OT – Variable Speed Pool Pumps

[Hobie]

After 12 years the pool pump has finally given out. The pool wants to sell me a $1500 variable speed motor/pump that is supposed to save me 10-15% by running at lower rpm. Normal ‘efficient’ pump is about $500.

So I ask, “lower rpm means lower flow? therefore longer to heat it up and longer to turnover the volume of water. right?” Answer, well everyone is going green and it will save you $$. My red flag goes up.

My gut says that if I really study it I could probably go with a normal pump and run it less hours.

Several years ago I was sold on a HIGH E heater. Cost was 3x normal heater with the promise of similar savings. No difference in the monthly bill and it crapped out after 3 years. So I am very leery of these so called special motors. My inclination is to shop for a new pool guy.

Appreciate your comments.

[sreeb]

The variable speed pump are more efficient for two reasons:

1) You have the option to run them at a lower speed for a longer period of time. This results in much lower losses due to resistance within the pipes and filter. As a result, less energy is used per gallon pumped. I don’t think it will effect heating time but it will need to run longer for the same water turnover. If you need the high flow for a spa or pool cleaner, plan on another $500 or so for an electronic controller to change the speeds for different modes.

2) This pump probably uses a three phase motor with an electronic motor controller. I think these may use 10% less energy per gallon pumped. If you are currently spending $30 monthly on pool power, you can reduce it by $3/month.

Mine is a Pentair Intelliflo. The motor controller went bad after 3 years (out of warranty). Replacement cost for just the controller (no service guy or installation): ~$900. The controller is fully potted in epoxy and not repairable. I wouldn’t install another one….

If you don’t need a high speed pump for a pool sweep or spa, you might consider just buying a smaller pump to reduce friction losses and run it longer.

I suspect the payback period is nearly forever. On the plus side you will feel really green.

[sreeb]

The variable speed pump are more efficient for two reasons:

1) You have the option to run them at a lower speed for a longer period of time. This results in much lower losses due to resistance within the pipes and filter. As a result, less energy is used per gallon pumped. I don’t think it will effect heating time but it will need to run longer for the same water turnover. If you need the high flow for a spa or pool cleaner, plan on another $500 or so for an electronic controller to change the speeds for different modes.

2) This pump probably uses a three phase motor with an electronic motor controller. I think these may use 10% less energy per gallon pumped. If you are currently spending $30 monthly on pool power, you can reduce it by $3/month.

Mine is a Pentair Intelliflo. The motor controller went bad after 3 years (out of warranty). Replacement cost for just the controller (no service guy or installation): ~$900. The controller is fully potted in epoxy and not repairable. I wouldn’t install another one….

If you don’t need a high speed pump for a pool sweep or spa, you might consider just buying a smaller pump to reduce friction losses and run it longer.

I suspect the payback period is nearly forever. On the plus side you will feel really green.

[sreeb]

The variable speed pump are more efficient for two reasons:

1) You have the option to run them at a lower speed for a longer period of time. This results in much lower losses due to resistance within the pipes and filter. As a result, less energy is used per gallon pumped. I don’t think it will effect heating time but it will need to run longer for the same water turnover. If you need the high flow for a spa or pool cleaner, plan on another $500 or so for an electronic controller to change the speeds for different modes.

2) This pump probably uses a three phase motor with an electronic motor controller. I think these may use 10% less energy per gallon pumped. If you are currently spending $30 monthly on pool power, you can reduce it by $3/month.

Mine is a Pentair Intelliflo. The motor controller went bad after 3 years (out of warranty). Replacement cost for just the controller (no service guy or installation): ~$900. The controller is fully potted in epoxy and not repairable. I wouldn’t install another one….

If you don’t need a high speed pump for a pool sweep or spa, you might consider just buying a smaller pump to reduce friction losses and run it longer.

I suspect the payback period is nearly forever. On the plus side you will feel really green.

[sreeb]

The variable speed pump are more efficient for two reasons:

1) You have the option to run them at a lower speed for a longer period of time. This results in much lower losses due to resistance within the pipes and filter. As a result, less energy is used per gallon pumped. I don’t think it will effect heating time but it will need to run longer for the same water turnover. If you need the high flow for a spa or pool cleaner, plan on another $500 or so for an electronic controller to change the speeds for different modes.

2) This pump probably uses a three phase motor with an electronic motor controller. I think these may use 10% less energy per gallon pumped. If you are currently spending $30 monthly on pool power, you can reduce it by $3/month.

Mine is a Pentair Intelliflo. The motor controller went bad after 3 years (out of warranty). Replacement cost for just the controller (no service guy or installation): ~$900. The controller is fully potted in epoxy and not repairable. I wouldn’t install another one….

If you don’t need a high speed pump for a pool sweep or spa, you might consider just buying a smaller pump to reduce friction losses and run it longer.

I suspect the payback period is nearly forever. On the plus side you will feel really green.

[sreeb]

The variable speed pump are more efficient for two reasons:

1) You have the option to run them at a lower speed for a longer period of time. This results in much lower losses due to resistance within the pipes and filter. As a result, less energy is used per gallon pumped. I don’t think it will effect heating time but it will need to run longer for the same water turnover. If you need the high flow for a spa or pool cleaner, plan on another $500 or so for an electronic controller to change the speeds for different modes.

2) This pump probably uses a three phase motor with an electronic motor controller. I think these may use 10% less energy per gallon pumped. If you are currently spending $30 monthly on pool power, you can reduce it by $3/month.

Mine is a Pentair Intelliflo. The motor controller went bad after 3 years (out of warranty). Replacement cost for just the controller (no service guy or installation): ~$900. The controller is fully potted in epoxy and not repairable. I wouldn’t install another one….

If you don’t need a high speed pump for a pool sweep or spa, you might consider just buying a smaller pump to reduce friction losses and run it longer.

I suspect the payback period is nearly forever. On the plus side you will feel really green.

[an]

sreeb, the cost of replacing the controller was $900? You can get a brand new IntelliFlo VS 3050 for <$900. So why pay that much to fix a controller when you can get a brand new one for less? I have an IntelliFlo and I think it's totally worth it. Before I switched over to an IntelliFlo, I had a regular 2HP pump. It saved me a lot of money from my old 2HP. W/in the last 2 years, it more than pay for itself. I run it on low speed (equivalent to 3/4 HP) normally, and when I need to clean the pool, use the spa, I will crank it up to its max power of 2HP. At 2HP, it was almost as loud as my old 2HP, but in normal everyday use, it was whisper quiet. It was also easier for me to keep the algae away w/ the IntelliFlo, since I can run for a longer period of time w/out worrying about sky high energy bills. Stagnant water and hot summer days will make it very easy for the algae to grow. Also, if you look at the price online, the difference is not that big (IMHO). a 3/4HP pump goes for around $500 and a variable speed pump goes for ~$900. I save at least $100/month during the summer, so my IntelliFlo more than pay for itself already.

[an]

sreeb, the cost of replacing the controller was $900? You can get a brand new IntelliFlo VS 3050 for <$900. So why pay that much to fix a controller when you can get a brand new one for less? I have an IntelliFlo and I think it's totally worth it. Before I switched over to an IntelliFlo, I had a regular 2HP pump. It saved me a lot of money from my old 2HP. W/in the last 2 years, it more than pay for itself. I run it on low speed (equivalent to 3/4 HP) normally, and when I need to clean the pool, use the spa, I will crank it up to its max power of 2HP. At 2HP, it was almost as loud as my old 2HP, but in normal everyday use, it was whisper quiet. It was also easier for me to keep the algae away w/ the IntelliFlo, since I can run for a longer period of time w/out worrying about sky high energy bills. Stagnant water and hot summer days will make it very easy for the algae to grow. Also, if you look at the price online, the difference is not that big (IMHO). a 3/4HP pump goes for around $500 and a variable speed pump goes for ~$900. I save at least $100/month during the summer, so my IntelliFlo more than pay for itself already.

[an]

sreeb, the cost of replacing the controller was $900? You can get a brand new IntelliFlo VS 3050 for <$900. So why pay that much to fix a controller when you can get a brand new one for less? I have an IntelliFlo and I think it's totally worth it. Before I switched over to an IntelliFlo, I had a regular 2HP pump. It saved me a lot of money from my old 2HP. W/in the last 2 years, it more than pay for itself. I run it on low speed (equivalent to 3/4 HP) normally, and when I need to clean the pool, use the spa, I will crank it up to its max power of 2HP. At 2HP, it was almost as loud as my old 2HP, but in normal everyday use, it was whisper quiet. It was also easier for me to keep the algae away w/ the IntelliFlo, since I can run for a longer period of time w/out worrying about sky high energy bills. Stagnant water and hot summer days will make it very easy for the algae to grow. Also, if you look at the price online, the difference is not that big (IMHO). a 3/4HP pump goes for around $500 and a variable speed pump goes for ~$900. I save at least $100/month during the summer, so my IntelliFlo more than pay for itself already.

[an]

sreeb, the cost of replacing the controller was $900? You can get a brand new IntelliFlo VS 3050 for <$900. So why pay that much to fix a controller when you can get a brand new one for less? I have an IntelliFlo and I think it's totally worth it. Before I switched over to an IntelliFlo, I had a regular 2HP pump. It saved me a lot of money from my old 2HP. W/in the last 2 years, it more than pay for itself. I run it on low speed (equivalent to 3/4 HP) normally, and when I need to clean the pool, use the spa, I will crank it up to its max power of 2HP. At 2HP, it was almost as loud as my old 2HP, but in normal everyday use, it was whisper quiet. It was also easier for me to keep the algae away w/ the IntelliFlo, since I can run for a longer period of time w/out worrying about sky high energy bills. Stagnant water and hot summer days will make it very easy for the algae to grow. Also, if you look at the price online, the difference is not that big (IMHO). a 3/4HP pump goes for around $500 and a variable speed pump goes for ~$900. I save at least $100/month during the summer, so my IntelliFlo more than pay for itself already.

[an]

sreeb, the cost of replacing the controller was $900? You can get a brand new IntelliFlo VS 3050 for <$900. So why pay that much to fix a controller when you can get a brand new one for less? I have an IntelliFlo and I think it's totally worth it. Before I switched over to an IntelliFlo, I had a regular 2HP pump. It saved me a lot of money from my old 2HP. W/in the last 2 years, it more than pay for itself. I run it on low speed (equivalent to 3/4 HP) normally, and when I need to clean the pool, use the spa, I will crank it up to its max power of 2HP. At 2HP, it was almost as loud as my old 2HP, but in normal everyday use, it was whisper quiet. It was also easier for me to keep the algae away w/ the IntelliFlo, since I can run for a longer period of time w/out worrying about sky high energy bills. Stagnant water and hot summer days will make it very easy for the algae to grow. Also, if you look at the price online, the difference is not that big (IMHO). a 3/4HP pump goes for around $500 and a variable speed pump goes for ~$900. I save at least $100/month during the summer, so my IntelliFlo more than pay for itself already.

[temeculaguy]

get the vaiable speed, but shop around, it shouldn’t be 3x the price, install it yourself, it’s easy. I found 2 speed pumps online for $500 in sixty seconds of searching. In my last house i had a two speed pump and it filered in low speed but when I was heating the pool or running the spa, I ran the higher speed. The control panel had a problem once, they wanted 1k for new one, and I fixed for $20. It was a plastic sliding switch, made by tyco, I ordered a dozen for $20 and then took it to a TV repairman to replace it, looked a lot like a mother board to a computer. I gave that house and that pool to my ex-wife and the next time something went wrong she installed a few thousand dollars worth of new equipment because that is what the pool guy told her to do. I have little to no faith in most pool repair/installation people. If you find a good one, good for you. but it’s a problematic as car mechanics, probably worse. The stuff is not rocket science, just a few components, most are easy to swap out and are a fraction of the cost if you DIY, just think of it as sprinklers with a lot more pressure. All of the schematics and parts are available online.

[temeculaguy]

get the vaiable speed, but shop around, it shouldn’t be 3x the price, install it yourself, it’s easy. I found 2 speed pumps online for $500 in sixty seconds of searching. In my last house i had a two speed pump and it filered in low speed but when I was heating the pool or running the spa, I ran the higher speed. The control panel had a problem once, they wanted 1k for new one, and I fixed for $20. It was a plastic sliding switch, made by tyco, I ordered a dozen for $20 and then took it to a TV repairman to replace it, looked a lot like a mother board to a computer. I gave that house and that pool to my ex-wife and the next time something went wrong she installed a few thousand dollars worth of new equipment because that is what the pool guy told her to do. I have little to no faith in most pool repair/installation people. If you find a good one, good for you. but it’s a problematic as car mechanics, probably worse. The stuff is not rocket science, just a few components, most are easy to swap out and are a fraction of the cost if you DIY, just think of it as sprinklers with a lot more pressure. All of the schematics and parts are available online.

[temeculaguy]

get the vaiable speed, but shop around, it shouldn’t be 3x the price, install it yourself, it’s easy. I found 2 speed pumps online for $500 in sixty seconds of searching. In my last house i had a two speed pump and it filered in low speed but when I was heating the pool or running the spa, I ran the higher speed. The control panel had a problem once, they wanted 1k for new one, and I fixed for $20. It was a plastic sliding switch, made by tyco, I ordered a dozen for $20 and then took it to a TV repairman to replace it, looked a lot like a mother board to a computer. I gave that house and that pool to my ex-wife and the next time something went wrong she installed a few thousand dollars worth of new equipment because that is what the pool guy told her to do. I have little to no faith in most pool repair/installation people. If you find a good one, good for you. but it’s a problematic as car mechanics, probably worse. The stuff is not rocket science, just a few components, most are easy to swap out and are a fraction of the cost if you DIY, just think of it as sprinklers with a lot more pressure. All of the schematics and parts are available online.

[temeculaguy]

get the vaiable speed, but shop around, it shouldn’t be 3x the price, install it yourself, it’s easy. I found 2 speed pumps online for $500 in sixty seconds of searching. In my last house i had a two speed pump and it filered in low speed but when I was heating the pool or running the spa, I ran the higher speed. The control panel had a problem once, they wanted 1k for new one, and I fixed for $20. It was a plastic sliding switch, made by tyco, I ordered a dozen for $20 and then took it to a TV repairman to replace it, looked a lot like a mother board to a computer. I gave that house and that pool to my ex-wife and the next time something went wrong she installed a few thousand dollars worth of new equipment because that is what the pool guy told her to do. I have little to no faith in most pool repair/installation people. If you find a good one, good for you. but it’s a problematic as car mechanics, probably worse. The stuff is not rocket science, just a few components, most are easy to swap out and are a fraction of the cost if you DIY, just think of it as sprinklers with a lot more pressure. All of the schematics and parts are available online.

[Author]

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