Pump Options: Intelliflo3 1.5 HP or SuperMax VS Variable Speed 2.2 HP

ploam

New member
May 28, 2024
4
Seattle, WA
Hello, we recently moved into a new house with a pool and realized the current 1.65 HP single-speed pump costs us a lot in electricity. There is no functional timer and it seems ready for an upgrade, so we're looking at variable-speed pumps.

One vendor in our area (Seattle) gave us the option of an Intelliflo3 1.5 HP or a SuperMax VS Variable Speed 2.2 HP. We were interested in the Intelliflo3 3HP model, but the pool has 1.5" PVC pipes possibly from the build in 1972, so the vendor suggested we use one of the two models listed to not compromise the pipes. He mentioned the Super Max VS is functionally the same as the SuperFlo VST.

We are leaning toward the Intelliflo3 1.5 HP as it's compelling to monitor the pump, fine-tune settings, and (eventually) control the pool light with the I/O relay control board. However, it seems a little less powerful compared with the SuperMax VS and we're unclear if that would be an issue (we don't want the pump to be overly loud if it's pushing its limits). The pool shed is wired for 230V as an additional data point. Please find the full specs below too.

Any feedback on the pump options or other things to consider would be helpful. Aside from having a pool in my youth, we're new to pools and have many blind spots. Thank you!

Specs:
  • 28K gallon pool (estimate from online calculator)
  • 16x36, in-ground gunite, circa 1972
  • 1.65 HP single-speed pump
  • Pentair Clean & Clear Plus 320 sq. ft. filter
  • Raypak 266,000 BTU Natural Gas Pool Heater
 
Welcome to the forum!
If you are interested in lower electricity cost, get the Intelliflo3 3hp. The pipe size does not matter. Just limit the max rpm to 2500 or so. You likely will run at 1200-1500 rpm all the time depending on how much backpressure your heater creates.
I suggest you read through Pool Care Basics - Trouble Free Pool and even look at a few of our videos TFP-TV - Trouble Free Pool
 
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One vendor in our area (Seattle) gave us the option of an Intelliflo3 1.5 HP or a SuperMax VS Variable Speed 2.2 HP. We were interested in the Intelliflo3 3HP model, but the pool has 1.5" PVC pipes possibly from the build in 1972, so the vendor suggested we use one of the two models listed to not compromise the pipes.
P,

That is just a load of bull feathers.. VS pool pump are just not going to hurt your 1.5" pipes.. The whole idea of a VS pump is to run it as slow as you can, so there is very little actual pressure.

The bigger the pump the more water it can move at a lower RPM and the less noise there will be.

I never recommend a small (1.5 HP) VS pump, as I think most people are better off getting the larger (3 HP) VS pump.

I have three pools, at three different houses, that all have 3 HP IntelliFlo pumps. They have been running 24/7, mostly at low RPMs for well over 10 years. They run today, just like the did when installed.

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
Hi, thank you for getting back to me you two. I saw that the 3 HP Intelliflo3 only has a union kit that reduces to 2" plumbing—any idea if running a 3 HP pump on 1.5" plumbing would affect the warranty?

Also, we are pretty risk-averse people generally, would there be any issues with going with the 1.5 HP Intelliflo3?
 
No issue using the pump with 1.5" plumbing.

Only issue with the de-rated pump is more electricity use and more pump noise. You will need to run at much higher rpm to move the same amount of water. Especially with a heater.
 

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