Variable speed pump

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Pbarry

Pbarry

New member
Apr 21, 2020
3
Cincinnati Ohio
Just had a variable speed pump installed and have a pool heater as well. Whenever I go out to my pool the heater isn’t running and the code “flo” is displayed. The pump is working..but what’s the point of a variable speed pump if it isn’t pumping enough to engage the heater. Thoughts/advice. Thanks.
 
Welcome to TFP.

What VS pump do you have? What speed are you running it at?

What model pool heater do you have?

Yes, heaters have flow /pressure switches and SWG's have flow switches and you need to run a VS pump fast enough to satisfy both. Exactly what speed depends on the specifics of your equipment and plumbing.

Please create your signature with details of your pool and equipment so we can understand your entire situation.
 
P,

Heaters are very restrictive to water flow... My guess is that you will have to run at 1500 to 1800 RPM to make the heater work.

But, even at 1800 RPM, you will still save 60 to 70% on your electric bill compared to a single speed pump.

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
I just had a pentair superflo vs pump installed. My heater is a Hayward summit xl. I’m outside right now. My pump is showing a speed of 2400 and the heater isn’t going it displays “flo”. But if I turn the pump off and back on and it “primes” the heater kicks on. I would think 2400 is enough flow. Pictures of each attached. Thanks.
 

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Depends on what equipment you have and your plumbing setup.

Start the other way at max RPM and lower the RPM until you find the lowest the HP will work. Then add 200 rpm.

What filter do you have? What is your filter pressure? When did you last clean the filter?
 
It is possible your water pressure switch is out of adjustment or just set too high .
I also have a heat pump heater (not a Hayward ), and when I first installed my VS pump (same one as yours) , I couldnt get the heater to run unless the pump was up to at least 2400/2500 rpm. I was disapointed, like you I wondered what good a VS pump is, if I had to run it at 2500 whenever I wanted to have pool heat. Well I called the Manufacturer , and the tech suggested I check and adjust the water pressure "switch" . I checked mine and was able to lower it as it was too high . Now I can get the pool heater to run at about 1500/1600 rpm saving me a lot of electric with my new VS pump install (which was the whole point of a VS pump, lol ) . I dont have a Hayward heat pump heater , but I did find your owners manual online, and it does mention the water pressure switch when you get a FLO error code.

From the Hayward manual pertaining to the FLO code ...............
Possible causes:
- The filter is in backwash position.
- The filter pump is stopped.
- The filter is dirty.
- Shortage of water to pool pump.
- Water pressure switch must be adjusted or it is broken.

Its a fairly simple, common pressure switch, you just turn the wheel to adjust it up or down . Something to check and/or adjust at least ?
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Pbarry said:
My pool temp is 67 today. I think my kids are going to jump in. I’m in Cincinnati. They need something to do.
Click to expand...

I am glad someone is going swimming instead of looking for problems to work on.

My pool temp is 50F. Its open but haven't ventured in yet.
 

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Our pool temperature is 85F today. Was great to get in and cool off as our high temperatures are pushing 100F.
 
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