What VS pump would be best?

[timjet]

Moved from here.
I have an Easytouch 4 with spa control for pool automation and a single speed pump. The pump works fine but I'm considering upgrading to a variable speed or 2 speed pump.
First, is the Easytouch unit able to seamlessly integrate with a 2 speed or variable speed pump,
Second, since my current single speed pump is operating normally, is the cost savings in electricity worth the cost of the upgrade or would it make more sense to upgrade when my current single speed pump needs replacing. And also 2 speed or variable speed.
I know the answer to my second question is somewhat subjective, but I'll like to get the collective opinion of the folks on this forum.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Tim,

For the EasyTouch to control a 2-speed pump, you will need to install a Pentair 2-speed relay and use it in combination with your existing Pump/Filter relay..

The EasyTouch is designed to control IntelliFlo style VS pumps... To do this the pump comes with an RS-485 serial cable that gets connected to the EasyTouch's com port.

The basic idea is that you assign speeds to the Circuits you want to use.. When a circuit turns on, the pump will go to that speed. As an example, here is a list of my speeds.. You can see when I am in the Pool mode I'm running at about 1200 RPM, but if Skim low, Skim High, or Waterfall turn on, the pump will run at the assigned speeds.

Set up page 4.JPG

• Jimrahbe
• Apr 19, 2019

For reference, I run my 3 HP IntelliFlo 24/7, mostly at 1200 RPM, for less than $20 bucks a month. Your cost savings would depend on how long you currently run your pump and your electrical costs.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[timjet]

Thanks for that Jim.
My setup is pretty simple. Spa and Pool with currently a single speed pump. The water flows from the pump into the Spa and from there overflows through the spillway into the pool. Some water from the pump also goes to the pool jets.
In spa mode all the water goes into the spa and also is taken from the spa so the spillway doesn't work (no overflow from the spa into the pool.

So pretty simple. With a VS pump would I need to run at different speeds? Is it more efficient to run 24/7 at a lower speed?

 

[Jimrahbe]

Tim,

The nice thing about a VS pump is that you can run at a low RPM, when in the pool mode and then a faster RPM when in the spa..

It is not a requirement that you change speeds, it is just an option. The slower the pump runs the less it costs to run it.. As I said about, my pump runs 24/7 and cost me less than $20 bucks a month.

The real decision is about the initial cost, as obviously the VS pump cost more to buy, but less to run.

Thanks,

Jim R.