Variable Speed Pump Size and Brand

[Springtxpool]

Hi,

I am looking for help to determine the appropriate variable speed pool pump to replace an existing, unpleasantly loud single speed.

Current set-up to be replaced:

• Motor: Century Centurion B855, 2HP
• Pump: looks like Star-rite Max-E-Pro

Pool specs:

• Separate cleaner pump
• Pool (19,000 Gallons) and SPA (with 6 jets)
• Min flow rate: 30-40 GPM (calculated based on 19,000 gallons/ 8-10hrs/ 60min)
• Max flow rate: 73 GPM (estimated based on 2 inch intake)
• Pool filter max flow rate: 150GPM (Pentair CCP420)
• Heater: min 40GPM and max 120 GPM (STA-RITE® MAX-E-THERM 400)
• Feed of Head: 67 (valves on skimmer intake and pool return) to 70 (SPA intake and SPA return); calculated based on measurements with vacuum gauge and pressure gauge at pump
• Distances to pump: Skimmer 1 = 25ft, Skimmer 2 = 50ft, Pool = 40ft

I am looking at the Pentair Superflow (1.5HP) or Pentair Intelliflow (3HP). Feed of head and flow rate seem to suggest to go with 2HP or bigger. I could not find any Pentair variable speed pump with 2HP. Other sites seemed to have suggest to go rather bigger than smaller to run the pump at lower load.

I am looking forward to your input on the sizing and recommendation for the pump (incl. alternatives to Pentair). Thanks in advance

 

[Jimrahbe]

stp,

Welcome to TFP... A Great resource for all pool owners that live in a Spring...

I would not install a pump smaller that the one you have now... Keep in mind that the HP of a variable Speed pump is max HP.. the great thing about them is you just set them to run at the speed (HP) you want. So having a 3 HP VS pump is like your car.. You only use the HP you need, not the MAX HP that the car engine will produce.

I am a highly biased Pentair kind of guy... I would go with the IntelliFlo 011018... It is cheaper because it is not the latest version, but still a great pump. Just make sure you DO NOT get the SVRS version, which limits your low end speed and can cause false entrapment alarms.

Here is a ref link... Pentair IntelliFlo Variable Speed Pump 011018 | Pentair 011018

Thanks for posting,

Jim R.