View Full Version : Two-Speed Pump Considerations...
Hi,
My electric company is still offering a $200 rebate on two-speed pump installations so I think I'll replace a 20 year-old "watt-guzzling" single-speed dinosaur that came with the house. The pool is 16x32, 21000 gallons w/no spa. Current filter is a Pentair SMBW 2036 DE.
Would a 3/4 horsepower Hayward or Pentair be sufficent, or are there better brands?
Thanks,
Jon
mas985
03-07-2007, 08:10 PM
A 3/4 HP should be more than enough assuming no water features or pressure/suction cleaner. You only need 45 GPM for an 8 hour turnover so you will get much more than that with a 3/4 HP.
Sta-Rite also makes a two-speed pump. I would stick with either Hayward, Pentair or Sta-Rite for high efficiency quality pumps.
Thanks for the reply...
I went ahead and ordered a Super Pump II 1HP (smallest HP on the SCE qualifying list). Question though...
Once connected, do two-speed pumps regulate the AC themselves or is it controlled elsewhere?
Thanks again,
Jon
MarkC
03-09-2007, 01:04 PM
Some of the pump motors have a toggle switch on them that allows you switch from low to high. That's what mine has.
Thanks Mark,
Which setting do you use? Is "low" adequate in most circumstances?
CarlD
03-10-2007, 01:28 PM
I have a 1hp Hayward Superpump and I run it on Lo 95% of the time, and I run solar panels as well.
If you have a sand filter, you will find it performs better as it has more time to trap junk.
Thanks Carl,
In the summer on "low", how many hours a day do you usually run your Superpump?
Jon
CarlD
03-11-2007, 05:12 PM
Usually about 10 to 12 hours. Since it's so quiet and energy-efficient I don't worry about it running too much. I like to keep it running during daylight hour for the solar panels to keep the water warm, and about 2 hours in the night just to keep the water circulated if I added anything.
Very good... thanks. It arrives tomorrow. Hopefully the wiring will be easy. Can you believe it's 90 degrees here in SoCal! If I had your solar panels the kids would be in the pool today... in March even!
Thanks again,
Jon
MarkC
03-15-2007, 04:00 PM
I run my pump on low for everything but priming and spring cleanup after opening. 10 hours a day.
thepoolman1
03-26-2007, 03:02 PM
JWB, most, if not all, utilities require that there be an automatic control capable of controlling the 2-speed capacity of your pump installed along with the 2-speed pump. Without this you won't qualify for the rebate. While some 2-speed pumps may come with the toggle switch, I haven't seen one in many years. Get a reputable pro to do it.