Repair guy, I realize that 29,000 gallons is more than necessary. I used the numbers I did because I was trying to compare equal gallons circulated in both scenarios. I'm assuming that, given good plumbing, it is probably not practical to slow down the intelliflo below 20 gpm. Since the power consumption is supposed to be so low at these low volume rates, I had read that you could make a good argument for leaving it run 24/7. But, yes, you could certainly reduce the run time substantially. Because it is not possible to know when it is going to be windy and because power consumption is so low, I thought that this would be a very economical way to keep the pool very free of debris that would otherwise settle to the bottom. I take it from your answer that, in windy conditions, 20 gpm is probably not adequate skimmer flow. The pool has a screened cage over it so it is only debris that can get through the screen that can get into the pool. Thanks for your time.

The heat pump, if a low flow condition exists, will sit idly by waiting until what it perceives to be a fault(low flow) is no longer the situation and will turn on its compressor and fan if the water temp below the desired range. I don't know what the Jandy's minimum flow is but there are others that will run with as little as 20 GPM. Many flow switches are adjustable. If the Jandy's is, I see no reason to not to set it for a higher requirement so that it meets your needs. If anyone knows differently, please share. Scott

To Scott (poolguynj): Thanks for the advice. I'm interpreting what you are saying to mean that I'll have to have the Intelliflo kick up from 15 GPM to 30 GPM during the time that the SWG is active (right now that's about six hours a day). I'll just set a timed Feature to coincide with the timer that the SWG is on. Similarly, you're recommending that the rate be increased to 30 GPM when I want the pool or spa to be heated. I didn't quite understand the statement that "Running at 30 GPM will allow the flow to be reduced at the result of increased resistance resulting from the filter getting dirty" so if you can clarify that for me, that would be great. To Vince (vincel): I'm probably the wrong person to ask about set-ups. Before the Intelliflo, I had a timer that turned on the old WhisperFlo pump and the SWG at the same time, running both for about six hours a day. The heater was always on a separate circuit and when I wanted heat, I simply threw a switch to either run the heater to pool temp (85) or spa temp (100) and if it was outside of the six hour period when the pump would normally be active, I threw a separate switch to send juice to the pump that would bypass the timer. Both switches were conveniently located outside of the equipment box so it was no big deal. Now the timer only impacts the SWG. The Intelliflo is hot 24/7 but the internal controls allow me to set the times its running (it's running around the clock though in order to take advantage of the lower energy costs for slow speed operation). When I want to run the heater, I just throw one switch now. Personally, I don't want the heater to be automated because I would rather have direct control over the occasional times I need it. Does that help? Thanks! Nick

Here's a perspective from a guy in the trenches. The original IntelliFlo came out several years ago. This was the 4 speed version. Suppliers knew there was a better one in the pipeline and really did not push the 4 speed as they called it "not the real one". Once the real one (VS3050, 3.2 whatever you choose to call it) came out in our area, it went into a one year pilot program in 2007 with the cooperation of Southern California Edison. Technicians were trained and held accountable for their work and watched very closely on the quality of the installations. This was done by a 3rd party in partnership with Pentair. Installations had to be perfect in terms of efficiency as we were paid a $250.00 rebate for installing and you did not get it until the job passed the inspection. These jobs were being subsidized and owners had a great chance to get in cheaply. Throughout 2007, the sell on the product was 100% on the installer. We had to sell it and gradually, news media picked up on it late in 2007 and the word was out that there was a better option. The program shut down at the end of 2007 as planned and I assume they are in evaluation mode as the paperwork states. Evaluation includes design modifications of impeller based on findings from the authorized installer network and it is geared to getting this product to the masses much cheaper. This is pretty much how every new product comes to market and is well documented through SCE. Now 2/3 of the way into 2008, the product has full name recognition although function may not be understood. I can only mention the name and just about everyone has heard it. Verified savings records sell the product. Those records are from those who have put one in and told a friend. Those who do not have one are pre-sold by the time I find them and I just need to make the final impression. I do far less work to sell the pump now but as with any industry, sales are slow due to the economy. A smart installer packages the pump with other products to make the sale ans the bottom line is the pump is doing excellent and I have never had to go out and uninstall a motor or drive on any job I have ever done. And, the fact still remains that is you put a watt meter on a standard pool motor at full speed, it will always draw more than an IntelliFlo at the same rpm. You cannot argue that fact no matter how much the word is out there that these pumps are somehow inefficient at high speeds. This myth is perpetuated by those who have never touched the pump.