Selecting proper size new pump

[rinaldok]

Hi everyone, I was getting ready to order a bunch of new equipment and I'm not sure which pump I should be getting.

My pool is 15,000 gallons, no water features. 1 skimmer, 1 vacuum line (about 35' of hose) with a Phoenix 2X suction cleaner.

I will be adding a SWCG.

I have 2 2" suction lines (1 from skimmer, 1 from vacuum port) that meet at a 3-way valve, 2" into the pump. My current plumbing is 2" from the suction lines to the pump to the filter and out -- However, my return line is only 1.5" feeding 3 return jets.

I've seen some posts saying that 1.5" plumbing is going to be a limiting factor, I've seen some that say it's not really an issue. I'm going to be getting an oversized cartridge filter (either 420 or 520 sq. ft.) with 150GPM max flow so the filter won't be a bottleneck.

I was looking at the Pureline Prime pumps, possibly the ones with smart phone control (rebranded Hayward pumps I believe).

Do I:

A) Get the bigger PureLine Prime pump PureLine Prime 2.7 HP Variable Speed Pool Pump W/ Smart Phone Control - PL2616 - INYOPools.com and I'll always be able to run it on a lower speed...

Or...

B) Get the smaller PureLine Prime pump PureLine Prime Variable Speed Pool Pump 1.65 HP W/ Smart Phone Control - PL2615 - INYOPools.com that's more "right-sized" -- but I'll have to run it on higher speeds to get the same flow rate which means more energy consumed.

There's not a huge cost difference between them, I've seen some posts saying that if I ran the big pump at max speed it might not prime or might lose prime if it can't move enough water due to the choke point being the 1.5" return plumbing.

Thoughts?

 

[Jimrahbe]

R,

If you plan to get a SWCG, then a 2-Speed or VS pump is a must...

The 1.5" plumbing will not have any real operational impact on using the larger pump.

I personally like the idea of a big pump running slow..

I have a 3 HP IntelliFlo running at 1200 RPM with the 520 cartridge filter and my filter pressure is less than 2 lbs. and I have plenty of return flow...

Thanks for posting,

Jim R.

 

[rinaldok]

They're both VS pumps. Difference being one is 1.65HP class and one is 2.7HP class.

The issue being if the 2.7 is going to be too big for my plumbing. I'd prefer the larger pump and running it lower, but if it's TOO big then I want to make sure I don't shoot myself in the foot.

 

[Jimrahbe]

R,

Think of it this way.... Does having a 300 HP engine in your car prevent you from driving through a school zone? Of course not, because you use a throttle...

A Variable Speed pump should really be called a Variable Horsepower pump... you only use the HP you want.... Just like your car...

I personally have two 3 HP IntelliFlo pumps at rent houses that both have 1.5" plumbing.. They have been running 24/7 for about 6 years without any issues at all.

You almost can't buy a VS pump that is too big... I am not saying that you can't use the smaller pump... but you just have to run it faster to move the same amount of water the big pump will move at a lower RPM..

Thanks,

Jim R.