correct pump for my filter

[mike in arkansas]

HI all, Just found this forum so signed in-- my first post!
I have a 15x30 AG pool. It has a 26" sand filter with 1.5 hp motor. Looking at some of the FAQs i see that is probably too big for the filter. Though the water is crystal clear. the pool gets used almost every day by 2-4 people for about an hour or so. I run a solar heater so i run the pump for 5 hours from 12-5PM when the sun is hitting the heater.

Any suggestions as to the ideal size motor for this pool. What does a 2 speed pump buy me? Does the fact that I am running the water through a solar heater (4x20') require the bigger pump?

Looking forward to lots of good info on this site. I have already learned a bunch!

Thanks to all,
Mike

[aylad]

Hi mike,

I would say that your motor is oversized for your filter, and for your pool. Do you ever have problems with sand and other debris blowing back into the pool through your returns?

I have a 1 hp motor on my 18 x 36 pool, and it does just fine. I would think a 1 hp or maybe even a 1/2 hp would work for yours, but one of the equipment gurus on this forum should be by shortly to comment on that.

Welcome to the group!!

[BigDave]

It depends on the model of your pump. There's alot of shenanigans when it comes to pump sizing / hp rating and it's even worse for above ground pumps. Can you give us the pump and motor particulars? manufacturer, model, horsepower, service factor.

[mas985]

AG pump labels tend to be inflated and so appear much bigger than they actually are. What is the pump and filter make & model number?

Also, are your panels elevated or on the ground?

[mike in arkansas]

Good morning and happy Independence Day to y'all.
My filter is an EcoKleer26" sand filter with an EcoKleer pump Model SD-15-1N1CC, Part # PK-1150-6P. Not sure what the service factor is (or even means!). There is a sticker on the pump that says HP 1.5 SPL. The 'official' label on the motor simply says "HP --" with no specific value given.
The solar heater is on the ground on a 45 degree framework to face the sun better but it is at the level of the pump so the water does not have to be raised up.

Blessings on you folks,
Mike

[aylad]

Look on the label and see if you see a "SF" with a number after it, like 1.2 or 1.5--that's your service factor.

Happy Independence Day!!

[mike in arkansas]

I DO see and SF number -- followed by ---- i.e. "SF ----"
Bummer!

Mike

[mas985]

HP 1.5 SPL is a "special" rating which indicates that the pump is double up rated and is equivalent to a 3/4 HP full rated or a 1 HP up rated pump. So in fact, the pump is pretty small.

[mike in arkansas]

So if i understand pumps -- having a smaller pump (3/4-1 HP) is not all bad given the size of my filter and pool! IF I WERE to change pumps what is the value of a two speed pump?
Thanks for all your help to a newbie,

Mike

[aylad]

Yes, you're right that hving the smaller pump is a good thing given the size of your filter....but I'll have to defer to Pooldoc or Mark about the 2 speed pumps :)

Janet

[mas985]

You can always benefit from a two speed pump. On low speed, flow rate is about 1/2 of high speed but energy use is 1/4. So for the same turnover, you can save about 50% in energy costs. Filtering also seems to work better on low speed.

However, there are a few downsides. The lower flow rate means the skimmers will not work as well nor a automatic cleaner if have one. But you compensate but running some at high speed and mostly at low speed.

[mike in arkansas]

Thanks again Janet-- by the way, in your signature line there is a box to click on get the testkits you need. When I click on that, it says i am not authorized to go there!! seems like that would be helpful info for a newbie!

Mike

[PoolDoc]

90% of the people currently in "Trial" status should have already been upgraded. But, I'm running behind. However, I *think* all the holidays, interruptions, events, etc. are over for a month . . . and Watermom should have her power back anytime now . . . so I have high hopes of getting "Getting Started" emptied, and fixing a bunch of things around here that need fixing.

[mike in arkansas]

Thats a relief -- I thought it was me -- you didn't like me!!

I STILL love this site!!

Mike

[stevens23]

Good info!!! What would a good size sand filter and pump be for agp 15x26? I am thinking of switching my cartridge type in my package. I am really interested in the 2 speed pump but not sure if they will offer it in a package for me.

[Watermom]

and Watermom should have her power back anytime now . . .

So, Ben, does that mean you missed me around here while my power was off for 7 days? ;):p;) (Back on last night. YAY!!):)

[stevens23]

Well, got my money back for the down payment on the pool. waiting for now. Gonna do some prep work first and most likely buy a hot tub first. Something I can use 365 days a year. Gotta move my shed, and remeasure. Also, I will be going with a different pool company that only sells Doughboy pools. Pool is much cheaper, but does not include excavating.

More headaches. UGH!