Help with Quiet VS Pump Selection

[LBEngineer]

Hello all, long time reader, first time poster. Thank you all for the past guidance which has gotten me this far.

I am looking to replace my Single Speed WhisperFlo 1HP (WFE-4) pump with a more efficient and quieter VS pump. The pump is located directly beneath my bedroom window (which I cannot change) so I would like to place a premium on noise level.

• I have a 15,000 gallon pool (no spa) that I only cholorinate with liquid chlorine, only heat with a pool cover, and only clean with a robot not with the pump. So my only "pump mode" is filtration, so I think I will be using lowing RPMs almost all the time, maybe modifying slightly during summer vs winter to increase number of turnovers.
• I have solar power (not solar water heating) installed so my cost per kWh is fairly low. I need a VS pump because I am currently using more power than I produce and 5-7kWh per day savings would flip that equation which is highly desirable.
• I already have the pump wired for 240V service and I will be buying the pump online and installing it myself.
• Lastly I don't mind spending money on a pump that will save me money later, but I don't want to spend money on a pump with features I do not need for what a pool that I think is a "simple" use case.

Thank you in advance for all of your advice, it is much appreciated.
-Chris

 

[CJadamec]

Any VS pump will be words quieter than a single speed pump, but only when run at low RPM's. Not that it much of a concern as most all VS pumps will be running between 1100-1400RPM for general filtering and circulation. You may bump them up to 2000-2500 or so for a suction side cleaner or more aggressive skimming from time to time. All the numbers I've come across regardless of VS pump brand or model have the running watts around 150w in the lower 1100-1400 RPM range and around 400w in the mid 2000-2500 RPM range. Those are general numbers but its a real world guideline of what you should expect. Your PV panels should have no problem running the pump at that type of power consumption.

Based on what you have and the simple layout of your system you should be fine with a Pentair Superflo VS or simarly sized (1.65hp ish) vs pump from one of the other major pool brands. Inyo pools has their own brand of VS pumps now that I haven't heard anything bad about but don't have any of my own experience to share on them.

The Pentair Intelliflo would also be a good choice as you shouldn't need to do any plumbing modifications to fit the pump in. The intelliflo uses the same wet end as your wisperflo pump so it should be a simple swap out. The intelliflo is about $200 more expensive than the superflo, but you could easily save that in costs to redo plumbing.

Either way if you currently have a pump timer that will need to be removed or bypassed as all the VS pumps come with internal timers and are designed to be supplied with uninterrupted power.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Chris,

Welcome to TFP... A great place to find the answers to all your pool equipment questions, no matter if your Beach is Long or Short...

What Chuck says above is spot on....

For reference, my pump (IntelliFlo) also sits right outside my bedroom window. About 8 feet from my pillow... When I first got this pump I would often go outside just to make sure it was still running..

At 1200 rpm, where I run most of the time, it is so quiet that you almost have to touch it to confirm it is even running...

As far as costs go, I can run my pump at 1200 rpm, 24/7, for less than $20 bucks a month... I know our electrical costs are different, but you don't have a SWCG, so running long hours is not something you need to do...

No matter what new pump you install, make sure you install it with "pump" unions, it will make the install much easier and leak free. And no, you can't buy them at Lowes or Home Depot...

Thanks for posting,

Jim R.

 

[needsajet]

Welcome to TFP! Good to have you here

You mentioned just pool, just circulation, and it sounds like you've done your research (pool cover and robot) and figured out the best way for your pool. So I thought I'd throw out a couple other options that haven't been mentioned.

A two-speed pump is a simple and low cost option, guessing that you already have one timer, but would need to add another or switch to a two-speed timer. You can do this by just buying a motor, if you're happy with your wet end.

Switching just the motor to a VS motor with onboard timers is another option, assuming your wet end is fine and/or new seals could be added. Inyo has an A. O. Smith or Century variable speed motor for your pump with it's own controller attached. I like tinkering with speeds, so VS would be my choice.

If I had the money and less time, I'd buy the Pentair Superflo VS. Lots of good recommendations here, simple, competitive price. (a few plumbing bits and bobs, as previously mentioned)

If I felt like splurging, I'd buy the Intelliflo VS. It's a big motor and impeller, so you would run lower RPMs which might make it a tad quieter, but the two VS options above are quiet at low speeds.

You might be able to scoop up a rebate for the changeover, so check into that! Sometimes those dollars make it obvious to just buy a new pump that's on their list.

Since noise is the primary objective, you can also enclose it like we do down here. When my pump is on low or medium, you pretty much need to open the box to know it's running. It's also out of the sun, protected from theft and everything stays clean.

 

[needsajet]

I just noticed in another thread that Swampwoman has the VGreen 1.65 HP variable speed replacement motor bolted on her pump. You could message her and ask her how quiet it is. She has a ton of pool experience, and prior pumps to compare to, so might be worthwhile.

If you decide to just swap motors, be sure to order the right frame/flange - Inyo mention that they have both the main ones.
A.O. Smith 1.65 HP Variable Speed Pool Pump Motor Round Flange - ECM16CU - INYOPools.com
Century VGreen 165 Variable Speed Pump Motor - Instructional - YouTube

 

[Swampwoman]

Hi there -- its true, that was my cheapest date for getting vsp as I didn't need to change my wet end
Sound is very quiet at lower rpms and med rpms...and probably quieter at higher rpms compared to my old one. But since mine is out in the pool house, I've never paid much attention sound-wise