Variable Speed pump "sizing" and how do I figure it out

[kelemvor]

The pool and the spa both have multiple drains in them, I assumed to reduce the entrapment risk. If that's not enough then I guess I'll have to put just a little more priority on this project I am considering.

I dug up the pipe under the "strange contraption" which it turns out is a spring check valve (that must not be closing correctly). Unfortunately, it looks like the underground section of pipe for the spa is also 1.5" .

Are the jets themselves something that can be accessed from the spa end of the pipe, or is that something that would require breaking up the decking to access?

[mas985]

Multiple drains do reduce the risk somewhat but because of the pipe size and pump size, the velocity can be quite high at the drain. Many cities now require both dual drains and SVRS especially for spas because the drains are not very deep.

The jets can be accessed from inside the spa end of the pipe. A socket wrench is used to unscrew them. Sometimes debris gets trapped behind the jets so it is a good idea to remove them and run the spa to flush out anything that may be there.

[mrrparker]

I am going through the same issue. It seems like the Variable Speed Pumps give you a one size fits all and then you tune it to meet your needs. The most popular is the Pentair Interlliflo but it only has a one year warranty. My issue with them is they have a lot of complaints and all they are doing is taking a 3 phase motor and mating it with a VFD. Minimally they should be giving 3 year warranty.

[BigDave]

My Hayward EcoStar SVRS has a sicker on it that says: 2.0HP, 1.35 SF, 2.7 THP if this helps at all - I realize this info is not on the Hayward website so I figured I'd share.

[kelemvor]

My Hayward EcoStar SVRS has a sicker on it that says: 2.0HP, 1.35 SF, 2.7 THP if this helps at all - I realize this info is not on the Hayward website so I figured I'd share.

Thanks very much. Sounds like the motor its-self is a little less powerful than what I've got, perhaps the impeller is better. I have no idea what my wet end is rated at, there's no markings on the pump that I can see other than the ones on the motor (which I replaced last year). I think maybe I'll try to find it local in the event it won't run the spa I could return it. My usual pool store wants $250 more than most sites online do, though.

[BigDave]

How do you figure? 2HP @ 1.1 SF vs 2HP @ 1.35 SF?

[kelemvor]

My understanding was that lower sf was better with 1.0 being ideal, am I wrong? e.g 2hp@1.1sf = 1.8hp@1sf or 2hp@1.35 = 1.3hp@1sf

Do I have it backwards?