Variable Pool Pump - Worth it? Which one?

[fruzmatik]

I am considering to buy a variable pool pump to replace my existing pool pump that is going on 15+ years now and take advantage of a $400 Rebate offered through my local electricity company.

First question: Is it really worth going variable , given my small pool size?

Second question: Can anyone comment on any of these models with recommendations or details so I can better understand the differences and make an informed decision.
Also curious of the possibilities for eventual automation (I was thinking to eventually purchase some sort of robotic vacuum).
All seem to be in the similar price range based on quotes received from local companies.

Pentair SuperFlo VS Pump
Hayward SuperPump VS
Hayward MaxFlo 500 VSP
Jandy VS FloPro 1.65HP

Pool info:
60000L Chlorine, existing 230V Jacuzzi 1.0 HP pump on a mechanical timer w 2" pipes, Old (but still working) Gas Heater, Sand Filter, Skimmer. In Ontario, Canada.

Thanks so much for your help!

 

[mknauss]

Welcome to the forum!

You say a 'small pool' and your signature shows 36000 gallons! Yikes, I would hate to find out what you think is large!

I have a 6000 gallon pool. With a Pentair Intelliflo. With Easytouch automation. And a SWCG. It is great.

You do not need automation with a robot cleaner. They do not connect to the pool automation system.

Be aware that only certain VS pumps work with automation. And you must stay in one brand (pump, automation, SWCG, light) to have full functionality.

Take care.

 

[fruzmatik]

That's so weird, I never even set up my signature....so not sure where that information came from!!!

My pool is 60000 Liters, or approx 15000 Gallons.

1. Can you give me an idea of what you use the Easytouch automation for?
2. Any thoughts on any of the pumps I mentioned above...

Thanks for all of your help =D

 

[mknauss]

That is odd. Can you add a signature? See Pool School - Read This BEFORE You Post

We use the Easytouch to manage the pump / SWCG interface and adjust the SWCG % output. Also controls the heater. We start the SPA remotely and turn on/off the lights and deck jets. The pump is ramped up to the appropriate RPM for each function.

All VS pumps are pretty equal. If all you are going to do is circulate your pool then a base level one is sufficient. They all have internal timers that you can schedule run times, rpms, etc. They are all direct wired from an appropriate electrical breaker. Do not wire them through a timer.

Take care.

 

[fruzmatik]

All VS pumps are pretty equal. If all you are going to do is circulate your pool then a base level one is sufficient. They all have internal timers that you can schedule run times, rpms, etc. They are all direct wired from an appropriate electrical breaker. Do not wire them through a timer.
Take care.

So your suggestion is to pretty much just go with the cheapest option then?

 

[mknauss]

Pretty much. Some folks have voiced concerns with Hayward VSP's on the forum. But I would not call it an avalanche of issues.

What a while for others to chime in. Their will most likely be other opinions!!

Take care.

 

[ajw22]

If you are planning for automation then start with the end in mind. You want a VS pump. You say you have an old but working heater so some day soon it will need to be replaced. Do you intend to ever put in a SWG? Any plans for lighting?

Automation works best with equipment all from one vendor. Mixing vendors equipment can be an automation nightmare if you are not technically savvy.

So deciding on the brand VS pump sets you on a direction with the brand heater someday and what automation will then work with the equipment.

People here have different opinions about Pentair, Hayward, or DIY automation. You will find people will advocate for what they have.

 

[fruzmatik]

If you are planning for automation then start with the end in mind. You want a VS pump. You say you have an old but working heater so some day soon it will need to be replaced. Do you intend to ever put in a SWG? Any plans for lighting?

That was my thought....figured it would be better to plan for automation now and slowly add components when budget allows.

1. First investment will likely be some kind of robotic cleaner.
2. Yes I would like to convert to salt water eventually (SWG?)
3. Agreed the the heater will likely need to be replaced in the near future...(and the vinyl liner - not sure if that matters)
4. Lighting is not a priority for me.

With this in mind, any recommendations?

 

[ajw22]

That was my thought....figured it would be better to plan for automation now and slowly add components when budget allows.

1. First investment will likely be some kind of robotic cleaner.
2. Yes I would like to convert to salt water eventually (SWG?)
3. Agreed the the heater will likely need to be replaced in the near future...(and the vinyl liner - not sure if that matters)
4. Lighting is not a priority for me.

With this in mind, any recommendations?

I like Pentair. I have a Pentair Intellichlor IC40 SWG and Pentair Mastertemp 400K BTU heater. No VS pump yet and 18 yo Jandy automation.

Next upgrade will be to Pentair VS pumps and Pentair automation. And replacing my Polaris 380 with a Pentair or Dolphin robot pool cleaner.

That's the direction I am heading as things need replacement.

 

[jm1]

I've had a Raypak 165VSP for going on 2 years. I wish the timing function were more intuitive and/or used a clock, but the cost savings on electricity has been great for us here in Northern CA (31cents/KwH). I believe if you pay high electric rates, a variable is a great savings, especially with a rebate.

I run the pump pretty much 24/7, although at a very low speed for most of that time. I just readjusted the time and speeds this morning, now that the weather is warming up and the temperature is up 10 degrees in the pool. I wrote up a longer set of thoughts on this for TPP, which should be here: My experience with the Raypak 1.65VSP (aka Speck/Badu 1.65))

Or you can try a search for "My Experience with the" and find it.

 

[shoot-straight]

pentail inelliflo i think for me. its awesome. well worth the $$ so far as i can tell, i can hardly tell a differece in my electric bills.

 

[pooldv]

The Pentair SuperfloVS and Hayward MaxfloVS are both great pumps. If you plan to go with Pentair automation down the road then the Intelliflo is a better choice. The Hayward Aquarite SWG is probably the most popular SWG around here. It is very user friendly, easier to control and use and the replacement cells are cheaper than Pentair. Although, I'm plenty happy with my Pentair Intellichlor SWG and it is starting its 7th swim season.