Question concerning Pool Pump replacement

[Millercchase]

I have a few questions regarding pool pump replacement. My current setup is as follows. 25k gallon fiberglass pool with a Sta-Rite P2R5AE-124L pump pumping through a Triton TR-60 24" sand filter with 3 returns through 1.5" piping(suction piping is also 1.5").
I'm looking at either the Hayward SP2607EE, the SP2605X7, or the Pentair Superflow #348022. Im trying to stay as efficient as possible without undersizing
1) Without knowing my exact Total Head of Water should i go with the larger pump?
2) Any other Pros/Cons of Hayward vs. Pentair
3) The reason i have chose the pumps is due to the limitations of 1.5" piping with i have been told changes the efficiency/performance of the pump.
I hope i have provided enough information
Thanks

[PoolDoc]

The *ideal* flow rate on your sand filter is 12 - 15 GPM/sft or about 48 GPM. Higher rates reduce filter effectiveness, even though all the manufacturers rate their filters at 20 or even 25 GPM/sft.

The (3) 1.5" returns don't limit you, but if you only have 1 suction return, that does limit you.

I'd recommend sizing for the lower of your filter flow (48 GPM) or your suction piping.

[mas985]

All three of the pumps you mentioned should be below 48 GPM on 1.5" plumbing. The Hayward MaxFlo 3/4 HP would also work.

[Millercchase]

I apologize for the confusing post. The Return line is a single 1.5" line into the ground that supplies 3 return jets. I also have a single 1.5" line dedicated for the Polaris pool cleaner booster pump. The suction line is 1 main drain and 1 skimmer both in 1.5" piping. Sorry for the confusion. I plan on replacing the suction piping on the skid to 2" when i plumb the new pump to reduce head loss through fittings. Thanks for the help

[PoolDoc]

The fact that you have a single return line effectively limits you to ~45 GPM; that rate matches well with your filter.

The Hayward MaxFlo XL that Mark mentioned is a good option; it's available in a 2-speed model that will save you quite a bit of money: Hayward SP2307X102 1 HP Max-Flo XL Dual-Speed Medium Head Pump

The flow rates match your setup well:




Complete info here: MaxFlo XL @ Hayward-pool.net

You may need to install a heavy duty 3-way toggle switch for the pump, to allow you to switch speeds: I can't tell if the motor comes with a mounted switch or not.

If you are going to purchase the pump directly, you probably want to rule out Pentair pumps: they've reduced the warranty on their products to 30 days, when sold directly to the end-user.

[Millercchase]

I have not looked much into the 2 speed pumps assuming that i have too great an amount of head loss to move enough water for it to be beneficial. I know most of the 2 speeds come in 2" discharge and since i will not be replacing all of the pipe i figured that i'd be better with an energy efficient single speed. I was running the previous pump 8 hrs. a day and had no issues with water quality, but was wanting to possibly go with a smaller pump if I could and save some $$. I'm pretty sure the pumps i looked at would be under the ~45GPM, but i was concerned with having to run the smaller pump that much more to turn over the same amount of water due to the lower flow because of head loss. I guess my question is how can i estimate which pump will put at closer to the 45 gpm optimal flow? The Hayward SP2607EE or the SP2605X7? If it were the 2607EE i was going to go with the pentair due to the greater motor efficency, price, and the flow is a little greater. The more i research the more confused i get. LOL

[mas985]

The only issue with the two speed is that the minimum pump size is 1 HP which would probably exceed 48 GPM on high speed. However, if you rarely use it on high speed, then maybe it isn't a huge issue.