Switching to a Variable speed pump, What should I do?

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ZcottD

ZcottD

0
Jun 23, 2017
165
Connecticut
So I currently have a single speed Hayward Superpump, and a Hayward Perflex E65 filter. The filter is fine and gets to stay, but the pump has to go. I have a pic of my equipment pad, its very primitive. And before I go to the local pool store I was wondering if I could get some opinions from you lovely peeps.

The outlets are 110/115v, this is pretty limiting on VS pumps, Basically all I found was a Pentair Superflo or something, but the VS pumps have controllers and power buttons on them, so I don't need the switches, do you think its possible that a 220/230v outlet would look normal there? I'd even be fine with losing both outlets and switches if I could get a 220/230.

Also, should I have a check valve or something that prevents water from draining out of the pump when I open the basket lid? The pump sits about one foot above water level. When I open the lid now and clean the pump basket The water drains out, but its never stopped the pump from doing its job once I put the lid back on. I'm not sure if it would be different with a VS pump, but if the VS is running at low RPMs maybe a check valve would help?

And if you see something else that looks stupid or that I'm not thinking about lemme know. :)
Thank you for any help, its very appreciated.

pump setup.jpg
 
My suggestion for your simple pool setup is to consider a two speed pump (maybe just motor) and stay with the 120V. You will need to pull wire, etc from your breaker box to upgrade to 220V.

Call InyoPools. See what they say about a motor that will mate up with your pump.

And no, you do not need a check valve on the suction side of the pump.
 
Thank you guys. The line is a direct line from the breaker.

I gave a 2 speed motor some thought last year, but I want the ability to schedule run times with a pump, and since the breaker is inside I can't use one of those intermatic ones that people put in their outside breaker boxes. Also I'm on solar power, so a VS pump offers me more control of how much power is used on the pool, at least in theory.
 
So ya. You can do exactly what I described providing it is ok by the electrical code in your area. Take 115v breaker out. Slap 230v breaker in. Pull the neutral for that circuit off the neutral buss and put some red tape around it. Connect to one side of breaker and the black to the other side.
Then address the outside. Use red tape on neutral wire outside too. Now your choices for VS motors opened up.

I don’t think the check valve is needed. My setup is exactly like yours. I have a check valve there but it’s not doing anything. I ya w removed the guts.
 
Sounds good. With the ability to have 230V, check with InyoPools on a motor that will mate up with your pump end. They have VS ones also.
 
I would also give strong consideration to a surge suppression solution. I have heard that the electronics of these VS pumps are quite susceptible to surges. It sounds like you might be "off the grid" w/ solar, so maybe that isn't as big an issue...but if you are connected to the electrical grid in any manner, it would be wise to consider.
 
uxbridgechris said:
So ya. You can do exactly what I described providing it is ok by the electrical code in your area. Take 115v breaker out. Slap 230v breaker in. Pull the neutral for that circuit off the neutral buss and put some red tape around it. Connect to one side of breaker and the black to the other side.
Then address the outside. Use red tape on neutral wire outside too. Now your choices for VS motors opened up.

I don’t think the check valve is needed. My setup is exactly like yours. I have a check valve there but it’s not doing anything. I ya w removed the guts.
Click to expand...

Assuming there is also a ground pulled from the main panel, cause he will need one
The oulet is an 15 amp, so thinking wire size might be incorrect for a 220 circuit also
 
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Lots of fun research. Those replacement motors from InYo Pools are neat, but looking at the manuals it seems like scheduling is not quite what I'd like, which comes down to no built in clock to start the day on its own, unless you buy the separate interface and then I'm in a full pump price range anyway.

As to why not go for the SuperFlo, Its an option, but if going to 230v is possible, I get a lot of options for pumps and there is a level of comfort there.

And Blazer, the top outlet is 20 amp 115v, the bottom is 15 115v. So that might help my chances with wiring size. But I know my limits, an electrician will make the final call on can it be done with local code rules. Need to make that appointment soon.

Again, love the help, would have never thought about some of this stuff.
 
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End result is going to be a SuperFlo VS, outlet box will get upgraded to a twist lock or turn lock box(required for code), pump and filter will move back about 15" so that there will be a straight pipe going from the two 90 degree lines to the pump. High side of the estimate is 1300.

The cost of moving to 230v, and the more expensive IntelliFlo pumps doesn't really offer my simplistic setup any benefits.

Since my breaker for the pool line is in the house, when I have an electrician here later in the summer I'll ask him about surge suppression there.
 
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