Replacement filter and pump recommendations

[bob22]

Daughter's new home has 15 year old or so in-ground plaster heated pool that needs the filter and pump replaced. They also want to add in salt water system to replace chlorination need (not sure if a good idea or not; perhaps another thread for that?). They use a cleaning system that does not use the filter for power.

An estimate of the pool volume is 25,000 gallons.

The current system:



She was quoted the following by a local, well respected pool service company:
Pentair Intelliflo VSF Variable Speed Pump $2,795
Furnish and Install one (1) Pentair Intelliflo VSF Variable Speed Pump. Unit to be installed in the area of the existing pump.
Programming of unit and training to be reviewed with the customer. All Parts and labor included, as well as, removal of current unit and replacement of pool and spa drain valves.
Pentair FNS Plus 48 DE Filter with Multi-Port Valve $2,050
Furnish and Install one (1) Pentair FNS Plus 48 DE filter with New Multi-port Valve. Unit to be installed in the area of the
existing filter. Old filter to be removed. All parts and labor are included.
Saltwater Chlorination Conversion $2,795
Furnish and Install one (1) Pool Pilot Digital Water Purification System (for pools up to 35,000 gallons) with sacrificial anode.
Includes salt, power supply, cell generator, sacrificial anode and labor. Wood pole will be installed to mount the power center if needed. **Salt Generator: 2 year manufacturer’s warranty applies**
Add on: Installation of blower $425.00 (for a small section of pool near shallow end).

Total wo the blower: $7640.

Some basic questions that likely are hard to give short answers :
1. Variable speed vs single speed? Some discussion of Department of Energy requiring variable speed only? Does variable speed work well with saltwater systems?
2. Pentair vs Hayward equipment? Is there any general preference for one vs the other?
3. Pricing seems way high to me. Local Leslie's offers installation for $150 for a limited time.
4. Chlorine vs saltwater system? They used bleach last year reasonably well but a friend suggested salt is easier. True? Relative costs?
5. Other comments appreciated!

Thank you!

 

[Oly]

A variable speed pump is the way to go.
Why change out the Hayward DE filter, can you source replacement filters if needed? The metal housing looks to be in good shape.
Prices are on the rise but those seem high, shop around for the equipment. Professional installation can sourced if needed.
A SWCG would be a wise upgrade. Equipment costs are high but chlorine costs are rising also and availability was an issue last summer. The convenience of a SWCG is under rated.

 

[Newdude]

Hey Bob !!!

1) VS. The largest you can afford. A 3HP can move the same amount of water with less energy. Over its lifespan, it literally pays for itself, probably 3 times over compared to a single speed.

1A) all pools are salt pools. Bleach is Sodium Hyperchlorite. Baking soda is Sodium Bicarb. Calcium Chloride is *a* salt, just not *the* salt that we think of as 'salt' . Crumple those thoughts up and pitch them.

2) it's Chevy VS Ford but for pools. Both will get you to the store and work just fine. Whatever you start with will likely be your preferred brand for life.

3) The chains may have a volume discount. Sales also rotate through the options. Next month there might be deals online, for example. Usually the quotes come in similar and you either pay the markup for the equipment with a good install price, or get a deal on the equipment to pay big for the install. It's real hard to get ones equipment and the other to install it, as neither made their needed profit.

4) SWG is so convenient I got mine for my upcoming 2nd build before signing the build contract. I was more worried about the equipment shortages than I was the build timeline. I would slash other budgets of things I enjoy if the SWG costs tripled.

 

[1poolman1]

No reason to replace the filter if the tank is good. The filter they spec'd and the one you have use the same grids. No real reason to change those "space saver" valves unless you are going to use automation or they are damaged. There are no valve actuators that will operate those valves.

Yes, get the VSP. I've had my Hayward Eco-Star for over ten years with no issues. Others love Pentair. The largest horsepower is best as, as has been said, you turn the speed down to move the same amount of water for less cost. It is the only legal way to get a pump that will run your system well and will save money in many ways, not just energy. It will be good with a SWG. If you clean your SWG as the manufacturer recommends, you will very much enjoy the pool. If you don't maintain it you will hate it and the cost of bad maintenance.

Even here in California those prices seem high. Get a second estimate.