VSP Pump Scheduling Questions

[thewalk]

Hi all, I wanted to get some insights on the best setup for my Pentair VSP. I just moved to a new house and am learning the ins and outs of a saltwater pool as I go, particularly now heading into the summer swim season. First question, how reliable is the flow rate measurement on these pumps? I have the option to run at GPM rather than RPMs

I have an iAqualink RS and discovered that my pump is run locally so my options for automation include on/off schedules through the iAqualink or setting up schedules at the pump and basically having it run 24/7.

Right now my set up is running 2150 rpms from 12a-6am and this seems to utilize around 2-3 kWh. I've recently learned that it's probably better to run ata low flow rate most of the day and then have a few time intervals to run at higher rpm but can't find a consensus on how high that rpm should be and for how long.

My considerations are the following:
1) Time of Day Electric Pricing - I am in NorCal and the summer pricing is highest between noon and midnight with super peak pricing from 5-8pm and extra overnight incentive from 12a to 6a.
2) SWG is Aquapure 1400plc and requires a minimum 20gpm flow to work
3) Heater (likely to not use much during the summer) requires 40gpm to work
4) Pool Polaris vacuum has dedicate single speed booster pump. When VSP and booster pump are both operating at high RPMs I get significant valve release flow at the pressure release valve.
5) My spa has an overflow so running the pool constantly might increase pH via aeration? Not sure how big of a concern this would be.

All the above, I was considering the following setup on my Intellipro VSP:
1) Program 1: Manual constant run at 20gpm (or slightly above to ensure SWG cell is getting enough flow).
2) Program 2: Schedule RPM at high speed (2150 rpm chosen arbitrarily; open to suggestions if this should be higher or lower) for 2 hours from midnight to 2am.
3) Program 3: Egg timer to run slightly over 40gpm to supply heater. I would turn this on manually on the select nights we are using the hot tub.
4) Program 4: There is an additional slot (also programs 5-8 for scheduling) but I don't see much use for this at the moment.

This set up would get me about 3x volume turnover each day. Additionally, I would set up my iAqualink to run the booster pump for vacuuming from 2:30am to 6:00am.

The only thing I could do that would increase my efficiency is set the iAqualink to turn off entirely from 5-8pm on weekdays but since the iAqualink is purely "off" or "on" for this pump, I am not sure if this would effect the time on the VSP when there is no power running to it. I calculate that turning off at this time would save approximately 20-30 cents per day at my estimated power usage for 20 gpm.

Once I have this all ironed out I can figure out my ideal SWG cell chlorination percentage.

Thanks in advance for taking the time to read this, and I look forward to your insights.

 

[PoolStored]

Run the pump for a reason. Both speed and duration.
Mix chemicals: Low speed for 1/2 hour is fine.
SWG: Clean filter flow off speed + 200RPM, for whatever duration you need for the % output of the SWG.
Filter: Low speed is better for filtering. Filter long enough so you are happy with the water.
Skim: Run the lowest speed that get you sufficient skimming. Run for long enough to get the results you want.
Heater: Run at the speed that gives you enough flow for the heater and run for the duration you need to heat.
Vacuum: sufficient RPM to operate the vacuum for as long as necessary to clean satisfactorily.

Program 1 makes sense. Not sure the reason for program 2. Program 3 makes sense.
Does 20GPM work for the vacuum? Does 20GPM work for skimming?

 

[thewalk]

Thanks for the quick response. I guess what I was finding online is that the low speed is for "general circulation" as well as for chlorination in a SWG pool. There were a few videos showing increased electrical efficiency running it this way versus a few hours at high RPM achieving the same turn over amount. The higher speed, as I understand it, is for "cleaning and filtration," which was my thought process for program 2. But I really have no concept of what RPM/GPM or duration is needed to achieve that goal. It sounds like this will just be a bit of trial and error for the most part.

Does 20GPM work for the vacuum? Does 20GPM work for skimming?

I would need to check this. The vacuum has a dedicated "booster" pump, so I think should be fine even if the VSP was off, but it is an easy check. What is the best way to check skimming? Sometimes I put a sock with CYA in it to allow it to enter the system slowly via the skimmer. When I take it out to clean, it leaves a cloud, which goes away in a few seconds, so I figured that would be a good way to check if I am getting enough flow. Open to other ideas.

To your point, the lower speed also allows me to reduce the SWG chlorination percentage. I understand that's just a frequency of time on and time off but it seems most people advocate for running for a longer time at a lower percentage.

Fortunately, outside of a few rainstorms in the winter, the pools stay pretty clean in my area, so running a few hours each night has worked well for me thus far.

 

[PoolStored]

It sounds like this will just be a bit of trial and error for the most part.

Yes. Run the pump for a reason.

What is the best way to check skimming?

Run your RPM at a level, and a duration that cleans your pool to your satisfaction.

I understand that's just a frequency of time on and time off but it seems most people advocate for running for a longer time at a lower percentage.

I run low speed (1400) 24/7. It skims, makes chlorine and filters just fine...Maybe $20/month for the pump electricity.
When I want to heat, I run 2200RPM which is min. GPM for the heater.

Again, run the pump for a reason. See post #2.