How to know if water feature pump is necessary?

[pooldumdum]

Hi. We are having an in ground pool installed that is 20 x 50’ with a 6 ft tanning ledge and 8 ft deep end.

We are planning on 3 bubblers on the tanning ledge and considering 6 deck jets for the kids as well.

Our base package includes a Max Flo VSP Pump (1.65 total HP), but our contractor has recommended we upgrade to a a Tristar 950 VSP Pump (2.7 total HP), and then get a 2nd Max Flo VSP (1.65 HP)+ Cartridge Filter for the water features only.

My questions are if the second pump is necessary, or could we run all water features with the upgraded pump?

Thanks for your feedback!

 

[reggiehammond]

You want a separate pump, or at minimum, ability to control water features with an automation package.
TFP recommends to use the water features only when you're out there to enjoy them, as they will complicate your chemistry due to excessive aeration.

For the main pump, you do want the 2.7hp. The reason being - a larger pump can move more water at lower RPMs which is key to reducing electrical usage. The larger pump can likely pay for itself in the first year.

 

[Jimrahbe]

PDD,

You really need to hear Deck Jets run before you install them.. I'm told that they are so loud that the fun of having them runs out pretty quickly..

Once you build the pool, it is pretty difficult to add pumps and that type of upgrades.. Yes, it costs more now, but you will be much happier later.

Do you plan to have a Spa? Do you plan to have automation?

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[pjt]

our contractor has recommended we upgrade to a a Tristar 950 VSP Pump (2.7 total HP)

Definitely get the bigger pump.

My questions are if the second pump is necessary, or could we run all water features with the upgraded pump?

Everything can be run with one pump. I have a single pump that runs my system, and it works great. Flow to the returns or water features is controlled by a diverter valve. Unless you have special flow requirements or unique circumstances, I don't see the benefit of a dedicated water feature pump. You probably won't use your water features that often, so a second pump would sit idle the vast majority of the time. Having just one pump saves money, frees up room on your equipment pad, and increases the simplicity of your system.

 

[pooldumdum]

Thanks, everyone! So what I’m hearing is if we only run water features in isolation we should be good with 2.7 HP pump.

This makes me think the contractor, who we have really liked, is just trying to upsell for the second pump… maybe appropriately if they are thinking in terms of us always having all water features on.

I know they are installing the water features with actuators so we can turn on/off easily.

As for the loudness of deck jets, or their utilization generally, I’ve definitely read a lot of mixed opinions.

If we just did the bubblers would you still recommend the pump upgrade?

Thanks!

 

[pooldumdum]

PDD,

You really need to hear Deck Jets run before you install them.. I'm told that they are so loud that the fun of having them runs out pretty quickly..

Once you build the pool, it is pretty difficult to add pumps and that type of upgrades.. Yes, it costs more now, but you will be much happier later.

Do you plan to have a Spa? Do you plan to have automation?

Thanks,

Jim R.

No spa plans, but yes to automation.

Good feedback on the deckjets, thanks!

 

[pjt]

So what I’m hearing is if we only run water features in isolation we should be good with 2.7 HP pump.

Yes. You may even be able to run some water through your water features and normal returns simultaneously (I can).

just trying to upsell for the second pump

Possible, but he may also be giving you his honest opinion.

If we just did the bubblers would you still recommend the pump upgrade?

Even if you had no water features, get the larger pump.

 

[Jimrahbe]

PDD,

You can never go too big with a VS pump, you can for sure go too small.. I never recommend a small (1.5 HP) VS pump.

If all you have is two bubblers as water features, then one pump would work just fine. As long as you can turn the bubblers on and off using your automation.

Just for reference.. My 3 HP IntelliFlo runs mostly at 1200 RPM... But, when I want to run my small waterfall wall I have to crank the pump up to 2800 RPM.

The cost to run 24/7 at 1200 RPM is about $10 bucks a month.
The cost to run 24/7 at 2800 RPM is a little about $104 a month..

Thanks,

Jim R.