Are two-speed pumps worth it? HELP

[CarlD]

I have a 1hp Hayward SuperPump, and a Hayward T-210 top-mounted sand filter--that uses 200# of sand. My pool is just under 20,000 gallons--19,200 and is a rectangular 40'x16' A/G with a 5 1/2 foot hopper-style deep end. See pics in the A/G pool gallery thread.

[mbar]

Carl, since I put in solar panels, I was thinking of going with a 2 speed pump (just burned out my pump) I now have a 1hp jacuzzi. With the solar panels, the return wasn't as strong as before the solar panels. When I turn off the panels the flow gets strong. The pump is next to the garage that the solar panels are on the roof of. The pipes go up about 10 ft. My sand filter is 200lb hayward. What would you suggest? I like to keep my pump running 24/7.

[eljefe281]

Warning! Answer from a not-yet-pool-owner!

Ken and Laura - How much more does the 2-speed pump cost than the single speed pump?

I assume that, if you chose the single speed pump, you would size it to perform the same as the 2-speed pump would at low speed.

Even without a spa, I would say that having the option of high speed operation would be desirable if you ever mess up the chemistry of your pool and want to circulate a lot of water quickly.

[TTnC4me]

Carl, since I put in solar panels, I was thinking of going with a 2 speed pump (just burned out my pump) I now have a 1hp jacuzzi. With the solar panels, the return wasn't as strong as before the solar panels. When I turn off the panels the flow gets strong. The pump is next to the garage that the solar panels are on the roof of. The pipes go up about 10 ft. My sand filter is 200lb hayward. What would you suggest? I like to keep my pump running 24/7.

My returns slow down too when my solar is on. I have a 1.5hp Hayward 2 speed and use low for 20% of operating hours. I trust that my water is circulating enough when the solar is off and the returns are high.

[mbar]

Thanks TTnC4me, that is what I thought too.

[folsompool]

I have a Sta-Rite 1 hp two-speed pump on a 14,000 gal pool that i run five hour a night and the water is great. My average electric bill rose $15-18 a month. The pump only makes a slight hum on low speed.