Replacing pool pump

I bought a house last year with a 27 foot above ground swimming pool. 17200 gallons roughly. I think I need to replace the pump because about a week before closing it for the winter last year, I accidentally ran it dry...for almost a full day before realizing it. This year, it's EXTREMELY loud and I'm waiting for the neighbors to start complaining. It still has good suction though but it's very old.

I currently have a Hayward 1.5 HP pump (not sure which one due to the label being worn down)with a Hayward sand filter. Both local pool stores I went to for advice said it would probably be better to just get a new pump and suggested a 1.5 HP pump again. I told them that I'm new to pools but I've read that I am wasting energy and don't think I need that big of a pump. They said I'd burn my motor out if I go smaller. They also had no clue about 2 speed pumps, which I'm interested in because of the energy savings. Also, they said to run it 24/7, which I do, but am finding that I don't need too.

I found a PENTAIR DYNAMO 1.5 HP 2 SPEED ABOVE GROUND POOL PUMP for $252 but don't know much about pumps so I'm wanting advise before hitting the buy option. I can't afford much more due to a VERY bad hail storm and a 2k deductible.

You don't need a 1.5 HP pump for a 17K pool. I use a 1 HP pump on my approx 29K gallon pool and it works just fine. In fact, the smaller pump might make your filter more efficient because it won't be as likely to overdrive the filter. I'll let the equipment pros chime in on the 2-speed pump question, but you are wasting money to go with a 1.5 HP pump, both in terms of price of pump itself, and also in terms of energy used.

BTW, welcome to the forum!!

Janet

Hi All;

Janet, his 1.5HP pump *may* be smaller / lower flow than your 1HP. There are sort of 3 levels of pump HP ratings: "full rate", "up rate" and above ground. The relationship between full and up rate is clear, even if it's not explained often. But I've never been able to figure out how AG ratings are generated.

JAA, if you can measure the diameter of your sand filter, and the OD of your pipes (and maybe, send some pics to poolforum.pics AT gmail DOT com), I can probably offer you some specific advice.

Ben

@ Ben
Ok, will do. I think the tubes are 1.5". the sand filter has Hayward VARI-FLO XL valve 75GPM on the label that's hard to read if that helps. I'm not there now so I can't take a picture yet but it's a large ball shaped filter.

@Janet

Thanks Janet. Would you suggest 3/4 or 1 HP?

Ben

Ok, I found the previous owners pool paperwork.

The Filter model is Swim Pro SW256T. The width shows 24-1/2". Design flow rate 80 GPM and 303 LPM (whatever that is).

The pump is Hayward Power-Fl0 1.5 hp w/ 6 foot cord... I think. Says EP Series then model ISE1541-99.

If you still need pictures, I can take cell phone pics and figure away to upload them. Thanks so much for your help Ben and Janet.