Setting up new Intelliflo pump

[Teris]

Hi everyone. I just installed a new Intelliflo pump and I'd like to set it to run for 8-12 hours or so each day. Electricity is very expensive here, so I'm going to avoid running it during peak hours 4PM-9PM.

I have a basic understand of the user interface (I set the date and time), but I'm not sure how to set a schedule to use every day, year round or what RPMs to set it for. I have one of those cleaners that wheels around the bottom of the pool, but when I put the pump on a lower speed, it didn't come on (so I'm assuming I need to run it at higher speed for that too operate). FEIW, it's a 15k gallon chlorine pool that won't be used at all until late March.

Thanks for any help you can provide!

 

[Jimrahbe]

T,

Do you have the manual? There are several different versions of the IntelliFlo pump, but in general they are all the same.

Under settings find "Speed 1 -8" then select speeds 1-4, then Schedule.. You then enter the speed you want, the start time, stop time. This will come on each day.

You can enter several schedules.. So you can have one that runs slow form say 8 am until 2 pm and then another schedule that comes on at 2 pm at a faster speed for your cleaner and then shuts off at say 4 pm.

I suggest that instead of following the step-by-step instructions in the manual, you find the "Menus" page which is much easier to follow.

If that does not make sense, the please tell us what specific IntelliFlo you have.

Also, I always suggest that you initially set up your pump using RPM and not GPM..

You will need to tell us much more about your pool and the equipment you have before we can tell you what might be the best operating speed.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Teris]

Thank you, Jim!

It's a Pentair IntelliFlo Variable Speed High Performance Pool Pump (EC-011028). I do have the manual. Still in plastic. I guess I should start reading lol!

I bought the pump because I just moved into this house and my electric bill is sky high. So I'm hoping to cut it back.

Not sure what else there is to say about the pool. It has a timer on it with a yellow disk and clips to turn it on and off automatically. But I assume I should take those clips off and that this pump will override that physical timer. Is that right? The pool has a Hayward aquanaut cleaner that seems to do a pretty good job. I also have a Rheem gas heater.

I just looked at the pump and can definitely set those schedules like your said, but not sure what to set for the RPMs. I assume there's some trial and error involved.

Thanks again!

 

[kul]

I used this video to make an adjustment.

 

[Jimrahbe]

T,

I do not have a heater, so I run my IntelliFlo at 1200 RPM most of the time. With a heater you may need to run at 1400 to 1600 to get the heater to fire up.

I suspect your cleaner will need 2800 to 3200 RPM, but the only way to know is trial and error, as each pool is different.

The slower you run, the less it costs. In my case I run my pump 24/7 for less than $20 bucks a month.

If you are worried about "Turnovers", don't be, as the whole idea of having to turnover your water X times a day to prevent algae is just a myth. Your filter is there to capture the junk that falls into your pool, not to prevent algae. Chemicals is what keeps your pool sanitized and algae free.

You might want to check out our Pool School and see what we are all about.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Teris]

Thank you, Jim and kul. I just set the schedule no problem! I have an old timer with clips on it to start/stop the filter. I removed the clips and just flipped the switch to on. I assume the Intelliflo will handle on and off by itself now. It's on now and I'll check at the time it's supposed to go off to confirm that it has.

This is great resource. Now I'm going to Pool School and see if I can get rid of my monthly $130 bill to the pool guy!

 

[mknauss]

How do you currently chlorinate your pool water?

 

[kul]

Now I'm going to Pool School and see if I can get rid of my monthly $130 bill to the pool guy!

I’m in LA and wonder if we had the same guy because I was also paying that much. And yes! You can do it all yourself. Everyone here is super helpful so ask all your questions and try it out! Add your pool information to get the best input.

 

[Teris]

How do you currently chlorinate your pool water?

I have a pool guy. LOL. I never had a pool before until I moved into this house very recently. I have a lot to learn!

 

[Teris]

I've got my new Intelliflo running at 1200 for 8 hours and 2250 for 2 hours. But my Hayward aquanaut isn't roaming around, even when I turn the pump up high. I just had my filter cleaned (should have done that myself!), the tubing is clear, the Hayward unit is clear. I assume it's just not getting enough suction, but I can't figure out where the problem is. When I feel the spot where the tube connects with the pool, it doesn't feel very strong, but I don't know how it's supposed to feel. Any ideas? Thanks!

 

[Jimrahbe]

T,

I assume your old pump was a single speed pump, so it was always running at 3450 RPM.

Just keep ramping the IntelliFlo's speed up until the cleaner works. If it won't work before you get to 3450, then something else is the problem.

Show us some pics of your cleaner and your equipment pad.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Teris]

I'm pretty sure the Hayward aquanaut is the problem because it's not working at any RPM setting, but the timing is coincidental because I just replaced the pump motor. Here's some pics:

 

[Teris]

The last photo is the old pump. The second pump is for a water feature.

 

[Teris]

I found this video and fixed the Hayward in 5 minutes. Super easy to do!

 

[kul]

Did that solve your issue?

 

[Jimrahbe]

T,

Tell us what you did to your cleaner to solve the problem??

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Teris]

Yes, the problem is fixed. I did a quick check of the cleaner, but didn't see anything jammed inside, so I assumed it was the pump. Then I watched the video, which shows how to take it apart. Inside, I saw a small stick stuck in the gears, preventing the wheels from turning. Popped it out and it's working fine now.

Thanks everyone, for the help. Next step, Pool School and firing my pool guy!