Pump speeds & run times with SWCG

[pwa2003]

Our pool/spa was mostly completed last November, then closed for winter, and re-opened about 2 weeks ago. I'm pretty confident in my ability to perform the chemical tests (now that I have my handy-dandy TF-100 Pro with Salt... with Smart Stir, which could be called "the marriage saver" ). I've used liquid chlorine until yesterday, when we finally got our SWCG properly connected, so I started adding salt to switch over to the salt method.

Along with getting our SWCG up and running, the Hayward expert got us going on the OmniLogic app. That change-over now has our pump programmed to run at Low (50%), Medium (85%) or High (100%). I believe the max is 3450 rpm, so 50% would be 1725 rpm, correct? He left it running on a 91% schedule from 6AM-9PM, which seems kinda excessive to me, but as a newbie, what do I know?

I know we can customize things, so I'm looking for advice as to the best pump speeds and run times (schedules), aiming for efficiency between water clarity/chlorine generation and not wasting electricity/$$$. For example, how do I know how low I can run the pump and still have the SWCG function properly?

I believe I have my test logs linked. I plan to test the salt levels later today before adding more so as not to over-do it!

 

[PoolStored]

Our pool/spa was mostly completed last November, then closed for winter, and re-opened about 2 weeks ago. I'm pretty confident in my ability to perform the chemical tests (now that I have my handy-dandy TF-100 Pro with Salt... with Smart Stir, which could be called "the marriage saver" ). I've used liquid chlorine until yesterday, when we finally got our SWCG properly connected, so I started adding salt to switch over to the salt method.

Along with getting our SWCG up and running, the Hayward expert got us going on the OmniLogic app. That change-over now has our pump programmed to run at Low (50%), Medium (85%) or High (100%). I believe the max is 3450 rpm, so 50% would be 1725 rpm, correct? He left it running on a 91% schedule from 6AM-9PM, which seems kinda excessive to me, but as a newbie, what do I know?

I know we can customize things, so I'm looking for advice as to the best pump speeds and run times (schedules), aiming for efficiency between water clarity/chlorine generation and not wasting electricity/$$$. For example, how do I know how low I can run the pump and still have the SWCG function properly?

I believe I have my test logs linked. I plan to test the salt levels later today before adding more so as not to over-do it!

Can't help you with programming...should be fairly straight forward using manual (below).

Run your pump in a manual mode. Reduce RPM until your cell shows low flow. Then add 100-200 RPM to that. Then I'd setup the pump to run at that rpm (min+100-200) for 24/7.

Then I'd use "Effects of Adding" in Pool Math, enter SWG and your cell size and 24 hours...should give you the production % your need. Set your cell to that production %, run for a while and adjust up or down to maintain your FC.

Running at low RPM 24/7 (my case 1400rpm) is about 180W, which is two light bulbs...for me =< $20 per month. Will save you money and will be easy on the cell.

https://hayward-pool-assets.com/assets/documents/pools/pdf/manuals/tristar-vs-950-owners-manual-IS3206VSP3-REV-B.pdf

 

[Jimrahbe]

pwa,

When the pump speed is too low, you should get some kind of low flow light or warning on your SWCG controller.

I would reduce the pump speed and keep an eye on the flow light. When it shows no flow, then slowly increase the pump speed until you get a good flow light. Add 100 RPM and call that the slowest speed you ever want to run. Except to run a cleaner, there is almost never a reason to run faster.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[pwa2003]

Thanks to you both!

On a related pump speed question, does it make sense that I'd want to increase the pump speed to run the heater (speed up the heating process)? Again, I'm aiming for efficiency. Thanks!

 

[Oly]

As your filter loads up, your pump pressure increases, your flow rate will drop and if set too close your low flow switch will deactivate your SWCG ..... likely when you are on a long vacation.

 

[Jimrahbe]

pwa,

I did not see a heater in your signature, but I should have assumed you had one since you have a spa...

Yes, you will also have to have a speed that will turn on your heater.

Thanks,

Jim R.