Proposed VS pumps for 120V service

[CeeElGee78]

This winter I am in the process of shopping for a new pump for our recently acquired 26,000-gal. in-ground pool. It's a fairly simple, rectangular layout with one skimmer inlet to the pump and two pool outlets in opposite corners of the pool. After ready MANY threads and articles here, my head is "swimming" and I have several questions, but I'm going to start here.

I'm fairly convinced I can make a variable-speed pump pay for itself, as I hate paying the power company one more cent than I have to, even if it costs me more upfront. I've looked over what I think are all the options, including the name brands and the more "generic" ones. My situation is this: the existing 1hp pump is connected to 115-120V service, but most of the VS pumps are in the 1.5-2hp range and require 230-240V. It wouldn't be the end of the world to have to re-wire for that, but staying with the 120V would be easier.

I was wondering if anyone has any experience with the few 115-120V VS pumps that are out there, namely the Pentair 342001 SuperFlo/Sta-Rite 343001 SuperMax and the Hayward SP26115VSP Super Pump or the SP23115VSP MaxFlo? These pumps seem to solve one problem of electrical service, but of course there are other factors to consider, one being installing it myself (my understanding being that it would shorten the life of the warranty). Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Jimrahbe]

78,

We have a lot of members that are quite happy with their Pentair SuperFlo VS... Not sure how many run it off of 120 volts, but I really doubt it has any effect on the efficiency of the pump..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Oly]

I recently installed the Pentair SuperFlo VS and I am running it off of 220 as my previous pump was wired that way, and yes 110 is an option is easy and well described in the manual. I like the unit, my previous pump was a 2hp Pentair Wisperflo. The new unit is much quieter and provides many options to dial in run times and rpms to fit your system. It was also nearly half the price as the Pentair IntelliFlo and my system is pretty simple so the SuperFlo does the job. There is a fantastic spreadsheet available (will look for it) which details pump comparisons providing you know your system, if you want to research further---head spin warning!

Yes installing it yourself will reduce your warranty (have any friends that are qualified?), it is not difficult although be sure you know how to install it correctly and ask around if you are not sure.

 

[Oly]

OK found em.

The spreadsheets are from mas985 and are gold mine of great pump information.
I have some of mas985's links below:

Pump Ed 101
Hydraulics 101 - Have you lost your head?

 

[CeeElGee78]

Yes installing it yourself will reduce your warranty (have any friends that are qualified?), it is not difficult although be sure you know how to install it correctly and ask around if you are not sure.

That's a good question, Qualified pool equipment installer or just as an electrician?

 

[ajw22]

That's a good question, Qualified pool equipment installer or just as an electrician?

From Pentair Product Warranty Information

Note: Qualified Installer - Defined as a licensed professional who charges a fee for his services, and possesses a business license, contractor's license and/or resale permit. Common examples of a "qualified installer" include: Swimming Pool, Home Repair or Landscape Professional; Plumber or Electrician; General Contractor; Heating and Air Conditioning Specialist.

 

[CeeElGee78]

What should I make of the Hayward variants that advertise as just .85hp? I just can't find hardly anything out there from real-world use to justify that size. I realize that a larger pump, while running at more energy efficient levels, isn't putting out much more than that, but I would have reservations about a pump that "small" having enough reserve power for cleaning or proper flow to a heater.

 

[JamesW]

What pump says 0.85 hp?

 

[CeeElGee78]

What pump says 0.85 hp?

https://www.amazon.com/Hayward-SP26115VSP-Variable-Speed-Energy-Certified/dp/B00ZGTZXWA?th=1

The MaxFlo has a similar .85hp option.

 

[JamesW]

That pump should provide enough flow.

However, you would need to run it at a higher speed than a 1.65 total hp pump.

In my opinion, the back mounted fan on a variable speed pump gets annoying at about 2700 rpm.

I would suggest the SuperFlo VS.

 

[CeeElGee78]

What pump says 0.85 hp?

https://www.amazon.com/Hayward-SP26...ZXWA/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8&th=1

My understanding on these Hayward pumps is that the .85HP option is available only in the 115V variant and the 1.65HP option is available only in 230V. I've already soured on the Haywards. If I'm going to make myself rewire for 230V, I'm going to go with either of the PureLine Primes:

PureLine Prime Variable Speed Pool Pump 1.65 HP - PL2605 - INYOPools.com

PureLine Prime 2.7 HP Variable Speed Pool Pump - PL2606 - INYOPools.com

 

[JamesW]

The SuperFlo VS will take 120 or 240.