Which VS Inground Pump?

[mas985]

When I read the instructions for each of the pumps, the book notes that the installer must restrict the flow of the pump to match the pipe used.

I think you are misunderstanding what they are saying. The installer just needs to put in a pipe reduction. It doesn't really "restrict" anything very much. It doesn't cause any problems and it is nothing to be concerned about.

So the pump does need to move the water some distance - hence why I went with the Northstar 5 years ago.

Again, not an issue for any of the pumps and not reason for you to go with a Northstar. Any IG pump would have been fine.

There is nothing that you told me that would prevent you from using any of the pumps mentioned by you or me. The fact that a VS is rated at 3 HP or 2 HP should have no bearing on your decision. What is more important is price point and features that you are looking for.

[jevincent1]

I think you are misunderstanding what they are saying. The installer just needs to put in a pipe reduction. It doesn't really "restrict" anything very much. It doesn't cause any problems and it is nothing to be concerned about.

Below is the note from the Pentair Intelliflo VS manual I was referring to - it was pump speed restricted based on flow rate attainable with installed piping, etc.

"A service professional must set the Maximum Speed of the pump to not exceed the maximum flow rate of the system on which it will operate. The Maximum Flow rate setting should be set so the system never operates at or above 25” of Hg vacuum."

To your point, it may not make a difference in my case, but this is what I was going off of.

Joe

[mas985]

They are just trying to prevent cavitation by limiting the top speed of the pump. It doesn't mean that you can't use the pump it just means that you shouldn't operate the pump above a certain RPM level. But for most setups, even that won't be a problem.

[jevincent1]

I just saw your thread from 2011 comparing the EcoStar and the Intelliflo. Great job in the discussion.

I ordered the EcoStar.

Joe