What Speed for Pentair VSP and IC40 to not trigger low flow

[mchartra]

Gang: I have a Pentair Intelliflo VSP and IC40. The pool builder had suggested running the pump 24hrs a day since it's so energy efficient and this would maintain crystal clear water.

I run the pump around 2,000 rpm 7x24 but it triggers low flow error on the IC40.

Questions:

1) Should I run the pump 7x24 and if so, at what speed? Or should I add a higher speed cycle and if so, what speed and how long?

2) Does the SWG still run if it detects low flow?

3) How often do you acid wash your SWG? Mine has never been done (2 MI seasons) but it was never suggested from the PB on open/close that it should be done. I did order the kit though looking at the cell plates they really wasn't any buildup -they looked completely clean.

29K pool with Intelllitouch panel if that helps.

Many thanks!

 

[BestJoeyEver]

1. Run the pump as long as you need to to achieve proper skimming/keep the pool clean. This will depend on your pool. You'll need to experiment. Base your swg percentage off your run time. The time is what's important, the speed doesn't matter to the swg so long as it has the minimum flow.

2. No, the purpose of the flow switch is to make sure that the swg doesn't build up dangerous levels of chlorine gas while there is insufficient water flow to take it out of the cell. The IC20-40-60 line requires a minimum of 20gpm through the cell. The speed required for this will vary based on your plumbing setup, how much head you have, etc.

3. I clean my IC40 when I take it out when I close the pool. As per the directions. The dry buildup I feel is worse for it than the acid wash. Wash yours after one season, if it doesn't bubble/foam when you add the acid, it didn't need cleaning. Next time wash it after two.

 

[Jimrahbe]

M,

Welcome to TFP... A Great resource for all pool owners that only post once every four years...

Did you really join us back in 2013 or is that an error on our part???

No one here can tell you the answer to your flow issue because it depends on your specific plumbing..

For reference, my flow switch closes at 1,100 RPM. Your 2,000 RPM sounds high to me, but since you have not completed your signature we have no idea what your pool/spa set up is.

I run my pump 24/7 because I want too, but if I had to run it at 2,000 RPM I'd rethink the 24/7 mode of operation.

My suggest would be to increase your RPM by 100 RPM and see if the flow light goes green. If still red, then increase by another 100 RPM, and repeat until you get the flow light to turn green. Then add an additional 100 RPM and use that RPM.

When was the last time you cleaned your filter? And what kind of filter do you have??? A dirty filter can have a great effect on the amount of water flowing back to your pool and can cause the IC40 to not have enough flow to close the flow switch.

Thanks for posting,

Jim R.

 

[LapPoolMike]

I have same SWG and same/similar pump and run my pump 11hrs/day and have crystal clear water. I have to run my pump at 1725 rpm to not get IC40 low flow errors, but my plumbing is not ideal around SWG, will be reworking it and hope to be able to lower speed somewhat. I have to run IC40 9hrs/day at 100% output to replenish 2ppm/day of FC loss, but I'm in Florida where it's much hotter. I second the suggestion to make sure your filter is clean.