New to pool ownership - just found out today that pool pump motor is dead (it was operating early on in the house buying process, but apparently died somewhere in the last couple weeks
). It was some kind of single speed, but not sure which exactly. The previous house owners did not leave any helpful documentation and it's clear that the pool was not being properly maintained. Also just found out today that the cartridge filter is almost assuredly the original filter put in around 2004 and never changed or cleaned. Unbelievable. It's amazing that everything isn't broken, but it also looks like maybe the pool wasn't even being used much.
Our pool guy is trying to sell us on a Pentair Intelliflo variable speed, but I am concerned about all the online reviews about them breaking in 2-3 years (for ~$1200, I expect more longevity than that). I am also not entirely convinced we would save that much money, since our pool is small. But I am a pool newbie, so I am not really sure what my best option is.
I'm not really sure what all factors into the pump strength needed, but it's a pool with a spa, and the cartridge filter is giant (like something more appropriate for a huge pool), if that helps.
Should I consider a 2-speed as a better bang for my buck? Is there a variable speed with good, solid quality that I should be considering? I'm already being hit with a ton of move-in expenditures and would like to save some money where I can, but I am willing to invest in quality equipment if it's really worth it.

Our pool guy is trying to sell us on a Pentair Intelliflo variable speed, but I am concerned about all the online reviews about them breaking in 2-3 years (for ~$1200, I expect more longevity than that). I am also not entirely convinced we would save that much money, since our pool is small. But I am a pool newbie, so I am not really sure what my best option is.
I'm not really sure what all factors into the pump strength needed, but it's a pool with a spa, and the cartridge filter is giant (like something more appropriate for a huge pool), if that helps.
Should I consider a 2-speed as a better bang for my buck? Is there a variable speed with good, solid quality that I should be considering? I'm already being hit with a ton of move-in expenditures and would like to save some money where I can, but I am willing to invest in quality equipment if it's really worth it.