Replacing Pentair WFE-6

[251LCT]

Hello,
I’m a new pool owner as of last year. The pool is about 6 years old and was professionally installed by a reputable pool company with a complete pentair system. I’m looking at ordering a Pentair VSF (011056) to replace existing pump (Whisperflo 011514). The power bill is very noticeable when I run the pump and it’s pretty loud, so I like the idea of longer water flow at lower rpm’s/power consumption. Would this be a good move? On the replacement, I plan on using unions on my 2 inch piping. I currently have a nipple? Just ahead of the suction side of my pump, I have a Jandy valve. Is it possible to get the pipe out of the valve without damaging it? I assume it’s glued in. Also, on the discharge side, there is a sensor that is tapped into the pipe with a wire that leads to the intellitouch panel. Is this a temperature sensor? Will I need that sensor if I integrate my new pump with the intellitouch? Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

 

[JamesW]

I would recommend the 011028 Intelliflo.

Just cut the front nipple in front of the pump and you can glue the union to the remaining pipe.

The sensor is a temperature sensor. It's easy to remove and reinstall. Just remove the clamp and it pulls right out.

After replumbing, you just drill a new hole and reinstall it.

You can run the pump on low speed most of the time and the automation will increase the speed when the heater turns on.

I would also recommend that you stop using tabs and ozone and switch to salt system.

 

[JamesW]

The Intelliflo and Whisperflo both use the same front end. So, you could just swap out the drive assembly (everything except the front housing). That way, you wouldn't need to replumb anything.

Replumbing isn't too difficult and it's a good time to add unions, but swapping the drive assembly is an option, if you want.

Pentair might have a rebate available on the pump so check for that.

Many utilities also have a rebate available for switching to a variable speed pump. So, see if your utility has any current rebates.

 

[251LCT]

The Intelliflo and Whisperflo both use the same front end. So, you could just swap out the drive assembly (everything except the front housing). That way, you wouldn't need to replumb anything.

Replumbing isn't too difficult and it's a good time to add unions, but swapping the drive assembly is an option, if you want.

Pentair might have a rebate available on the pump so check for that.

Many utilities also have a rebate available for switching to a variable speed pump. So, see if your utility has any current rebates.

 

[251LCT]

Thanks for the quick response! Swapping the drive assembly sounds like a great approach. Nothing’s leaking. I’ll check on rebates. Now I’m getting very interested in converting to intellichlor swg.. Talk me out of it. ?

 

[JamesW]

Swapping the drive might create a warranty issue. So, consider that when deciding what to do.

I would switch to the Intellichlor.

Rebates might require "Professional" installation. So, check the requirements listed in the rebate information.

 

[251LCT]

Thanks! One last question. If I were to install the Intellichlor (60), could I install it at the line that I circled? The gray line below is the line for the ozone generator. Could I still use the ozone generator with the Intellichlor? The previous owner said that the installer recommended against salt because the pool is pebble-tec and that saltwater could harm the pebble finish. Is this true? Thanks again?

 

[JamesW]

Salt won't damage plaster as long as you maintain the CSI between -0.3 and 0.0.

I would get rid of the ozone.

You will need to do some replumbing. You can save the 3-way Jandy valve by using a 2.5" coupling on the outside and reducing to 2" with a bushing.

You can put the cell before the three way valve that switches from Pool to Spa.

 

[251LCT]

Salt won't damage plaster as long as you maintain the CSI between -0.3 and 0.0.

I would get rid of the ozone.

You will need to do some replumbing. You can save the 3-way Jandy valve by using a 2.5" coupling on the outside and reducing to 2" with a bushing.

You can put the cell before the three way valve that switches from Pool to Spa.

Thank you so much! Very helpful information. I just ordered the pump from polytecpools. Once I finish that, I’ll start preping for the SWG.

 

[Flying Tivo]

I would move the new pump 6-10 inches back and add unions. I would not touch the new pump for warranty purposes.

 

[251LCT]

Thanks JamesW and Flying Tivo! I installed the pump and ScreenLogic today. I took Flying’s advice and moved the pump back a little bit. I can’t believe how much quieter it is! Only one hiccup though. The temperature sensor probe broke as I was removing it from the discharge pipe from the old pump. I don’t see a part number for the sensor. Any clue as to which one I should look for? Thanks in advance!

 

[JamesW]

Part number 520272.

 

[251LCT]

Thanks JamesW! I appreciate your help. Ordering.