Questions on changing to a 2 speed motor on a Hayward Super II pump

[waterbear]

The Hayward filter is very undersized for this pool (and I have a guess as to who the builder might be since I have seen several pools that have been undersized on this filter). I suspect that the filter requires cleaning every week or so. particularly with the seasonal pollen problem here and the oaks. A pressure side cleaner or a robot would do a better job of keeping this pool clean than an in floor system. They ar basically worthless for the type of stuff falling into this pool!

The two speed pump would be an excellent idea and keep it 2 hp since you probably need that for the spa jets but I would also consider upgrading the filter to something larger such a a Pentair clean and clear plus for a pool that size.

[PoolDoc]

Kevin;

After reading over Waterbear's post, I realized you need to make some decisions, and let us respond to them:

1. Will the heat pump ever be brought back online? (If not, it would be best to delete that piping.)

2. Will you ever use the spa? (If not, you need to be able to fill and drain the spa, for cleaning purposes, but you do not need to size the pump to service the spa.)

3. Will you ever try to use the in-floor cleaning again? (My guess is, on this score, you should not: they don't ever seem to work very well, they are energy -- and thus, electricity HOGS -- and with leaf and grass debris they seem less effective than with dirt and dust. Again, you do not have to size for them, if you are permanently abandoning them.)

If you are abandoning the heat pump, the spa and the in-floor system, you don't need the 2HP pump. If you want to keep either the spa or in-floor system, you probably do. With the heat pump, if you want to keep it, you may need to convert the piping from side stream to full flow, if you use a 1HP pump.

If you want to abandon it all, for now, but retain the ability to crank it up later, you might want to look at a Pentair Intelliflo, which is a 2HP Whisperflo pump that has fully variable speeds. It won't be quite as efficient as a 1HP Whisperflo, but it will probably be as efficient as a 1HP Super II . . . and you won't have to install a timer, since that's built in.

The down side, of course, is that it is expensive. And, you should repipe so that you can get it up off the ground -- it will last much longer that way.

[waterbear]

Just to clarify, I am in St. Augustine also so I am very familiar wit the conditions and problems here. When the pollen is bad everyone seems to think they have mustard algae and uncovered pools get a lot of debris that in floor systems just can't keep up with, suction side cleaners tend to choke on, but pressure side cleaners and robots do a better job with.

[PoolDoc]

Thanks, Waterbear.

It's not often the PoolForum can help offer LOCAL help and knowledge!

[keastman]

OK, I'm still working on this issue and cleaning up the pool. I'll be posting a question on Cl levels in the Chemistry area. For now I have a question on various 2 sp motors. I found some on line that seem reasonably priced and have a digital controller mounted on the motors. I'm curious if anyone is familiar with these. They seem priced better than many 2 speed motors I've seen. Depending on what I decide on changing my set up I"d either get the 2hp or 1hp unit. http://www.americanbestpoolsupply.co...t/961/1089.htm

Concerning my system my two thoughts at this point are:

As Ben suggested eliminate the floor system and heat pump and go with a 1 hp 2sp pump +/- larger filter. I"d need an idea of how to replumb this set up more efficiently concerning the valve problems noted and the SWG entering the skimmer base. Also how to go about deactivating the floor returns on the cleaning system. I'm assuming that all of them would then work passively rather than being zoned and water gear controlled.

The other scenario would be to keep the floor system and eliminate the heater with the idea that maybe another one would be plumbed in for the spa at a future time. Then I'd go with a 2 hp 2sp motor. A larger filter and suggestions on cleaning up the plumbing mess I have going on.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated let me know if you need more info to help. Also if you can point me into how to figure out the energy cost savings for either system vs what's going on now.

Thanks, Kevin

[mas985]

I can't comment too much on US Motors other than most of the OEM pump motors are A.O. Smith if that tells you anything. But usually motors are cheaper for a reason.

However, can I add another option? Because of the spa and in-floor features, have you considered a variable speed pump. This would give you the most flexibility in setting the optimal flow rate for any condition and it may even make your in-floor system work better if you choose to use it. While more expensive up front, the energy saved with this kind of pump will pay for itself over the life of the pump. You can check with your power company to see if they are offering any rebates to help offset the cost. Also, one thing you did not mention was the possiblity of a solar system. If that is added to the equation, then a VS would really benefit you.

[keastman]

Thanks Mark, yeah if cost wan't a factor, I'd like the Pentair Intelliflo, replumb and be done with it, but I'm trying not to spend 900-1000 on a new pump, that's why the US motors unit is appealing as a retrofit, especially since all the timer controls are integrated on the pump and you wouldn't need to get a switch or new timer. FPL is also not offering any rebates for vs pumps when I last checked. The replumbing for better efficiency would also help. The vs is not out of the question though. My one worry with them is from what I've read, if the electonics go, there no replacement modules available even though they are listed on parts lists and you have to replace the whole pump. With the electric storms we have here, it makes me nervous. Solar is out since we live in an Oak Hammock and have not enough sun to support one, along with a northern roof exposure where it would need to go.