Considering 2 speed pump? Here's a cost comparison.

[slowtan]

great #'s

It is actually a plan of mine to replace my pump w/a 2 speed pump but I am un-sure when I will actually get it done. Please PM me w/where and how much you are getting your pump for .. I am looking at a 1hp or 3/4hp.

[CarlD]

They also are nearly silent at low speed. Sand filters actually work BETTER because the water's moving through them slower.

[duraleigh]

Interesting numbers. What comes to my mind, however, is how much work you are getting done.

If your single speed pump is sized correctly to your filter and pool, it should do the job it's intended for. For a 2 speed pump to do that same job, it would need to do it at low speed for you to realize the cost savings.

So a 2 speed would benefit you only if you need the high speed to accomplish a task other than filtering. (Which, of course, would be quite frequently for many pools....but not all) Otherwise, you could simply use a single speed of the same power as low speed for adequate filtering.

After all that, running quietly and efficiently are big, big pluses for 2 speeds and I believe they are a good value. I'm not sure the cost savings is as dramatic as it might appear.

[cruzmisl]

For me, I have a spillover spa, 2 stair jets and 2 pool returns. I typically only have the spillover spa going but if I have a party I want them all going. So for me during the week I can leave it on low speed to ciculate and filter the water but if I need more power I have it. No point in having a 1HP pump going 12hrs when I don't need to. Others could also use the 2 speed for vacuuming but I have a Dolphin and a Poolbuster so I don't need it for that.

As for true cost savings, who knows. I do know the calc's made it easier to convince my wife we need a new pump

[larry2338]

I'm also considering a 2-speed pump and wondering if there is a substantial difference between brands. Is there any reason not to go with whichever brand of pump is cheapest? Are they all reliable? Why would I buy a Pentair 1hp 2-speed for $479.00 instead of this company's 1hp 2-speed for $335.00?

http://www.electricmotorwarehouse.com/pool_pumps.htm

[CarlD]

Dave:
Your premise is, at least for me, not valid.

My use of high speed is primarily for backwashing. When I used a hose vacuum, I would need it then. But now with autocleaners and a PoolBuster, the hose vacuum's been the cellar for 2 years.

I have solar panels and they work well with low speed. They ARE more efficient at high speed, but if the water is warm (89-90) why bother?

I sometimes use high to circulate the water more--to make the skimmer more efficient or distribute chems faster. But generally, low is JUST FINE.