Should I change my Pump Impeller or buy a Variable Speed Pump?

[Dead Beaver Ranch]

Answers:

What is your current filter pressure?
-Current pressure is 18 lbs. When it's clean the pressure is 14 lbs.

How high is the filter gauge relative to the pool water level?
-50"

Number and length of suction lines from the pool to the pump?
-Two lines which come together as one somewhere underground: from skimmer to pump is 12.5' and from drain to pump is 22'


I doubt the pump is over sized, it is one of the smallest pumps on the market. If you have sand blowing into the pool, it could be broken lateral. That is the most common issue with sand filters.

-I have completely replaced all the components to sand filter, so I have ruled out a problem lateral. The only thing not new is the tank.

Thanks, DBR

[mas985]

The pressure seems a bit high for that setup so that might have something to do with it. Does the pressure gauge go to zero when the pump shuts off?

Assuming the gauge is correct, the pump's operating point is around 42 GPM @ 54' of head. The 244T is a 3.1 sq-ft filter and it has a design flow rate of 62 GPM so the flow rate from the pump is fine. I would focus on the filter. Given the pressure, something is still not right.

[Dead Beaver Ranch]

Yes, the gauge goes to zero when the pump is shut off. I replaced the pressure gauge when I rebuilt the filter. Is it possible that the wet end has the impeller for a 1.5 hp pump?

Are you saying my setup has a 54' head?

Thanks

[mas985]

Is it possible that the wet end has the impeller for a 1.5 hp pump?

Not unless the motor was up sized as well. Up sizing the impeller without up sizing the motor will overload the motor and trip the thermal limiter switch.

Are you saying my setup has a 54' head?

Yes, that is my best estimate based upon the filter pressure and the suction side plumbing layout.

[Dead Beaver Ranch]

So it looks like I should leave well enough alone as far as the pump goes. Is the pressure I am seeing at my filter what you would expect? If not, is it higher or lower than you would expect? Thanks again.

[mas985]

As I posted earlier, the pressure seems to be a bit high which means that there is more head loss in the return plumbing than would normally be expected for that setup. It could be the filter or anything after the filter.

[skeeter_ca]

mas,

Would you recommend him tapping into the system in a few different points to determine where the back pressure is? Maybe one between the filter and heater and then one after the heater.

skeeter