SWG flow direction requirement

[ajw22]

In any case, 2 cells in series should be fine.

I agree.

@TooMuchPool can decide if he wants to do one now and one later or two now.

He should plan on enough pipe space to put two cells in series if he starts with one.

 

[JamesW]

Seven single speed pumps?

Why 7 pumps?

I would take this opportunity to redo everything.

You should be able to get rid of at least 4 pumps.

Go to IntelliFlo Variable Speed and maybe a 520 sq.ft cartridge filter.

Add in an IC60 and leave room for a second IC60.

You can plumb in a dummy bypass cell so that it is super simple to add a second cell later if you want.

 

[TooMuchPool]

I would start with one IC60 and see how it does.

If you run 24/7, it will probably keep up.

Your main pump should be a variable speed pump so that it can be run at lower speeds 24/7.

If you have to, you can add a second power box and a second cell in series with the first cell.

You can use parallel cells, but that requires more flow.

There is no reason to use commercial units.

There is no reason that the units need to be coordinated.

Just run the second cell in series up to 100% and then add percentage to the first cell as needed.

If you turn on the second cell, maybe increase the flow by about 10 gpm.

You can install both units at the same time if that is easier, but I suspect that one cell will keep up.

I’m still stuck on single speed pumps (I have serious doubts that lower flow levels would provide decent circulation on the furthest outlets). So no increased power consumption for a second cell. Also, since I’m only running the filter 9 hours per day, two cells seems the best bet

 

[JamesW]

I’m still stuck on single speed pumps (I have serious doubts that lower flow levels would provide decent circulation on the furthest outlets). So no increased power consumption for a second cell. Also, since I’m only running the filter 9 hours per day, two cells seems the best bet

In my opinion, continuous circulation is better than 9 hours per day at higher flow and the total cost is lower.

Return outlet flow is mostly overrated.

Skimmer flow is more important.

How many skimmers do you have?

Do you have a main drain and if yes, is it open 100% or less than 100%?

Can you show the pool?

In any case, it is your decision based on what matters to you.

 

[TooMuchPool]

Seven single speed pumps?

Why 7 pumps?

I would take this opportunity to redo everything.

You should be able to get rid of at least 4 pumps.

Go to IntelliFlo Variable Speed and maybe a 520 sq.ft cartridge filter.

Add in an IC60 and leave room for a second IC60.

You can plumb in a dummy bypass cell so that it is super simple to add a second cell later if you want.

View attachment 613449View attachment 613450View attachment 613451

Ha ha, there’s a ton of opportunity for improvement here. Short answer is money. I bought the house and pool as you see it now. If I can just keep everything running and leaks at a minimum, I consider it a win.
Really, only 2 pumps run on a daily schedule: filter pump and solar pump. Spa heater pump, spa jet 1 pump, spa jet 2 pump, and slide pump rarely get used.

 

[JamesW]

A 2.5hp pump will use 2,500 watts.

A variable speed pump can be between about 200 to 500 watts.

What is the electrical cost per KWH?

 

[JamesW]

2,500 watts for 9 hours = 22.5 kwh per day.

At 0.15 per kwh, that is 3.375 per day or 101.25 per month.

A variable speed at 250 watts for 24 hours = 6 kwh, which is 0.90 per day or $27.00 per month.

You can save about $74.25 per month.

The extra IC60 is about $2,000.00.

Pentair Intellichlor IC60 Cell and Power Center, Up to 60,000 Gallons - IC60KIT $2,194.92

Pentair Intellichlor IC60 Cell and Power Center, Up to 60,000 Gallons - IC60KIT - INYOPools.com

IC60 - Intellichlor IC60 Cell and Power Center

www.inyopools.com

You can get an Intelliflo for about the same cost.

 

[TooMuchPool]

2,500 watts for 9 hours = 22.5 kwh per day.

At 0.15 per kwh, that is 3.375 per day or 101.25 per month.

A variable speed at 250 watts for 24 hours = 6 kwh, which is 0.90 per day or $27.00 per month.

You can save about $74.25 per month.

The extra IC60 is about $2,000.00.

Pentair Intellichlor IC60 Cell and Power Center, Up to 60,000 Gallons - IC60KIT $2,194.92

Pentair Intellichlor IC60 Cell and Power Center, Up to 60,000 Gallons - IC60KIT - INYOPools.com

IC60 - Intellichlor IC60 Cell and Power Center

www.inyopools.com

You can get an Intelliflo for about the same cost.

Here’s where things really don’t pencil out for me. My PV Solar covers the majority of my electric bill. My utility company does a once a year bill for Solar customers. My average monthly bill is less than $100. If I don’t use the solar power I produce, the utility repays me a pittance. $100 per month is reasonably close to a baseline electric bill

 

[TooMuchPool]

In my opinion, continuous circulation is better than 9 hours per day at higher flow and the total cost is lower.

Return outlet flow is mostly overrated.

Skimmer flow is more important.

How many skimmers do you have?

Do you have a main drain and if yes, is it open 100% or less than 100%?

Can you show the pool?

In any case, it is your decision based on what matters to you.

Here’s a pic from yesterday


Ha ha ha…that was actually a very sad day last year

 

[JamesW]

Are you sure about the volume?

It does not look like 68,000 gallons.

 

[TooMuchPool]

I included my wife’s Instagram drink picture for reference of it being next to the furthest return. That’s 100’ straight to the pumps. You’ve seen the pump array that’s visible, imagine what they plumbed to get water to that return

 

[TooMuchPool]

Are you sure about the volume?

It does not look like 68,000 gallons.

I believe it’s a good estimate. But I’m open to suggestions

 

[TooMuchPool]

I have 2 skimmers. I hardly use the main drain. Leaf litter is a constant battle and I need maximum work from my skimmers and pool sweep. Using the main drain takes away the majority of flow from the skimmers

 

[JamesW]

I believe it’s a good estimate. But I’m open to suggestions

Freeform is difficult to estimate.

In my opinion, skimming with lower flow 24/7 will give better results.

Also, more power does not really translate to significantly better flow.

For example, your current pump provides maybe 100 gpm and uses about 2,500 watts.

At 50 GPM, the power usage would be about 350 watts.

 

[JamesW]

For example, a 3/4 hp pump is at 65 gpm and a 3.0 hp pump is at 95 gpm.

https://www.floridapumpservice.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/367/2019/02/WhisperFlo-Manual.pdf