Variable Speed Pool Pumps

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:wave: Welcome to TFP elemental

I'm with zea3 on this. IF, if you do have a 120 volt pump now then going to 240 would necessitate new breakers at the main box and the sub panel. They just pull out and the new ones snap in. Yes you do need to take the covers off and detach the wire but I think they are trying to price you out of the VS. No clue why.
I've see so many threads where people are asking if something is normal or why the pool service guy or builder is recommending something and usually it's not. I tend to think it's money but I'm sure there's a bit of this is how we've always done it or not fully understand something makes them choose and easier method for THEM !!
Maybe they bought a whole bunch of singles to get a price break and then push to get customers to take them rather then going VS ??
 
That seems like a lot of money to install a pump. It only took us a couple of hours to put ours in, and that included gluing in some new PVC for the unions. I agree it would be a little more work if you need to up the electrical, but $400 still sounds crazy.
 
Pentair makes a 1.5 HP Superflo VS that accepts 115-230v. Just disconnect the wires from old pump and connect to the Superflo. It can't get any easier. I bet you have 1.5" mpt threaded coupler and your current company has no idea what a threaded to slip union is. Any company that leads a client away from a VS pump is irresponsible and should be ashamed of themselves. A lot of two speed pumps won't move enough water on low speed for a heater, so they get used at full speed most of the time, total waste. A VS pump allows you to dial in the proper flow to reduce energy consumption. Your heater might like 1900 rpm and a two speed can't give you that.
 
Does your existing pump connected with unions - screw type connectors? Or is it solid connections? If unions, then yes, it should be a pretty easy install. I replaced my Pentair SuperFlo 1HP single speed with the SuperFlo VS myself as it had unions installed. So there was no need to cut/patch PVC. I have no issues with minor electrical work, so that was easy to.

So if there are unions installed, I would think it should be about 30-45 minute job for a pro. If no unions, then it will definitely add time. There is no additional electrical, unless you plan to change something. The SuperFlo VS can run at either 110 or 220, so should be able to use same circuit in panel. "May" need to run new wiring if existing is short, or looking worn.

So sounds like he is not really familiar with the pump and is assuming that he needs to redo plumbing and possibly change from 110v to 220v. But again, this should be a really easy replacement. Talk with him again, sharing that it drop-in replacement, and can run either voltage, so install is pretty easy. He may not want to do a small job, so that could be a factor for higher cost too.
 
For comparison I was quoted installed price of 1k for a 1.5 Pentair SuperFlo single speed (they didn't want to use the variable speed). I got a second quote for 2k installed for a 3 hp Pentair Intelliflo (I asked for the 1.5 SuperFlo vs). What I'm finding is places like to install whatever they normally install and most seem to be charging around $600 or so for installation portion. Note I have both 220 and 110 service available and a simple setup. I've decided to just buy a SuperFlo VS online and install myself and forgo the warranty.
 
I did lots of research on VS pumps and went with Hayward Tristar VS. The main factor was energy savings. I bought the pump off Amazon warehouse deals for $670, and my Edison electric utility gave me $250 back. After 6 months the energy savings paid it off! I installed 2 years ago and it's still working. I'm now contemplating replacing spa jet pump with a VS.
I have a IG 12k pool, 2k spa with in-floor cleaning system. The benefits I've now realized are i) energy savings, ii) adjustable throttle iii) low noise iv) timers are easier to set v) auto shutoff if prime issue, with minor drawbacks that it isn't now hooked into my convenient indoor on/off switch, and the convenience of simply replacing a $200 motor only if it fails.
I don't have much faith in pool guys. I've maintained my own pools for over 10 years and VS may have a higher up front cost, and perhaps the whole unit may fail at some point in time, but they are confirmed reliable, have been around for awhile, but still slow to take on, and now have more redundant safety features.
Another final thought is noise. My neighbor's old loud single speed pump drove me nuts and last week they installed a VS pump, saving us sleep. I now remember how loud our old pumps were and having to adjust run-times for when we didn't nap or sleep. That's worth it in itself.
 
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