New Pump/Motor for AG Pool

I've got an 18' x 36' above ground pool vinyl pool, a little over 14,000 gallons. I'm looking to replace my pumping system; I suspect that I could get by with less HP and save energy costs. I'd had the pool for 5 years, so it's just a matter of time before either the Pump or Motor will go out anyway. I'm ready to spend the money to realize energy cost savings.

The original Dealer/Installer put in a Pentair Clean and Clear Cartridge System - 150 square foot filtration area, 150 gpm, maximum working presure of 50 psi, and pressure drop at design flow of 8 psi.

They also installed a Purex-Triton Maxim Pump - model number is 39908690, and the nameplace says HP 2.0 SPL, along with an A. O. Smith Motor - BN35, 1.5 HP, rated 230/115 volts and 8/16 amps (115 volt source), and Pump Duty of 1081/1563.

I'm not sure if all of the above information is needed, but better more than less.

I never see Pump/Motor combinations of less than 1.5 HP advertised for above ground pools - my understanding is that these Pumps are self-priming as opposed to in ground pool Pumps. I'd like a better understanding on the importance of that.

Can somone give some advise on what I could go to - hopefully in the 3/4 HP range, how I would figure out how long it would need to run in order to turn the pool water over daily, and maybe suggest some specific brands and models. I'd also like to consider 2 speed models, again with energy savings in mind.

Thanks for any advice ...

You can buy separates. No reason not to. My own separates are a Hayward 210 sand filter (200# of sand) and a Hayward 2 spd 1hp pump. This is for between 19k and 20k gallons.

Someone else makes a 3/4 hp 2 spd. I would get that or the Hayward 1hp and a filter big enough to stand the full load.

Separates mean: 1) you don't have a common base--2' pavers do very nicely instead. 2) You must make your own connections between the pump and filter--that's one hose/pipe. 3) You may have to pay more than for a combo.

Also, AG pumps are usually "Uprated"--essentially inflated in HP and IG pumps are "fullrated"--more accurately rated.

Still, my dad had a 3/4 hp pump and DE filter as a unit that worked very nicely for his 13,000 gal AG pool.

Yes, I assumed I would be doing separates because I'm going to keep the filter - and I am aware that I'll have to redo the plumbing. I have a large concrete pad area about 3' x 6', so I'm already covered as far as placing a separate pump and motor on the ground.

What I'm hearing is that I don't have to be limited to shopping for above ground pumps/motors, I can get any one that is sized for my current filter that will turn the water over 2 to 3 times per day.

I had to replace my pump last summer. Al, (Poconos) is our resident pump expert and I trusted his advice about what to get for my 24ft AG pool which is about 13,000 gallons. He suggested I get a 1/2 hp inground pump and it worked well for me.

What brand and model did you get?

It is a Hayward, but I'm not sure what the model is. When the weather clears up I'll try and go out and take a look.

I have a Hayward 1hp Superpump 2 speed. It's an IG pump but I have it with an AG.

Here's my setup--using patio blocks to support everything. The motor housing has bleached from gold to silver after 5 full seasons, but everything else is great.

http://home.earthlink.net/%7Edashmanc/pool/Filter05.jpg

That pump Watermom is talking about is a Hayward Superpump and physically looks like the one in Carls picture. Only reason we didn't go with a 2-speed, which I would have preferred, is the wiring was already set up for 120 and at the time all Hayward 2-speeds were 240 as I recall. It was bought online almost 2 years ago and I believe it was from INYO pools in Florida.
Al
Edit: I have a Hayward 1 HP superpump and it past its 10th season last Summer and all I've had to do is retorque 4 bolts that hold the housings together at the beginning of the season to stop a tiny dribble. It lives in a poolhouse, out of the elements, and looks and runs as good as the day it was installed in 97. I'm a firm believer in keeping rain and crap off them.

Thanks Watermom, CarlD, and Poconos for the responses ..

I've decided to get a Hayward Above Ground Power-Flo II 1/2 HP - SP1750 - pump.

I figured that for my 18' x 36' 14,300 gallon pool the minimum flow rate for 8 hour turnover was 30 gpm, and that the max flow rate was the lessor of 44 gpm (1.5 inch pipe) or my filter - 150 square foot cartridge - 99 gpm, so it would be 44 gpm.

The pump mentioned above has a rating of 33 gpm for 50' of head - it seems to work.

Are my assumptions correct? Should I see some energy savings compared to my current purex triton maxim 1 1/2 hp pump? Is anyone familiar with this pump? I see no mention of a power plug - the instructions seem to mention wiring it into the electrical circuit. I can't believe that these pumps wouldn't have a plug.

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Well, Hayward confirmed that they have to be wired. I assume that I can but a grounded 110 volt plug from Home Depot or so and connect the loose wire end to theaded bolts/terminals on the motor - secured by nuts?