Setting/configuring up VSP

[mernova]

Hello all. I recently replaced my single speed pump with a pentair VS. The dealer/installer recomended a 3hp and set it up to run from 830AM - 330pm on a flow setting of 60GMP. This does not seem like the best use for this pump. Im looking for recomendations on how to have this set up to be the most efficient with keeping the pool looking happy.

Pool is 16000 gallons, has water features,SWG, in-floor cleaning, and solar heat. Located in FL.

Thanks
Jeff

 

[mknauss]

Do you have any form of controller or automation? You have features that all likely require varying water flow rates. With automation you can take advantage of the VS pump.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Jeff,

You should run the pump for a reason..

In your case, you need to run the pump at a speed that will turn on your salt cell, and for as long as it takes for the cell to generate the amount of chlorine your pool needs each day..

You also have an IFCS, so you would need to run the pump at a speed that will make your IFCS work well for a couple of hours or for as long as it takes to clean your pool floor..

You need to run the pump at a speed that will skim your pool well. Usually this will be the speed that the salt cell needs to turn on.

I run my 3 HP IntelliFlo 24/7, mostly at 1200 RPM, as I like to make a little chlorine all the time and I like to skim all the time.. To do this costs me less than $20 bucks a month.. I also like the look of my pool when there is a little motion in the water. I do not have a heater, if I did, I'd have to run faster.. Something like 1500 to 1800 RPM.

Do you have a standalone pump, or is it controlled by an automation system?

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[setsailsoon]

Hello all. I recently replaced my single speed pump with a pentair VS. The dealer/installer recomended a 3hp and set it up to run from 830AM - 330pm on a flow setting of 60GMP. This does not seem like the best use for this pump. Im looking for recomendations on how to have this set up to be the most efficient with keeping the pool looking happy.

Pool is 16000 gallons, has water features,SWG, in-floor cleaning, and solar heat. Located in FL.

Thanks
Jeff

M,

That's probably not a bad place to start but your pump can definitely do a lot more for you. Would be easier to reply if you could please fill out the signature section. It's easy to do, gets you quicker responses, and helps our volunteer experts be more efficient with their time. Here's how.

Even if you don't have a full automation set up there are things you can do via the digital inputs that your pump has. Before we go into all that it would be helpful to understand what all you're working with.

Chris

 

[mernova]

Thank you all. I will work on my signature. Here is some basic info.

16K IG gunite
3HP Pentair VSF pump
Pentair Clean & Clear CC200 cartrige filter
Hayward Aqua-rite w/T15 Salt system
Paramount Pcc2000 in floor cleaning system
2 water features- 1 bubbler on steps and 3 fountians
Solar heat w/pentair controller

There are no automations. Pump turns on with its internal timer and salt system has its own timer.

 

[setsailsoon]

One of the nice things about Pentair vs pumps and a few other brand/models is that they can support digital inputs that are very flexible on the input voltage. So you can get some of the most fundamental benefits of automation without the cost. Here are a couple things you can (should) do with the current set up:

• Make sure your salt system can't power up unless the pump is running. Depending on the model number you may be able to do this by powering the swg from the pump. @Jimrahbe is an expert on Pentair pumps so he can give you advice on what's possible - he may need more details on your model number. If you don't have this feature you can use the 5v output signal from the digital inputs to energize a relay that will only let the swg run when the pumps running. I know the swg has a safety flow switch but the consequences of running with no flow are so serious we recommend a second level of protection for this.
• You can use the digital inputs to trigger from your solar by-pass valve to turn the pump speed up high enough that you get good flow through the solar panels if the panels are roof-mounted. This means you'll benefit from lower speed when the solar bypasses due to clouds or rain. Need more details on your solar set up to be more specific.

I hope this is helpful.

Chris

 

[mernova]

One of the nice things about Pentair vs pumps and a few other brand/models is that they can support digital inputs that are very flexible on the input voltage. So you can get some of the most fundamental benefits of automation without the cost. Here are a couple things you can (should) do with the current set up:

• Make sure your salt system can't power up unless the pump is running. Depending on the model number you may be able to do this by powering the swg from the pump. @Jimrahbe is an expert on Pentair pumps so he can give you advice on what's possible - he may need more details on your model number. If you don't have this feature you can use the 5v output signal from the digital inputs to energize a relay that will only let the swg run when the pumps running. I know the swg has a safety flow switch but the consequences of running with no flow are so serious we recommend a second level of protection for this.
• You can use the digital inputs to trigger from your solar by-pass valve to turn the pump speed up high enough that you get good flow through the solar panels if the panels are roof-mounted. This means you'll benefit from lower speed when the solar bypasses due to clouds or rain. Need more details on your solar set up to be more specific.

I hope this is helpful.

Chris

Thank you Chris. Now i just need to know how to do it. Like i stated earlier they set it up for flow at 60GPM and called it a day. No instruction or anything.

 

[setsailsoon]

Thank you Chris. Now i just need to know how to do it. Like i stated earlier they set it up for flow at 60GPM and called it a day. No instruction or anything.

I'm not sure how they set it up so photo's would help especially the wiring for the pump and the swg. As I mentioned early setting up your signature would help our volunteer experts find the info they need on your systems to provide answers. Is the round connector that plugs in to the pump installed or do you just have a wire that goes to your sub panel breaker and a black cover on automation connector? Is the swg powered separately to a different breaker? What are the settings for % power and runtime?

Chris

 

[ajw22]

What specific model number Pentair VS pump are we discussing? Pentair had many VS pumps with various capabilities.