Want to upgrade pump to save $

[CarlD]

Ben will give you more precise advice but I have a Hayward 1hp 2spd Super Pump with a 200# sand filter and 19/20k gallon pool and I run it most of the summer on LOW about 12hrs/day. I run solar panels with 240 sq ft of surface area without problem (equal to 3 20'x4' panels), even on Low without a problem....pool is crystal clear today.

Carl

[GaryT]

Any more advice?

[mas985]

The Whisperflo is a powerful pump even at 3/4 HP so it will probably exceed the recommended flow rate of the filter. However, the 3/4 HP uprated SuperFlo (SF-N2-3/4A) will produce around 47 GPM on 1.5" plumbing which would be close to ideal.

BTW, which sta-rite model number do you currently have?

[GaryT]

Currently a 17 yo sta rite duraglas 1hp -- btw is the SF-N2--3/4A equivalent to the 11771 Whisperflo?

The 1/2 HP Hayward Tristar SP3205EC has been strongly recommended. Would it serve my needs or would it cavitate?

Thanks!

[PoolDoc]

Haven't heard good things about the wet-end of the Tristar; the wet end of the Whisperflo is well proven.

[mas985]

Currently a 17 yo sta rite duraglas 1hp -- btw is the SF-N2--3/4A equivalent to the 11771 Whisperflo?

The 1/2 HP Hayward Tristar SP3205EC has been strongly recommended. Would it serve my needs or would it cavitate?

Thanks!

Pumps rarely cavitate and only under very unusual circumstances so that should not be an issue. In fact, it is harder to make a small pump cavitate than it is a larger pump.

If you are going with a 1/2 HP pump, I would go with the Whisperflo WFE-2 but you won't save nearly the amount of money as you would with a two speed. The Superflo has a better energy factor (gallons/watt-hr) than either the Whisperflo or the Tristar AND it is a two speed.

[GaryT]

Mark, the closest I can come to the SF-N2-3/4 (part #334111) uprated pump is the Superflo 3/4hp (part #340037) a standard efficiency motor.
Would this be a better choce than the Hayward Tristar 1/2 hp?

I like the fact that theabove Pentairs are ported for 1 1/2 inch plumbing.
Who might ship a SF-N2-3/4 to Canada?

Thanks, Gary

[GaryT]

I CAN source the Pentaire SF-N1-3/4FE It appears to be the single speed version of the one you recommended Mark.
1 1/2 in plumbing & high efficiency, but not 2 speed. Could I run it for 8 hours per day and get most of the benefits?
Would this be your "second" choice for me?

[PoolDoc]

I don't have answers, but I do have a question: can US suppliers not ship equipment across the border?

(I knew about problems with chemicals and testkits, but I hadn't considered gear.)