Pump Upgrade How it affect my plumbing?

[silverdou]

I have just purchased a 2hp pool pump. The former pump was a 1.5HP
It is NOT Practical to replace suction lines back to Main Drain and Skimmer
What benefits will I get if I replace my 1.5" suction above ground with 2" piping to pump suction?
What other options exist for me?

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

What benefits will I get if I replace my 1.5" suction above ground with 2" piping to pump suction?

None.

What other options exist for me?

You have nothing to worry about.

The difference in pressure is marginal.

What model was your 1.5HP pump and your new 2.0HP pump?

There are 1.5 HP pumps that have higher flow rates than 2.0HP pumps. There is more to pump performance than HP.

What type of filter do you have?

What was the filter PSI with the old and new pump?

Pump Basics - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Pump Plumbing Head Curves and Operating Points - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Jimrahbe]

S,

Did you replace a 1.5 HP single speed pump with a 2 HP VS pump? Or did you install a new single speed pump?

Either way, there is no need to change any plumbing.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[silverdou]

Former pump Hayward..??? Not a pump guy!!
New Pump Off Brand Far east style CHEAP!
Can I estimate Flow rate by Amp Draw?
I am seeing NO Cavitation in pump bowl
I have a 24" sand filter...Brand ??? no issues with new pump yet
Pump has been in service ~ 2 weeks
I see NO carryover of sand in pool
Water is very clear

I have "Hardware store" style ball valves on suction side
The main drain valve is frozen open
This is the reason i was thinking about pipe change?
What do you think ... Change main valve in kind only--Change both skimmer and main drain or change all suction piping to 2"???

 

[silverdou]

Oh! New pump is 2hp single speed pump
Filter PSI on old pump ~12
New pump Now~14

 

[ajw22]

Former pump Hayward..??? Not a pump guy!!
New Pump Off Brand Far east style CHEAP!

New pump single speed or variable speed?

Can I estimate Flow rate by Amp Draw?

Nope.

I am seeing NO Cavitation in pump bowl
I have a 24" sand filter...Brand ??? no issues with new pump yet
Pump has been in service ~ 2 weeks
I see NO carryover of sand in pool
Water is very clear

I have "Hardware store" style ball valves on suction side
The main drain valve is frozen open
This is the reason i was thinking about pipe change?
What do you think ... Change main valve in kind only--Change both skimmer and main drain or change all suction piping to 2"???

Show us pictures of your equipment pad.

If you need to replace the valves then replace them with diverter valves and use 2" pipe.

Replace as much pipe as you want. It will not make a difference.

 

[JamesW]

New pump is 2hp single speed pump

Make and Model?

Is there a Pump Performance Curve in the manual or brochure?

You probably should have gone down to 1 hp rather than up to 2 hp.

2 hp is more than you need and probably about 2,000 watts.

1 HP would have been about 1,000 watts.

 

[silverdou]

Am I looking for mechanical trouble with this 2hp pump or just financial?
I will get make and model info later today
Thanks for your help!!!

 

[silverdou]

How much "VARIABLE" speed control do I get with new Variable speed pumps
Can I automate speed and run time based on water chemistry changes, time of day etc...?

 

[ajw22]

Am I looking for mechanical trouble with this 2hp pump

Nope.

or just financial?

Just a larger electrical bill.

How much "VARIABLE" speed control do I get with new Variable speed pumps

Depends on the pump and the sophistication of the control panel.

Can I automate speed and run time based on water chemistry changes, time of day etc...?

Speed and runtime based on time of day, not chemistry.

 

[silverdou]

What do you guys look for in the "Variable" aspect of the new pumps?
I know about running at lower rpms for longer times to save money
What other conditions would invoke pump speed changes or run time changes?.. These new unknown options are very intriguing!

 

[ajw22]

What do you guys look for in the "Variable" aspect of the new pumps?
I know about running at lower rpms for longer times to save money
What other conditions would invoke pump speed changes or run time changes?.. These new unknown options are very intriguing!

Depends what equipment you have that are flow sensitive.

SWGs and heaters have a minimum flow requirement.

Skimmers need the correct flow to operate properly.

When you are not using flow dependent equipment you can run a VS pump at a very low speed for basic circulation. Then increase speed as needed for a device. This is what automation does well.

 

[silverdou]

Is there a strong need to adjust the flow from the skimmer vs the main drain? I read a thread which the person was adjusting the flow between the two suction valves. Does this activity happen on a daily basis? I have never adjusted either. Am I missing the boat on this? What are the repercussions of not making these changes?

 

[ajw22]

Is there a strong need to adjust the flow from the skimmer vs the main drain? I read a thread which the person was adjusting the flow between the two suction valves. Does this activity happen on a daily basis? I have never adjusted either. Am I missing the boat on this? What are the repercussions of not making these changes?

Nope.

Set a balance between skimmers and MD that works and leave it alone.

You are not operating a nuclear power plant.

 

[silverdou]

LOL Sorry In my former life I was a water treatment operator for a steam generating facility... Am used to many control knobs/setpoints!!!

 

[ajw22]

LOL Sorry In my former life I was a water treatment operator for a steam generating facility... Am used to many control knobs/setpoints!!!

You are at Trouble Free Pool. We look for the simplest, laziest, way of pool care.

We do not need to do job preservation.

 

[silverdou]

Pool chemistry is excellent. Clarity, sparkle, and feel of water is good. Don't know nuances of the pumping world. That's why I have many questions
Salt concentration is ~2900 generator is set for 65% Does that sound right? Will get a water sample today and post for info
Thank you guys for your help with this

 

[ajw22]

We need to know details about your pool and equipment to answer specific questions. Best way to tell is is to create your signature with details of your pool and equipment.

Pool chemistry is excellent. Clarity, sparkle, and feel of water is good. Don't know nuances of the pumping world. That's why I have many questions

Sound like you are doing fine.

Salt concentration is ~2900 generator

Depends what model SWG you have.

is set for 65% Does that sound right?

The correct % depends on the gallons in your pool and how long you run your pump and SWG.

Will get a water sample today and post for info

We only give chemistry advice based on your own water tests with a Taylor K-2006C or TFT Test Kits

 

[silverdou]

Do you guys have an opinion on the vortex skimmer basket("Skimaround)?

 

[ajw22]

Do you guys have an opinion on the vortex skimmer basket("Skimaround)?

How well do your skimmers work?

Just another way to separate pool owners from more money.