Suggestions for variable-speed pump to replace 1.0 hp single-speed Hayward Super Pump

[wormbreeder]

My 1.0 hp single-speed Hayward Super Pump is starting to leak between the pump body and motor. The pump body is over 10 years old and the replacement motor is 6 or 8 years old, so I'm thinking it would be better to junk it and replace with a variable-speed pump versus trying to fix the leak.

My pool is 16x32, allegedly 20,000 gallons, but it might be only 17,500 -18,000 based on the water I used filling it up after a liner change. I have a Circupool RJ-45 plus chlorine generator I like and no other control panel or electronics. Plumbing is 1.5 inch.

What would you suggest for a variable speed replacement? I've read that you need higher hp on a variable-speed versus a single-speed but I can't find a chart with suggestions based on pool size and plumbing. I don't need a drop-in replacement. I can adjust the plumbing.

I see that variable-speed pumps are hard wired into 230V power. My current pump and the RJ-45 are running on 230V from a timer box. Is there a way to connect the RJ-45 to a variable-speed pump so it only runs when the pump does? I'd rather not rely solely on the flow sensor to keep the cell off when the pump is not running.

Thanks!

 

[Jimrahbe]

Worm,

The size of your pool really does not have much to do with the HP of a VS pump unless you believe in the old "Turnover" myth.

The bigger the VS pump the more water it can move at a lower RPM.

My recommendation is to always go with the biggest pump you can afford.

In general VS pumps come in either a 1.5 HP or 3 HP configurations. Keep in mind that those are old HP numbers as newer pumps are rated using Hydraulic HP so all the numbers are now different. A 3 HP IntelliFlo is now rated at 1.88 HHP. Of course, that is Max HP and there is almost never a reason to run at full RPM.

You just adjust the HP to match what you want to do. In my case, I run my 3 HP IntelliFlo at about 1200 RPM most of the time. At that speed my SWCG and Skimmers both work for me. Running 24/7 costs me less than $20 bucks a month.

Don't worry about having 1.5" plumbing.. I have two rent house pools that both have 1.5" plumbing and 3 HP IntelliFlo pumps, and they work just fine.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

My current pump and the RJ-45 are running on 230V from a timer box. Is there a way to connect the RJ-45 to a variable-speed pump so it only runs when the pump does? I'd rather not rely solely on the flow sensor to keep the cell off when the pump is not running.

You're smart. Don't rely on the flow sensor alone.

You can use your existing timer for the SWG to sync run times within pump run times. If it's a mechanical timer, time will be off sync after power outages. Not a big risk sense you have the flow sensor as a backup.

Some members have used "current sensing relays" to shut power off to the SWG when when the pump stops drawing power. You can search for more info if you're interested.

Another option is to use a WiFi switch/relay to control power to the SWG. When power is interrupted, the app will reset the time when power is restored. I used a cheap $13 relay to control my SWG. It's easy to install; two wires in, two wires out.

As far as the pump, the are many options depending on how much you want to spend. The gold standard is the Pentair IntelliFlo. My second choice would be the Pentair SuperFlo VS or VST. You can go cheaper, but you may get what you pay for.

 

[wormbreeder]

Mike and Jim,

Thanks for the ideas. I'm a little skittish about Pentair products after having two Intellichlor IC-40 die within 2.5 years of installing each. I assume that the pumps are better made and will last longer. I read that, like the Intellichlor, the electronics are built into the pump and, should they fail, Pentair does not sell replacements of just the board.

Do either of you know if the Intelliflo or Superflo timers have batter backup? Mike's idea about the self-resetting relay is great as long as a power outage will not leave the pump's internal timer out of sync after outages.

In my limited looking, it seems like these are the same cost everywhere. I assume Pentair sets a floor price and there is no better price to be found. Let me know if I'm wrong on that and thanks again.

 

[Jimrahbe]

W,

The IntelliFlo is the "Gold standard" for pool pumps.. I have three of them that run 24/7. One is about 11 years old, one is 7 or 8 years old, and the one at my house is over 7 years old. They work today, just like when they were new.

The IntelliFlo keeps its programming and timer going, if there is a power outage. Not sure how long, but if the power is out that long, I doubt your pool will be your first priority.

As a side note.. I replaced two IC40's last year.. One was over 9 years old and the other over 7 years old. 75% of all reported cell failures are not really the cell at all.. Just curious what was wrong with them?

Just to show you how different people can have different opinions and experiences... The IntelliFlo's that I mentioned above, replaced two Hayward Super pumps which I found to be the most worthless pump every produced. So, I can certainly understand your reluctance to using Pentair based upon your IC40 experience.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[wormbreeder]

The first IC-40 had the "top" part with the electronics come away from the bottom. The second one had the temperature and flow sensors die and so would not work. I was able to salvage the temp and flow from the first one and put it on the second one. This gave me some more time but then they died again. Without flow or temp sensing, the cell will not come on. And the electronics are not available separately. Maybe I just got unlucky with these two units. My circupool chlorinator is more than 2 years old and I have not had to descale it yet. It's clear so you can see the plates while it's running. I have it covered with a piece of pool liner to keep the clear plastic from being destroyed by the sun. The circupool model has the flow sensor as a separate unit in a "T" in the plumbing, so if it dies, I can just unscrew it and put in another one.

I'm not a fan of the Hayward Super pump. That's what was there when I bought the house. I had to replace the motor once, but I think that was in 2014 and I didn't know about VS pumps then. The motor died during a rare week of below freezing temps day and night in Prattville, Alabama, so I had to get it working fast.

I'll be ordering one of the Intelliflo and we'll see how it does.

Thanks again.

 

[Jimrahbe]

W,

I like PolyTec for equipment.. I would have included a link, but their site seems to be down today. Has never happened before so not sure what is going on.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Swipter]

Worm,

The size of your pool really does not have much to do with the HP of a VS pump unless you believe in the old "Turnover" myth.

The bigger the VS pump the more water it can move at a lower RPM.

My recommendation is to always go with the biggest pump you can afford.

In general VS pumps come in either a 1.5 HP or 3 HP configurations. Keep in mind that those are old HP numbers as newer pumps are rated using Hydraulic HP so all the numbers are now different. A 3 HP IntelliFlo is now rated at 1.88 HHP. Of course, that is Max HP and there is almost never a reason to run at full RPM.

You just adjust the HP to match what you want to do. In my case, I run my 3 HP IntelliFlo at about 1200 RPM most of the time. At that speed my SWCG and Skimmers both work for me. Running 24/7 costs me less than $20 bucks a month.

Don't worry about having 1.5" plumbing.. I have two rent house pools that both have 1.5" plumbing and 3 HP IntelliFlo pumps, and they work just fine.

Thanks,

Jim R.

I just want to clarify. You run your pumps for 24 hours at the lowest setting where your skimmer still draws water, satisfactorily? I have recently drastically reduced my pump speeds snd increased time and see improvement in filtration, although filter cleaning may be partially to blame.