After reading a lot of posts about variable speed (VS) pumps, I am really trying to come up with a cost benefit rationale to install one or even a dual speed pump for that matter.

My set up: 13K dual spillover pool-spa; 2nd story roof solar; polaris floor sweep; 2 HP 1 spd. pump; 2" lines; loc: So.Cal.; Goldline PS-4 Salt water generator setup (thinking I;ll need a new control board ($$$) to run a VS pump .

My quandries:

1. Wouldn't the VS pump need to run at the higher speeds for my "solar panel season" (currently 4 -5 months)? Doesn't a roof solar setup's need for speed dig fairly deep into the cost savings of a VS pump? (curious: why couldn't I run the VS pump at high speed just long enough to get a flow circuit going in the solar lines, then program it to throttle back after running/circulating a few minutes)? Does this work to favor a VS pump?


2. Might the VS' slower speeds make for an anemic or feeble looking cascade from my dual spillover spa; I see this feeble cascade look whenever my filter needs cleaning: should that not be an indication of what I can expect running the VS pump at the low, cost effective speeds. For that matter, wouldn't even a dual speed cause that?

Help: I am someone desparate to turn off all those 75 watt light bulbs that burn for every hour my 2HP runs (I understand its like 12 or 14 of those bulbs - hourly!!!. ) To go with a VS set up looks like it is around $1600 to $2400. Dual speed: $600.

But heck, maybe neither a VS or a dual speed will work in my set up, meaning of course, work and at a cost savings.

NOTE: For those willing to post your thoughts about this, rest assured that you will be spared when we take over your planet. End of note.