Quick pump help!!! Need an answer asap

[agjr85]

So the plumbers are coming out tomorrow. PB is asking what features we what on at what time, etc.
So we have 3 pumps in the build.
Option 1:
Pump 1 : Filtration/Spa
Pump 2: Waterfall/ Spa spillway
Pump 3: 3 Deck Jets / 2 Bubbles

So that should allow us to be in the spa and enjoy all features running. BUT that is 3 PUMPS! Suggestions to best arrange the setup is needed. We for sure want to be in the spa and enjoy the waterfall / spillway features.

Option 2:
Pump 1: Filtration/Spa
Pump 2: Upgrade to a VS pump(+$) that would handle all 4 water features and simply adjust RPM/valves on what we want running at that particular time.

I would guess option 2 is better in terms of energy efficiency, that way I don't have 3 pumps running in a worst case scenario.

 

[Shirker]

I have a very simple setup. No spa, no jets, bubbles, or anything. But I love my VS. Runs 24/7 and consumes less than 50 Watts most of the time. I only bump it up for extra skimming for an hour or two per day. In either option, I feel that Pump#1 should be VS. Not sure about Pump#2/3.

 

[PoolGate]

I have 2 water features (waterfalls) and only have a single VS pump. It works great for me. But you need at least 2 pumps.

 

[agjr85]

I have 2 water features (waterfalls) and only have a single VS pump. It works great for me. But you need at least 2 pumps.

Yes, 2 pumps for sure.
If I go to a VS Pump, it will be 300-400 more on top of the cost of the 3rd pump.
Our budget it over, so upgrading both to VS is not in our budget.

 

[PoolGate]

Yes, 2 pumps for sure.
If I go to a VS Pump, it will be 300-400 more on top of the cost of the 3rd pump.
Our budget it over, so upgrading both to VS is not in our budget.

I wonder if you could have the plumber plumb 2 pumps in such a way that your VS pump can supply water to everything but the 2nd pump is there just in case you want more flow. I think in most cases you will probably be fine with a single pump but if you had everything running the 2nd pump could be utilized. I am not familiar with multi-pump setups in the manner, however.

 

[Shirker]

Do you know which pump will be run the hardest? You will not save any money running a VS pump at full speed.

I think I would go with Option #2 but put the VS on Pump#1 and Single/Dual speed pump on Pump#2. Use ball valves to control the amount of flow to each of the features on Pump#2. But again, I have zero experience with this.

 

[PoolGate]

Do you know which pump will be run the hardest? You will not save any money running a VS pump at full speed.

I think I would go with Option #2 but put the VS on Pump#1 and Single/Dual speed pump on Pump#2. Use ball valves to control the amount of flow to each of the features on Pump#2. But again, I have zero experience with this.

It's actually not a huge deal (financially) since the higher speed is only when the pool is in use. Otherwise you crank it down to like 1500rpms or whatever the SWG needs. Also no ball valves! Always use Jandy neverlubes!