Experts, I Need Help w/ First Pool Purchase

[mas985]

Moderators and experts- what do you think about the info on the page below?
http://www.poolplaza.com/two-speed-pumps.shtml

I tried to fix the link. If it still doesn't work, just go the home page (www.poolplaza.com) and you can choose the link directly below where it states Pumps-One Speed or Two Speed, What's the difference?

Is it correct? I also found the 2 speed super pump at this same site. Thanks, Webfeet

The poolplaza site is a good place to learn about pumps and hydraulics. From the diagram they have on that page you will notice that on low speed, The head is 1/4 and the GPM is about 1/2 of that on high speed (GPM is proportional to RPM) so your turnover is twice as long. Although it is true that the energy draw is about 1/3 of high speed, since you have to run it twice as long, the cost savings is really only about 33% (2/3). However, over the life of the pump, this is quite significant.

Since your pool has not been built yet, a head calc is somewhat difficult. You will need a detailed plumbing diagram with all of the bends. However, given that most pools are between 45-65 feet of head, this swag should get you close enough when determining turnover.

If you decide to go with 1 1/2" pipes, then make sure they run lines from each return, skimmer and main drain all the way to the pad. This will minimize the head loss and reduce the time for a turnover. In terms of head loss, here are a few rules of thumb:

2 - 1 1/2" pipes is about the same head loss as 1 - 2" pipe.
3 - 1 1/2" pipes is a little more head loss than 1 - 2 1/2 " pipe

An alternative but less attractive plumbing option is to go with a single 2" line for the returns and a single 2 1/2" line for the skimmers and main drain (split at the pool). Even better yet is to use 2" lines from each return, skimmer and drain back to the pad.

The plumbing design of a swimming pool has one the largest impacts on the life cost of the pool so it is very important to get it right.

[EDIT]

One more thing:

Although I am sure the Superpump is a great pump, I would encourage you to compare pump head curves between the pumps. For example, the 1 HP uprated Superpump has a 50 GPM at 50 feet of head while a 1 HP uprated Northstar has 70 GPM at the same head. This is an increase of 40% which means 40% less run time and 40% energy savings on top of that from the 2 speed, assuming the same current draw. Also, the Super II is not far behind the Northstar at 67 GPM for 50 feet of head. The Superpump is a medium head pump while the Northstar and Super II are high head pumps which is more appropriate for your pool.