Want to upgrade pump to save $

[GaryT]

New here. Appreciate all the pool wisdom. I have had a pool for 39 of the last 42 years in different houses. Every year I discover something new - usually as a result of a new problem. So this year the problem is the electical bill.
I currently have a Sta Rite 1HP pool pump serving a 20,000 gal pool operating 4.5 months per year.
Figure I can save kilowatts by changing to a WhisperFlo 3/4 HP 2 speed.(Could use the model number if available)
Is this a good move or is there a better one?

Pump is 65 feet from pool, elevated about 2.5 feet.
2 inlets; one return. All 1.5 inch ID

Thanks, Gary

[PoolDoc]

Yeah, I've got Amazon links to what you probably need . . . but first, I need to know what filter you have. Exact make / model / size, please.

[GaryT]

It is a Cristal-Flo Model T-240BP-1 Hi Rate Sand filter
Surface area 3.14 sq '
Flow rate 20gpm
Filter and Back wash flow rate 63 gpm
Max Press 40 psi

Thanks

[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