Upgrade Options?

[Alexr54]

I was thinking about upgrading a very aged pool pump.
Currently i have a Hayward Super 2 with a 1.65hp motor.

I was looking at the Hayward W3SP3206VSP TriStar Variable-Speed Pool Pump with the 2.7 HP motor.
Its pricey...

Does anyone have any other recommendations?
Something that can work ok with a ProLogic controller.
Think right now my pumps are all wired for 240v.

I really don't care about name brand. I really value references from here more, even if its some offshoot brand i never heard of.

 

[ol_whistle_britches]

I just put in a 3hp calimar last week, based on the reviews here. It’s too cheap to pass up. If I understand correctly, your prologic should have relays you can tie into the calimar automation board ($50 add on) for simple automation if you need to.

How much automation do you need in your pool pump if you have a separate spa pump? I set my pump to run 1500 rpm when I just want skimming, which is about the minimum I can get by with right now, and then schedule it to ramp up to high power for the IFCS in AM and PM. If I just want to run the SWG I can run 1100 rpm, drawing 100 watts. The calimar has a good basic digital timer built in it to begin with.

 

[Alexr54]

I just put in a 3hp calimar last week, based on the reviews here. It’s too cheap to pass up. If I understand correctly, your prologic should have relays you can tie into the calimar automation board ($50 add on) for simple automation if you need to.

How much automation do you need in your pool pump if you have a separate spa pump? I set my pump to run 1500 rpm when I just want skimming, which is about the minimum I can get by with right now, and then schedule it to ramp up to high power for the IFCS in AM and PM. If I just want to run the SWG I can run 1100 rpm, drawing 100 watts. The calimar has a good basic digital timer built in it to begin with.

I only need a simple timer for the pool pump. But does need to be able to be controlled through the prologic board.
I have a remote for it and its tied to Alexa to start stop. I get alerted if any issues (HomeAssistant). And it has freeze protection.

 

[1poolman1]

I only need a simple timer for the pool pump. But does need to be able to be controlled through the prologic board.
I have a remote for it and its tied to Alexa to start stop. I get alerted if any issues (HomeAssistant). And it has freeze protection.

You can directly control speeds with a ProLogic and a Hayward pump combination. Hayward ProLogic only "talks" to a Hayward pump. To use any other brand VSP you need to use relay inputs and won't have direct control.

 

[Alexr54]

You can directly control speeds with a ProLogic and a Hayward pump combination. Hayward ProLogic only "talks" to a Hayward pump. To use any other brand VSP you need to use relay inputs and won't have direct control.

If speeds are the only benefit then i dont think it matters to me.
Ive been going with a single speed pump for many years.
Im not even sure what the benefit is by having a variable speed.

 

[TinFoilHat]

Variable speed gives you 1: quiet DC motor, 2: 4-8 speeds for various needs and 3: low speed that is sufficient for skimming and SWG production that will not cost more than about $20/mo in electricity. Many people run their pools 24/7 at low speed and it is cheap to run. Then you are always skimming and making chlorine if you have a SWG. The speed can be bumped up in the programming to run fast speed for certain functions you might need.

 

[1poolman1]

If speeds are the only benefit then i dont think it matters to me.
Ive been going with a single speed pump for many years.
Im not even sure what the benefit is by having a variable speed.

Single-speed pumps are no longer legal in the US. Single speed pumps waste energy. Slow water gets cleaner, is easier on the equipment. There is virtually no noise at the low speeds a VSP can and should run in most cases. With a VSP and SWG the cost to produce chlorine in terms of energy use are less. Filters don't need to be cleaned as often and the cleanings are easier. You enjoy the pool, work on it less, pay less for filtration.

 

[Alexr54]

Wow thanks guys!
I did not know its illegal.
I get the energy consumption. But i'm paying for it every month with my electricity bill. There are things that use much more energy (Like AC units) which are still perfectly legal.

My pool equipment is located at the side of my house and under a permanent attached canopy, with a roof/shingles. Its open except for the roof.
Noise is not a factor for me.
The loudest thing is the Spa blower anyway, and it's a brand new one.
I have a salt cell. Replace filters every 6 months at minimum. Have a robotic pool cleaner.

Maintenance is really a non factor.

Plan on adding a float switch in the pool skimmer with an auto top off in the coming weeks.
I like to have everything as automated as possible.

So would you guys suggest the expensive hayward pump or would you suggest the much cheaper Calimar?
Or any other suggestions?

 

[TinFoilHat]

It just means it's illegal for a pool service or contractor to install it. You can still replace it yourself though. We do recommend a VS due to the electricity it will save over a single speed. As far as AC goes, it's not all legal now either. If a unit runs on R22 and it loses freon, that can't be replaced. If the compressor goes bad you can still run it with a new one only if the old R22 is recoverable and is reused in the new unit.

Many are very happy with the Calimar especially compared to the price of the Pentair and Hayward pumps.