Equipment Info and Runtime

[mastamoon]

What is SPL exactly? I know it as Sound Pressure Level from my car audio days.

I was going to try the DE addition if it happens again, but heard horror stories of it blowing straight into the pool and being a bigger mess. Last year I was just vacuuming to waste basically while having a hose running into the pool.

I had a pool company come to my house and do the vacuuming last week.. He brought his own pump and a cartridge filter.. seemed to handle the algae on the bottom just fine. Could always find a used cart filter for that purpose. Pool guy said I should really just look for a better sand filter, a Hayward is what he recommended. But figured he was trying to sell me something.

Since nobody is replying with a "OMG you have that filter/pump.. no wonder" it at least puts my mind at ease enough not to worry about it.

[PoolDoc]

SPL is a term Mark's using to refer to the AG pool pump ratings. I also need to ask him about it.

ONLY use DE to test your filter to make sure it's working: if it blows through the filter, you know your filter needs repairs (maybe, sand).

We need to back up here: it sounds like you may have been asking about your pump / filter combo, because you have an algae problem? If so, spin that off into the Algae section, post your test results, tell us whether you have (or have ordered) a K2006, link back to this thread for equip info . . . and then let us deal with algae THERE, instead of here.

[mastamoon]

PoolDoc, I don't currently have an algae problem. I was using my algae problem last year as a reason of concern about my pump/filter combo. Know what I'm saying?

[mas985]

SPL means "special". I believe the origin of this is from the fact that most if not all standard AG pumps are already up rated so to get a up rating of that, you need to have a special pump or SPL. Much like up rated pumps, this is a marketing gimmick. Some people insist on "big" pumps but I think the manufactures have recognized the detrimental effects of using a pump that is too large on a small filter so instead, they rate the pump motor nameplate HP much higher with a much lower service factor (< 1.0 SF) but the pump is still using the same impeller as lower the pumps. Think of these pumps as double up rated.

[mastamoon]

Good lord....

SPL means "special". I believe the origin of this is from the fact that most if not all standard AG pumps are already up rated so to get a up rating of that, you need to have a special pump or SPL. Much like up rated pumps, this is a marketing gimmick. Some people insist on "big" pumps but I think the manufactures have recognized the detrimental effects of using a pump that is too large on a small filter so instead, they rate the pump motor nameplate HP much higher with a much lower service factor (< 1.0 SF) but the pump is still using the same impeller as lower the pumps. Think of these pumps as double up rated.

[CarlD]

I'm guessing that the pump is OK for the filter.
The use of DE to test a filter requires more DE than you use to improve filtering. Several of us mods use DE to improve our sand filter's performance and have for years.
1) Back wash.
2) Get your base pressure reading.
3) Add about 1/4 cup of DE to you skimmer while the pump is running.
4) Wait 20-30 minutes then check the pressure reading
5) The goal is to figure out how much DE it takes to raise the pressure by 1 pound.
6) If the pressure has not increased by 1 pound, add another 1/4 cup of DE and wait 20-30minutes again.
7) Repeat until the pressure has increased by 1 pound.
8) If you add too much and return flow drops, or the pressure goes up more than 1 pound, simply backwash again and repeat.
9) Note how much DE it takes to get to the 1 pound increase.
10) Every time you backwash you will need to add that amount of DE to the skimmer.

You should notice that the water is clearer, with an almost polished look.

[PoolDoc]

"Special" as in "New and Improved" as in (we've found a better way to separate you from your money!).

[mastamoon]

The little info I can find online seems to indicate that SPL on pumps is sort of like Peak ratings on audio amplifiers. Its calculated at the point of turn on and seems to be the measurement of power it takes to get that coil spinning up to speed not the power at constant speed.

Either way, I seemed to think that the pump was too much for the filter, not underpowered so what ever the actual output of mine is, it seems fine.

Actually its rather annoying as when I clean the strainer with the pump running.. it tends to start pulling in air from the strainer sans basket. But changing the strainer with the pump off is messy so I just try to do it quickly and make sure there is ample water in the pool.

"Special" as in "New and Improved" as in (we've found a better way to separate you from your money!).

[CarlD]

We find that what people usually think of as "undersized" pumps means not over-sized. With a 1hp full-rated pump generally your filter would be too small and you would need a 200-250. sand filter. But if the calculation is correct and it is really equivalent of a 3/4hp full-rated you should be fine, and your pool doesn't need any more than that.

[PoolDoc]

The little info I can find online seems to indicate that SPL on pumps is sort of like Peak ratings on audio amplifiers. Its calculated at the point of turn on and seems to be the measurement of power it takes to get that coil spinning up to speed not the power at constant speed.

That's the rationalization for SPL; not it's true meaning!

I think I was right the first time!