming and you can even lower your priming speed on your VS pump if you wish.

 

[generessler]

I had about the same situation and decided that since the old single speed pump did well for many years I'd start by finding the Intellifo setting to duplicate its performance. Then set the menu maximum to that. I bought a flow meter for the matching part. But pressure would work as well.

Dialing in the max let me experiment with no fear of breaking anything.

I'm sure you can turn the rates way down and do fine with 12k gallons. That pump is a beast. The lower the flow, the more efficient the pump is, so the less electricity you use per gallon pumped.

Fwiw, the limiting factor in many plumbing systems is often filter flow rate (not pressure). The good news is you have a cartridge filter. They usually support high flows.

 

[duraleigh]

About the most you can get from a pool pump is around 35 psi......well within your equipments' limits. In short, you won't harm anything but your wallet by running wide open.

Your focus should be on running the pump just enough to keep your pool clean. For most systems like yours (VSP), somewhere around 10 psi or lower is adequate.

 

[Jonhood]

Got it - ok - so I set my pump to operate the bubblers and the waterfall with adequate flow - this put me at 18 PSI on the pump screen and 13 PSI on the filter gauge which is 2500 RPM - from what you all have stated - I should be good to go.
Thanks everyone!
Jon