Seeking recommendations for new pump/SWG

[Jetjohn6]

We're looking to install solar heat. Our pool once had solar heat but the panels were removed from the roof before we bought the home. I'm thinking we'll be using the solar cover less and therefore consume more chlorine. A SWG is making a lot of sense. I think the pump will be running more so it may be time to switch to a VS pump as well.

Current specs: ~20k gallons. Pentair 011774 single speed pump. Labeled 2hp but seems like it's really a 1.5hp? Controlled by mechanical timer. We also have a Pentair SunTouch from previous solar install. No spa.

I'd like things to be fairly hands off but feel zero need for fancy automation. I've gotten the impression the SunTouch can control everything. I'm willing to spend money but don't want to waste money. I much prefer to purchase and install things myself.

Questions:
1) The SunTouch manual states that the unit is compatible with intelliflo pumps. Will any pump with the intelliflo name work? The SunTouch is probably ~2007 vintage...I'm not sure if that matters
2) How much benefit is there to doing all Pentair? Will the SunTouch control a non-Pentair SWG? Will it control a non-Pentair pump with relays?
3) I was considering the Calimar 3hp pump. Can Pentair control this?
4) Any reason if I get an intelliflo I shouldn't just swap out the motor and leave the wet end as-is? This would reduce plumbing work. Plumbing doesn't scare me but I have no extra pipe to work with so if I don't need to I just assume leave it alone.
5) As you can see in the photo I don't have a ton of room to work with regarding SWG placement. See blue lines for proposed location...any suggestions for something better than this?
6) INYO suggested to replace my whisperflo 011774 with variable speed motor EVQ165 (1.65hp) and impeller 073128. This seems to be less power than what we currently have. I was unable to get a good response from them regarding this suggestion over the EVQ225 (2.25hp).
7) Does anyone know if the Century EVO motors can be controlled by something like the SunTouch?

 

[jamesey]

Sorry, I don't have answers to all of your questions, but I will try my best to help while others chime in

3) I was considering the Calimar 3hp pump. Can Pentair control this?

You can buy a separate automation panel with the CaliMar pumps for about $30. Looks like it can be controlled with the Pentair Easytouch, but not sure about SunTouch. This is a good resource if you haven't read already:

Calimar/Circupool/BD/Blue Torrent Pump - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

5) As you can see in the photo I don't have a ton of room to work with regarding SWG placement. See blue lines for proposed location...any suggestions for something better than this?

Vertical install is another option that wouldn't require a ton of replumbing.

6) INYO suggested to replace my whisperflo 011774 with variable speed motor EVQ165 (1.65hp) and impeller 073128. This seems to be less power than what we currently have. I was unable to get a good response from them regarding this suggestion over the EVQ225 (2.25hp).

You'll have to get the automation questions figured out with the EVQ165 too. I looked into this option as well, but it's hard to pass up the CaliMar pump at the current price of $519. Less hassle than having to break apart your pump for not much more in terms of price difference when compared to the EVQ165.

Can't speak to the long-term reliability of CaliMar, but if you proceed with it, then I would assume that you have no warranty. There are several reports from members here who have been ignored/ghosted when reaching out to them for help. It sounds like automation is important to you which makes buying other brands a difficult choice. It's certainly possible, but tough decision to make especially considering some of the upfront cost savings

 

[Jetjohn6]

Thanks for the response. Automation is not important to me but I figure some sort of communication between the solar and variable speed pump needs to occur. With the single speed pump it looks like the suntouch simply turned on the pump regardless of timer setting. I'm guessing that can also be done with relays/inputs on the VS pump but that does seem less sophisticated.
The CaliMar is quite attractive price wise. For the price you could buy an entire backup pump and still be below the cost of most other options.