Upgrading single speed pump to VSP

[jburgert]

I am looking at o upgrade my current 1 HP Whisperflo pump to an Intelliflo VSP 011018 or 011055 and have reached out to a few local pool companies for quotes. One company that I have worked with in the past, opened and closed my pool the first year, replied with the following:

"putting a 011018 or 011055/6 on the pool would be way too much power on the pool. Those pumps are built on a 3hp platform and would be trying to move way more water than you need."​

They want to discuss the upgrade with me and options on other pieces I am looking to upgrade (heater/automation).

Checking to see people thoughts on this reply from the local company. Should I be running away from them?

 

[PoolguyinCT]

No, you should be running toward them, especially since they have serviced the pool.

Many older pools don’t reap the VS “sales pitch” promises, and are better off being downsized or 2 speed.

It’s the outfits that say “these things are great & let’s close the deal now” sight unseen, that give pause.

 

[jburgert]

Thanks, that was what I was hoping to hear as I like them from my limited experience with them. I will see what they recommend and go from there.

 

[Jimrahbe]

j,

Anyone that says a 3 HP VS pump is too big for your pool does not have a clue as to how VS pumps work... I am not saying you "need" a 3 HP pump, but I am saying that it is not "too big"..

A VS pump should really be called a variable horse power pump, because that is how they work.. you only use the HP you need.

I have a 3 HP VS pumps (011018) on three different pools that have been running perfectly for years... If one of the pumps went down tomorrow, I would have another one on order before the sun went down.

It costs me less than $20 bucks to run the pump 24/7 for a month...

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[CJadamec]

I'm of the same opinion as Jim. You cannot simply compare the HP rating of VS pumps to single speed pumps they are not the same thing, not even close. The best way to look at the intelliflo pump is that it's a universal replacement for any HP wisperflo pump.

The intelliflo is also a direct fit replacement for the current wisperflow pump you currently have. There should be no plumbing changes to put the new pump in.

I don't buy the old pools don't benefit from VS pump statement that just simply not true. A 2-speed pump may many times be the more economical choice and save the pool owner money rather than the more expensive VS option. The age of the pool has little bearing on weather a VS pump is worth the expense. If all you have is a pool and a filter then yea a VS pump really isn't worth the price premium over a regular 2-speed pump.

If you start adding things like SWG, heaters, or solar panels, or spas, or anything else water driven the extra money for a VS pump starts to make more sense. The pool store should be looking at the pool as a whole and also take into consideration what if any upgrades or features the owner plans to add in the next couple years when picking a pump. Old pools can be made new and new pools can be made very simple.

 

[PoolguyinCT]

I’m not selling anything or debating the benefits of VS pumps.

I offer condition, volume, electrical service, intended duty as a a substitute for “”age.””

Which makes more sense, as I read my own post & I should have offered that initially instead of “age”

Sight unseen is not the way to sell or buy.

 

[jburgert]

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

I have them coming out on Thursday to discuss and see what options they are thinking of and decide from there.

I have received a quote from another company who worked on the pool for the prior owner, and also did a walkthrough to look for changes (added IC40) prior to quoting.

Also updating heater (not currently working) and Easytouch w/Screen logic

 

[Jimrahbe]

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

I have them coming out on Thursday to discuss and see what options they are thinking of and decide from there.

I have received a quote from another company who worked on the pool for the prior owner, and also did a walkthrough to look for changes (added IC40) prior to quoting.

Also updating heater (not currently working) and Easytouch w/Screen logic

"If" you are going to get an EasyTouch you have no choice but to get the 3 HP IntelliFlo... It is the only style pump that the ET can control...

You will love the ET with ScreenLogic... Here are a couple of screenshots just to wet your ScreenLogic Whistle...

You can use this screen to set the pump speed to exactly what you want.. Also shows the Wattage being used..

You use this Screen to set the % of Chlorine output for the salt cell... it also shows the current salt level in the pool..

Thanks for posting,

Jim R.