Replacing the current VSP

[Homebrewale]

My pool has a Pentair Superflo 1.5 hp VSP. Let's just say I've never liked the pump. With the equipment and piping configuration on my pool, I have to run the pump at 2000 rpm just to keep the SWG operating. At this speed, the flowrate still isn't that great where I would get good skimming in the pool. Since I don't have automation, the three speeds that I can set per day is very limiting. I am just not a fan of this pump.

I'm looking to increase the size of the pump to 3 hp. Unless I decide to add automation, I'm also looking for a pump where I can program more speeds throughout the day. On my last pool, the Hayward VSP could be programmed for 8 different speeds throughout the day. When it comes to Pentair vs Hayward, past threads will say this is like Chevy vs Ford. The exception is that with Chevy vs Ford discussions, there usually near equal number for each side. When it comes to Pentair vs Hayward, it is very lopsided toward Pentair. The reason this may be important is that I will likely hire out the job. The pool company I like to work with is affiliated with Hayward. I would have to go look for a different company where I have no working relationship. Not that I'm opposed to it but it makes me a little more uneasy.

What pumps should I be looking at?

 

[ajw22]

Hayward Tristar 950...

TriStar VS 950, Variable-Speed Pump

TriStar® VS variable speed pool pumps are the most energy efficient on the market, according to EPA ENERGY STAR 3rd party testing data. Saving pool owners up to 90% on energy costs, they are specifically designed to replace most single speed pool pumps.

hayward.com

 

[Homebrewale]

Since you replied to my SWG post, I would ask what I would need to do to have a Hayward pump and IC 40 SWG. I assume I would need to tie both into a timer so the SWG could not run without the pump running. My setup right now doesn't tie the Pentair pump to the iChlor 30. I know it's an issue but it has not been something I addressed up to this point. I just run the pump 24/7.

 

[ajw22]

Since you replied to my SWG post, I would ask what I would need to do to have a Hayward pump and IC 40 SWG. I assume I would need to tie both into a timer so the SWG could not run without the pump running.

A VS pump needs to be connected to continuous power.

If you have no automation then the SWG needs to be connected to a timer that runs within the times set on the pump control panel.

Or run your VS pump 24/7 at low RPMs which use little electricity.

 

[Darin]

As stated above, why are you running different speeds on any VS motor? Run it as slow as you need to satisfy skimmer and SWG. Which ever needs the higher speed, just leave it there 24/7.

 

[Homebrewale]

A VS pump needs to be connected to continuous power.

If you have no automation then the SWG needs to be connected to a timer that runs within the times set on the pump control panel.

Or run your VS pump 24/7 at low RPMs which use little electricity.

The problem right now is that I can't run at what I consider are low RPMs which is below 1500 RPMs. I need 2000 RPMs to keep the SWG happy.

Here's some data. I'm using Flow-Vis to measure flowrate. The data is gpm and psi at certain rpms in filter and recirculate on the sand filter.

filter
3450 rpm, 48 gpm, 20 psi
2500 rpm, 30 gpm, 11 psi
2000 rpm, 18 gpm, 6.5 psi

recirculate
3450 rpm, 58 gpm, 16 psi
2500 rpm, 35 gpm, 8.5 psi
2000 rpm, 21 gpm, 5.5 psi

 

[Homebrewale]

As stated above, why are you running different speeds on any VS motor? Run it as slow as you need to satisfy skimmer and SWG. Which ever needs the higher speed, just leave it there 24/7.

I would like to run at a higher speed for a short period to better skim the water. At 2000 rpm, the SWG is happy but there isn't a lot of good skimming going on. I'm right next to a wooded area and get a lot of flying ants. I would like to run at a higher speed for one hour in the morning before my wife swims laps and for one hour in the evening near sunset. That would require 5 speed settings - 2000 rpm - 2500 rpm - 2000 rpm - 2500 rpm - 2000 rpm. Ideally, I would like to get a higher volume pump so I could run closer to 1500 rpm where both the SWG and skimmers may work satisfactorily and use even less electricity.

 

[ajw22]

The problem right now is that I can't run at what I consider are low RPMs which is below 1500 RPMs. I need 2000 RPMs to keep the SWG happy.

Here's some data. I'm using Flow-Vis to measure flowrate. The data is gpm and psi at certain rpms in filter and recirculate on the sand filter.

filter
3450 rpm, 48 gpm, 20 psi
2500 rpm, 30 gpm, 11 psi
2000 rpm, 18 gpm, 6.5 psi

recirculate
3450 rpm, 58 gpm, 16 psi
2500 rpm, 35 gpm, 8.5 psi
2000 rpm, 21 gpm, 5.5 psi

With a 3+HP pump you will run about 300 RPMs lower with the same flow.

Your problem is your MasteTemp heater. That costs you about 400 RPMs. If you had automation and an automatic heater bypass you can run a lot lower RPM with a 3 HP pump.

With an Intelliflo 3HP VSF and automatic heater bypass I get:

1400 RPM 1 PSI 36 GPM 205 WATTS

1800 RPM 4 PSI 47 GPM 407 WATTS

2400 RPM 10 PSI 61 GPM 913 WATTS