1.5hp 2-speed pump for 8k gallons? and...

15 years ago

First, I'm a total newbie. I've only been reading about pools for 2 weeks.

This is for a round above ground pool. Roughly 8200 gallons. Waterways pump and 200sf filter. I couldn't get the 1hp with two speeds, so I may just get this 1.5hp.

The 200sf filter comes with a 2hp pump, but I was able to switch it with the 1.5pump. I'm planning on running it on low mostly.

The pool will come with a 1.5 inch pipe now. Can I increase it to 2" rigid?

Well, the above was decided on as of a few days ago, but after more reading, I'm starting to think it is overkill and would want a variable speed pump OR a smaller size 2 speed. But there is more to consider.

Question: Is the Pentair intelliflo VF just for inground pools? If not, would this be a good fit for my pool? I have come to this conclusion because I also want a SWC installed and I'm looking at the Pool pilot total control system with tank, and all the sensors etc.. Possibly the 48 size. Now I need to have the system run for a certain amount of hours per day. That is the reason I would think the 1.5 is too big and a variable speed on low would be better for my application. There would be way too many turnovers. This way, the salt system would work and I would be saving energy usage.

Also, I would be able to control the swg from the pump, right? I would not need a timer in this setup. At least that is what I understand. I'm on brain overload here! I was planning on buying the setup this week.

It will just be the pool with no other attatchements. Not sure of my automatic cleaner yet. That is secondary and I'll do whatever I have to to get this other stuff sorted out first. If I have to get a dedicated unit because there is too low of a flow, I will.

I know the quick answer is "No way, overkill", but it would save some energy, operate the swg, and run the pool for the desired turnovers while producing the proper chlorine. Any other options? I like to keep it simple. That is why I'm leaning towards the Pilot total control system. No timer would be great too.

Any suggestions? thank you.

PS Or I would get the waterways 1.5 2peed pump with 200sf filter and an Aquatrol swg and call it a day. I like my first idea better, if it works.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

mikethepoolguy
15 years ago
All this stuff is way overkill for a 8000 gal AG. I like the 2- speed pump though, run it on high only 1-2 hours a day, otherwise low speed. A digital auto pilot will operate a 2-speed pump. The Intelliflo is overkill bigtime and would probably cost more than the pool itself. The 36 cell would be plenty, the 48 would just last longer.
cissado
Original Author
15 years ago
Re- "A digital auto pilot will operate a 2-speed pump"

Yes, but wouldn't I need a timer for that? If I got the intelliflo, I was thinking the cost of the timer and install, etc.. would go towards the intelliflo which doesn't need a timer, PLUS the energy savings to boot. PLUS I wanted to run it long enough for the swg to work. The 1.5hp may not run long enough for that, right? Should I search for a 1hp?

Again, this is just from what I've been reading lately. I respect your opinions. thanks for the reply.

I'm happy to get the 1.5hp 2-speed, as it is for a very good price.
Related Discussions
2 speed pump
Q
Comments (8)
Given that she said a 550 sq. ft. filter, I assume this a Blue Haven pool and Hayward equipment. They have the only 550 that I know of and it's OEMed from Hayward. That means if she has a salt cell and/or heater, there may be low speed flow issues. A 2-1/2 HP is a BIG pump. Unless the equipment is more than 100 feet from the pool and has only 2" plumbing, this is too much pump. The Energy Solution pump, at 2 HP with it's variable speed drive would, IMHO, be better suited. It alleviates the flow concerns and still saves power. If an automation system is in place, it can set a high speed run period so the skimmer(s) work. At low speeds, there won't be enough flow for that. If there is no automation, a Pentair VS-SVRS with it's built in timers is a better option yet. That also might mean that changing the other equipment to Pentair makes sense for the added warranty. Then you would use a Clean and Clear Plus 520 sq. ft. filter and be able to get replacement cartridges anywhere. The BH OEM 550 unit replacements, AFAIK, must come from BH. Scott
...See More
Do we need additional pump for solar? (2-story)
Q
Comments (7)
I would be concerned that you won't get enough water movement at the skimmer with the solar working off that pump too. I have a separate pump for waterfalls and a booster for my pool sweep. I also have a 1 1/2 for my pool that also runs my solar. I notice that with just the solar and filter on the same motor I don't get the same skimmer action with the solar on. I think it is smart to have another pump, just so you aren't having to mess with not enough pressure for the skimmer. We used Aztec and they were good. Also, don't know if it was a misprint, but Aztec was giving you bigger panels. You can always turn the solar down if it is too hot, but you can only get as much heat as you have panels. We got the most panels we could put on our roof and are happy about that. We swim earlier in the season than our neighbors and keep it about 88 degrees in the summer- no problem. Hope this helps. BTW- You might want to investigate a variable speed instead for all your pumps? Might not cost as much to upgrade at this stage of the game.
...See More
Multi speed pump for energy efficiency
Q
Comments (12)
I agree with Kelly. 2 speed pumps are the way to go when looking at turning a pool with the lowest monthly energy bill combined with lowest initial cost. Variable speed pumps are expensive because of the technology. They have expensive electronic variable speed drives and permananent magnet motors. The permanent magnet motors are slightly more efficient than the standard, low cost induction motors that are in 2 speed and single speed pumps. The bigger efficiency gain is with speed reduction which reduces head pressure and significantly improves gpm/watt efficiency. Both 2 speed pumps and variable speed pumps offer this efficiency gain. Variable speed pumps are expensive and have features that cater to a small market where comfort and sound are important (examples, multiple power settings on spa jets or multiple flows/sounds from water features). 2 speed pumps offer these same features, just not as many levels of control, cost a lot less and are simple to apply and control. OK...I'll get off my soap box....sorry, I work in the HVAC industry and we had this technology debate a decade ago and variable speed technology remains a niche market today that caters to a select few applications while 2 speed technology is gaining market share year over year. So, to answer the original questions: 1. Yes. 2 speed pumps work as advertised, as do variable speed pumps. The differences are cost and the level of speed control. Both offer better efficiency because of lower head pressure at lower speed. 2. With solar heat, longer run cycles are needed to extract the heat from the solar panels throughout the day, so a small single stage pump with large plumbing all the way up to the panels would be the best. Size the pump to match the solar panel system head loss. My guess is this pump will be no more than .75 HP unless your application has unusually long plumbing runs or solar panel elevations and I would recommend at least 2" plumbing even with a .75 HP pump. PVC pipe is cheap and the reduced head pressure will translate to better efficiency that will payback day after day. The solar panel mfg. should be able to help with pump selection based on your particular application (i.e. how far are the plumbing runs from pump to panels and how high are the panels). A 2 speed pump is not needed for this application and would only be overkill as high speed would never be needed for the solar panels. 3. Trickling Spa or Roaring Overflowing Spa....to each, his own. Some people may prefer the trickling while others the roar. 2 speed pumps will offer both. Variable speed pumps will offer a trickle or a roar and everything in between at a cost! Having control over the spa jet power will also be nice with a 2 speed. Variable speed will offer more levels of power control, but at a cost! I personally have 2 of the Jandy SHPM 2.5-2 pumps on my pool as well as some other very small pumps for other water features. One of the 2 speeds was selected because of a need for brief high speed operation for a floor cleaning system and the other 2 speed pump is used to control sound and water flow on 3 waterfalls depending on the desired mood. Hope this helps.
...See More
Variable Speed Pump Schedule
Q
Comments (31)
ncrealestateguy...as head loss changes, the Intelliflo VF is designed to increase or decrease speed to maintain the same flow. As a filter gets dirty, the head loss increases which decreases flow. The VF senses this decrease in flow and increases pump speed to maintain the flow setpoint. When you record your VF power, you'll find the power consumed with a dirty filter will be higher than what it is after cleaning. If your pump was a VS, 2 speed or 1 speed, you would find the power is lower with a dirty filter ( from above rmrc12 reported a 50 watt difference with a VS). This is how pool pumps (a centrifugal pump design) behave when speed is constant and head loss increases. The VF, however, increases speed as the filter gets dirty which consumes more power. When you post your power results before and after cleaning, please also post the rpm for each. Clearly, the more frequently you clean the filter, you'll notice less power difference but with an Intelliflo VF, the dirty filter power will always be higher than the clean filter power...that't the way it was designed. Hope this helps.
...See More
trhought
15 years ago
cissado-

If I were making this decision, here's what I would do. Get a quoation for the variable speed installed and a quotation for the 2 speed installed. Knowing this cost difference, then calculate how much money the variable speed will save over the 2 speed each year to find out how many years you will have to operate the variable speed pump for it to return your investment. From previous threads on this forum, the variable speed at lower speed will use about 300-500 watts. A smaller 2 speed at low speed will use about 600-700 watts. Using your local electricity rate ($/KWH) multiplied by KWH saved per week multiplied by the number of hours ran per week at low speed will give an estimate how much money saved per week and how many weeks it will take to recover the extra cost for the variable speed. In my case, I went with a 2 HP 2 speed over the variable speed because it would have taken over 10 years to recover the extra cost of the variable speed at $.07/KWH electricity rate.

At higher speeds, the variable speed will use about the same energy as a 2 speed so this should not be included in your calculation, especially since high speed will only be used for short durations each day.

Also keep in mind, with an AG pool, how many years do you think you will operate the pool.....be honest with yourself when pondering this question.

Hope this helps.
cissado
Original Author
15 years ago
You're right. If i can get 5 good years out of this pool, I'm good. First pool, so I have no idea what to expect. I got caught up and thought the VS/VF might be the way to go. Still not 100% sure, but I may just go with the 1.5 2-speed. It's a fraction of the price, and unfortunately my money tree in the yard is dying. Ha!

So, I'm looking at the 1.5hp 200sf cartridge filter, pool pilot total control system for an 8k AG pool.

Can you point me to an auto cleaner? Suction or fully auto? Or do I not have a choice with AG? More reading!!! I'm hoping to buy the pool tomorrow. I can always get the cleaner later when I decide on one.

thanks.

So, am I all set like this? Anything else I should know/do? Is it a good idea, in my set up, to plumb it with 2 inch PVC instead of the 1.5 inch flex that the pool will come with?

BTW, our rates here in NJ are .16+/kwh They keep going up. If they hit .20/kwh I won't be surprised. Ouch. Plus the fact I have to get a timer and connect it... $200-$400? Who knows? ARGGGG!!! Buyer's remorse before I've even bought the darned thing!!

ha ha. thanks!
cissado
Original Author
15 years ago
OK... I was told to connect the pump to be controlled by the pool pilot, but I just realized the pump is not 220volts. It is 115v.

Should I look for a 220 pump to go along with the 220v pool pilot setup? Any recommendations on a high efficiency 220v pump? Now I can explore a 1hp 2-speed if feasible. Is it? Not sure if I can go that low. On paper it looks to be that way.

Any specific brands or model numbers?

1.5hp 2-speed pump for 8k gallons? and...

Comments (5)

mikethepoolguy

cissado
Original Author

Related Discussions

trhought

cissado
Original Author

cissado
Original Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

1.5hp 2-speed pump for 8k gallons? and...

Comments (5)

mikethepoolguy

cissadoOriginal Author

Related Discussions

trhought

cissadoOriginal Author

cissadoOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

cissado
Original Author

cissado
Original Author

cissado
Original Author