Looks like it's time for a new pool pump; please advise!
I need to replace my current 3/4hp pool pump, which is dying but the CA1100 filter cartridge is new. I'm not sure if I did these #'s correct but I'm need to figure which pool pump filter I need for the following: 15x30 in ground pool with built in over-flow spa (spa blower not currently working). Gallons of Water in Pool 15,187.5 {15x30 x 4.5 avg depth x 7.5 = 15,187.5} Gallons per hour (GPH) To clean all the water in your pool in 8 hours. 1898.4 {15.187.5 / 8 = 1898.4} Gallons per minute (GPM) Divide your GPH by 60 minutes. 31.64 {1,898.4 / 60 = 31.64} Average Feet of Head 26.6' {15' + 45' + 20' = 80' / 3 = 26.6'} Skimmer 1: 5' + 10' = 15' Skimmer 2: 5' + 40' = 45' (spa) Main Drain: 10' + 10' = 20' I have received the following quotes from local pool guys: QUOTE 1: (many options) First two numbers are pump and filter combined 1hp or 1.5hp/C1750 Filter, then you have filter only with any of the three VS pumps (Variable speed) code compliant. Then there is the Salt generator Hayward is the best in my opinion/priced 40,000 gallon, bigger the system the longer the cell will last. All these prices are installed any hardware materials like valves and whip to perform the labor necessary for the completion of the following work needed, tax included Hayward MaxFlo Pool pump and Hayward C1750 filter combo: 1hp. $1025.55/1.5hp. $1160.55 Hayward SuperII Pool pump and Hayward C1750 filter combo: 1hp. $1215.75/1.5hp. $1325.60 C1750 Only: $565.60 Pentair IntelaPro VS pump only: $1545.30 Horner Sunrunner VS pump only: $1120.75 Zodiac FloPro VS pump only: $1685.00 Hayward AquaRite salt generator 40,000gal.: $1510.50 QUOTE 2: (2 options) Hayward MaxFlo Pool pump 3/4hp. $335 + $85/hr labor Hayward MaxFlo Pool pump 1hp. $353 + $85/hr labor and Hayward C2000 filter $355 + $85/hr labor All of your thoughts and advice are greatly appreciated, thank you! Dont have time to Analyze this now but your best option is a 2 speed pool pump period. You will save oodles of electric. I can tell more later.... Basically you could run the pump on low 24/7 and use less electric then the pump on high for 8 hrs. Slow and long is better. High speed for after/during pool partys...clean up...vacuum...etc... Additionally pleat filters are a pain as well as DE. Oversize a sand filter and your golden. Easy backwash...No mess... The trick to sand filters is to add a 1/4 - 1/2 cup of DE to them until the psi rises 1 psi.....That will clean your pool as well as a DE filter..... Dont let the pool store rip you off.... Most of them dont know squat and always oversize pumps..... I have a lot more but I am stepping out for the evening. Is this pool in an encloser? Thanks for the reply! The pool is not in an enclosure. Excuse my ignorance but I've never owned a pool before...but, what is DE and why am I not golden with DE filter, if adding DE to an oversize a sand filter will clean your pool as well as a DE filter.....? I hope that made sense. lol FWIW, I think I have one speed now and local codes call for Variable Speed. DE is short for Diatomaceous earth. It's a soft sedimentary rock created from old fossilized algae, almost like a pumice. It's ground up to a fine powder and it can increase the effectiveness of a sand filter by partially filling in between the grains of sand. Mike stepped out but he'll be back. My inground pool is close to 20,000 gallons. I have a 1hp Hayward MaxFlo pump. Single speed. Absolutely no problems with water flow. I run it 12 hours a day. Usually on/off every 4 hours. I have a sand filter also. Unfortunately.... no chlorinating system. Just chlorine tablets in the filter baskets. Our swimming season is too short to justify a chlorinating system. Thanks that was helpful! The reason given for recommending 1 to 1.5 hp is because I have a built-in over-flow spa with a separate blower so if I want to use the spa to it's full potential, I need 1 to 1.5 hp. As for filters, others have told me sand does the worst job of filtering, cartridge is number 2 in cleaning the water DE Filter, which is the absolute best will make my water sparkle. How does filter size relate to pump or pool size? When I finish my chlorine tablets, I'd like to consider chlorinating system. I can see the logic for the 1.5hp pump but it would unfortunate to have to run that big of a pump if you didn't always need it. Maybe the two speed provision would help in that situation. The filter is sized to the gallonage of the pool. Sand with DE also is a pretty effective combo. My water sparkles here.....when you get rid of all the leaves Why are you replacing the filter if its new? Can you tell me the make and model of the current filter? Yes your pool is about 15 k gallons. DE filters are a pain. You need to add DE, bump, backwash, clean grids...etc... A PITA IMO. Cartridge filters are good. I have one, but you need to remove the cart to clean. Gets you wet. Carts don't last long and need to be replaced. Added expense. I also have a sand filter for spring clean up. O disconnect when pool is clean and run cart only. Sand is no maintenance. never have to replace sand, although the pool stores will tell you different. Add DE to a sand filter and you have the benefits of DE and the ease of backwash. Really no maintenance at all. Two speed pump IMO is the best. I cut my electric bill by 2/3rds. I run on low 12 hours a day. It runs 3 amps on low. 3x120v= 360 watts an hour. Thats 4320 watts a day for 12 hours. 4.32 x .15 cent a kw here in NJ = .68cents a day to run my pump and keep it clean. Now hi speed runs at 13 amps. ( I only use for vacuum and after pool party's and such.) 13x120v = 1560 watts an hour. Lets sat 8 hours for high speed. Thats 12480 watts. 12.48 x .15 cents a kw = $1.87 a day. Low $20 a month added to my electric bill for the month. Hi $56.10 a month. Thats adds up to a reduced electric bill by 2/3rds. Even if I ran my pump on low 24/7 I would still use less electric then the pump on hi for 8 hours. On low 24/7 adds up to $1.30 a day which is $39 a month. Constant circulation is best. Slow and long cleans better and keeps the water moving so algae does not form. Additionally you always want to over size the filtration media. Anyway there is a lot to it. What is the GPM of your current filter? Are you going to get a new filter? I'm only replacing filter, if needed with new/bigger pump. The current filter is this one from Lowes: Aqua EZ 100 Sq. Ft. Pool Cartridge Filter FWIW, I'm looking for an Automatic Pool Cleaner to add to the system as well. THANKS! Pinch a Penny having 15% off sale thru tomorrow...Could be good time to go shopping! How does switching from a 1 speed pump to a 2 speed or VS pump affect electrical, timer or anything else? THANKS! Still seeking guidance on what type size replacement pump and/or filter are appropriate for my pool, if anyone will help. Thanks! I did not re read this thread... But are you keeping the filter???? Are you concerned with electric? A pool your size and that filter max is 80 gpm I think.... You would benefit with a 1 hp two speed. Run on low 12 - 16 hours a day. Run on high for quick clean up , partys...etc... I would never have DE filter... PITA.... Large pool sand I would recommend.. If you getting new and like the filter get the largest filter.... 1500 sq ft... Let us know Thanks! No problem; I'm still trying to learn what size pump filter are appropriate for my pool but I believe you are recommending a 1hp, 2-speed pump with a 1,500sq ft sand filter. Is that right? ... But are you keeping the filter???? ... If you getting new and like the filter get the largest filter.... 1500 sq ft... If I understand correctly, a 15,000ga pool should have at least a 1,500sq ft filter. I only have 1,100sg ft filter so it sounds like I need to get a larger filter. I was quoted anywhere from 3/4hp with no filter upgrade to 1.5hp to Variable Speed with filter upgrades from C1750 to C2000 and a system with salt...I don't believe any one quoted me for 2-speed pumps and/or DE filters. Researching single speed vs 2 speed, I found the follow opinion on Single Speed Or Variable. I'd appreciate any thoughts on it: Are you concerned with electric?... Of course, but what exactly are you referring to? FWIW, I've added the Pentair GW9500 Kreepy Krauly Great White Automatic Pool Cleaner to the system as well. THANKS! First lets clear the air so we know what you want to do.. 1. Do you want sand, DE, or cartridge... 2. You need a new pump.. That link about two speed pumps is a crock IMO... For any pool you always want to oversize the filter... The pool stores only install the min with the highest HP pumps... I disagree with any pool store recommendatons...from my experience... Two speed pump.... My 1 hp pump is 13 amps on high. 13 amps x 120 volts....To round off and pumps may not run at max watts that would be 1560 watts an hour... Its recommended the pump run 8 hours for turn over. But mine turns over in 2 hours on high.. The thing with a pool if I did that for two hours only a day I would not have circulation. Moving water prevents algea build up. So say I run 8 hours... 2 hours 4 times a day to promote circulation.. 1560 watts x 8 = 12480 / 1k electric charge = 12.48 x .14 cents a kw in my area = $1.74 cents a day to run the pump. x 30 days = $52.42 a month extra on electric bill. Now on low pump is 3 amps. I run 12 to 16 hours.. Holy mackeral... 16 hours ciculation. And your not forcing high flow through the filter where stuff will get through. Slow and steady filters better and with constant water movement.. Lets do the math.. Lets use 16 hours... 3 amps x 120 volts = 360 watts x 16 hours a day = 5760 / 1000 electric per kw charge = 5.76 x .14 cents per kw ( my rate) = . 80 cents a day. x 30 days = $24 bucks a month. I have essentially cut my bill in have... get better filtration and longer circulation... Its a no brainer and anyone that tells you it dont work walk away from them... Essentially you can run the pump 24/7 and it will only cost $1.20 a day.. way lower then 8 hours on high.. You tell me what you think is better????? OK filter size... High HP pump and small filter = pump pushing stuff right through the media... This is what pool store do and install... Its wrong... Next you want at least 1 hp on high because the low will be say 1/3 of the high... If you went 3/4 2 speed the low is like 1/6 and will not have enough pump on low... Your main goal is to run on low and you want to be around 1/4 hp on low basically, maybe almost close to 1/2...hp... You may be better with 1 1/2 hp two speed so the low moves well enough.... Those pool cleaners are nice but wastefull of electric... because you need to run on high for them to work... Best off getting the rechargable type with self contained net and does not rely on the pump.... Nothing beats manual labor... Most I know have thier auto pool vacs buried in the pool house and dont use them... Last... sand if you chose I would say 200 lb filter for your pool min.. maybe 300. I have to do the calculation. Tell me your pool size and depth. ( Dont let people tell you its too big... Just not true) These are good. I like and use hayward. Hayward Pro-Series Cartridge.. Maybe 225 or 300 sq ft... Again the calc needs to be done.. Problen is quad filter.. Pain to clean each cart... ( This is why sand is so much easier) Hayward SwimClear DE I would not recommend.. Additionally with sand you can add DE to make filtration better. ( Thats another discussion) Or zeolite instead of sand performs better, but its pricey.... Ok I said enough.... That's the filter I installed recently to replace an older stainless steel one that rotted out after over 35 years of service. I didn't opt for the two speed motor. Mine is a 1 Hp and I run it ten hours a day in two hour shifts. Thanks! To clear the air... 1. I'm leaning towards cartridge or DE or even the Pentair Quad DE filter. 2. Yes, I do need a new pump, hopefully, I'll be able to figure out what's best for me. Thanks for your opinion on that link about two speed pumps; your numbers are hard to argue with. I went with the Hayward MaxFlo VS Here's how new MaxFlo VS lines up with the current system...As you can see the new pump comes with unions, which are threaded on the pump side and not on the piping side. The last 2 pics are close ups of the current threaded connections; where would you cut the piping? Thanks! Here's another issue... This collar that threads the conduit to the pump is broken... Replacement collars available??? That's called Liquidtight flexible metal conduit or sealtite. Looks like 1/2 in the picture although it's hard to tell and could be 3/4. You can get a replacement fitting from any electrical supply or big box store. It comes with the motor side too. It's available in straight or right angle. I would remove that union on the outlet side of the pump. Replace it with a coupler. Go from there to a new 90 over the pump and a short piece down to the union on the pump. As for the inlet. You probably can't get that fitting out of the valve. Try to unscrew the pump off the threaded pipe. Put a 1-1/2 female adapter on there and a short as possible piece of pipe to the union on the suction side of the pump. If you can unscrew the pump off that pipe then you'll have to cut it right at the pump and try to get a coupler on it with a short piece of pipe to the pump. You may have to slightly file the threads to get the coupler on. Thanks! That was very helpful! I also replaced the entire conduit with new fittings.
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