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

[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

[mas985]

That is a bit invasive and could cause other issues. However, a picture of the pad equipment might be useful to narrow it down some. Check valves, filters and backwash valves have all been know to cause problems with high pressure. Not to mention an incorrect valve setting.