Time to replace/upgrade single speed 2HP hayward superpump?

[patplh]

Hi, We have had our pool for 9 years (it was built in 2000) and 3 years ago, we replaced the motor in our Single Speed Hayward Super Pump after it had died. There was a small leak after, which we tolerated for a few years but this year, decided to finally replace the diffuser gasket. In the process of replacing it, I realized the housing gasket needed to be replaced as well... long story short, we probably overtightened the housing bolts and I see it's starting to crack. The leak is much worse than before and I think the root case is the new housing gasket wasn't the correct size, despite being labeled with the correct part # and we got aggressive with the tightening in hopes it would work. So, I think it's time to replace our pump completely with a two speed or variable pump, but I'm not sure which to get ..
1. How do we choose between 2 speed and variable? We are in Massachusetts and only run our pool from mid-May until mid-September. I run it from around 8am until 4pm.
2. Is it normal that we can't run our waterfall with our returns on? The only way our waterfall has enough water to create a full "falls" is when we turn the lever from wall returns to in ground returns (we have 2 in the deep end, meanwhile there are 4 returns in the wall). Wondering if we should upgrade our pump HP.
3. We have an inflatable slide that has a connection for a hose to spray water. I finagled a hose to connect from the return (closest to the pool pump) to the slide and we can't get enough water to spray out onto the pool slide (pool slide is around 15 feet from the return). So I'm wondering if this is normal and again, should we upgrade the pump HP.
4. I'm fairly certain this is not something we want to replace ourselves, while my husband did replace the the motor himself, we didn't have to touch any of the electrical really.. which is one of the things we try to avoid doing ourselves.
5. We now have a salt water pool - not sure how that impacts our decisions, but I did see that INYO pool has a separate set of gaskets for salt water pools for my current pump, so I thought I should mention this.

Thanks for the help. Off to buy some RTV silicone to try to seal the leak and buy time for this decision

 

[kadavis]

First I would check with your local utility co. and see what kind of rebates you may get for changing to 2-speed or VS pump. I personally think the VS pumps will give you more flexibility for your different needs. All the 3 major manufacturers have come out with low cost automation for controlling these pumps and a couple other relays

 

[patplh]

Thanks, I checked earlier today and unfortunately, no special rebates available with our electric company.

Also, who are the 3 major? I only know if pentair and Hayward.

Would our minor flow issues be resolved with a variable pump, or would we need to go up in horsepower too?

Thanks!

 

[kadavis]

Jandy Products, going up in HP doesn't always resolve flow issues. There are a lot of variables that can determine your flowrate, Size of plumbing, length of plumbing, size of filter and number and type of fittings. The plus side of the VS pump is you can get the amount of water flow to where you want it

 

[tstex]

Since you do not have automation, look at one of the Pentair intelliflo pumps, preferably a variable or 2 speed pump...you will need to get a GFCI installed for a VSP...look at al the reviews and determine your best option...good luck