Seeking Recommendations for Pool Pump Replacement: Issues with Pentair SuperFlo VS

Gflande1

Active member
Jul 11, 2019
25
Syracuse, New York
Hello everyone,

I’m looking for recommendations on how to handle my failing Pentair EC-342001 - SuperFlo VS Variable Speed Pool Pump, which I purchased in 2018. It’s been having issues the last couple of years, including control panel malfunctions and communication errors, and I’m exploring my options for repair or replacement.

Option 1: Motor Upgrade Kit

One option I’m considering is replacing the motor with the Pentair SuperFlo VS Motor Upgrade Kit - 1.65HP (Century) from InyoPools. However, I’m unsure if this is the best choice because the Pentair SuperFlo has a 1.5” inlet, whereas larger pumps typically have a 2” inlet.

This last year I replaced the skimmer and 1.5” flex skimmer line with 2” (connected to the 2” port of Hayward skimmer), as well as the plumbing at the pool equipment pad. However, based on my pool technician’s recommendation, the main drain and 3 return lines are still 1.5”. Am I overthinking the inlet size, or does it really matter when it comes to upgrading the pump motor? I have read opinion that differ as it relates to the pumps efficiency (1.5" vs 2" on 2" plumbing).

Option 2: Replace the Pump

Alternatively, I’m looking into replacing the entire pump. Currently, I’m considering:
  • CircuPool SmartFlo® Variable Speed Pool Pump - 1.7 THP from DSP
  • Waterway 1.65 HP Power Defender Variable Speed Pump
  • CaliMar® 1.5 HP Variable Speed Pool Pump
But I’m open to other suggestions that may be a good fit for my pool. I’d like to keep the cost under $1000.

Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!
 
Last edited:
Option 1: Motor Upgrade Kit
One option I’m considering is replacing the motor with the Pentair SuperFlo VS Motor Upgrade Kit - 1.65HP (Century) from InyoPools. However, I’m unsure if this is the best choice because the Pentair SuperFlo has a 1.5” inlet, whereas larger pumps typically have a 2” inlet.

This last year I replaced the skimmer and 1.5” flex skimmer line with 2” (connected to the 2” port of Hayward skimmer), as well as the plumbing at the pool equipment pad. However, based on my pool technician’s recommendation, the main drain and 3 return lines are still 1.5”. Am I overthinking the inlet size, or does it really matter when it comes to upgrading the pump motor? I have read opinion that differ as it relates to the pumps efficiency (1.5" vs 2" on 2" plumbing).
Swapping out the motor does not change the pump performance. That is determined by the impeller. Plus the EC-342001 actually uses a 2.2 THP rated pump motor:

1737574884242.png

This is the correct motor to use:



Option 2: Replace the Pump

Alternatively, I’m looking into replacing the entire pump. Currently, I’m considering:
  • CircuPool SmartFlo® Variable Speed Pool Pump - 1.7 THP from DSP
  • Waterway 1.65 HP Power Defender Variable Speed Pump
  • CaliMar® 1.5 HP Variable Speed Pool Pump
But I’m open to other suggestions that may be a good fit for my pool. I’d like to keep the cost under $1000.

Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

If it is just a controller issue, you could just replace that:

 
Hello everyone,

I’m looking for recommendations on how to handle my failing Pentair EC-342001 - SuperFlo VS Variable Speed Pool Pump, which I purchased in 2018. It’s been having issues the last couple of years, including control panel malfunctions and communication errors, and I’m exploring my options for repair or replacement.

Option 1: Motor Upgrade Kit

One option I’m considering is replacing the motor with the Pentair SuperFlo VS Motor Upgrade Kit - 1.65HP (Century) from InyoPools. However, I’m unsure if this is the best choice because the Pentair SuperFlo has a 1.5” inlet, whereas larger pumps typically have a 2” inlet.

This last year I replaced the skimmer and 1.5” flex skimmer line with 2” (connected to the 2” port of Hayward skimmer), as well as the plumbing at the pool equipment pad. However, based on my pool technician’s recommendation, the main drain and 3 return lines are still 1.5”. Am I overthinking the inlet size, or does it really matter when it comes to upgrading the pump motor? I have read opinion that differ as it relates to the pumps efficiency (1.5" vs 2" on 2" plumbing).

Option 2: Replace the Pump

Alternatively, I’m looking into replacing the entire pump. Currently, I’m considering:
  • CircuPool SmartFlo® Variable Speed Pool Pump - 1.7 THP from DSP
  • Waterway 1.65 HP Power Defender Variable Speed Pump
  • CaliMar® 1.5 HP Variable Speed Pool Pump
But I’m open to other suggestions that may be a good fit for my pool. I’d like to keep the cost under $1000.

Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!
Do you have automation?
 
Thank you for your responses. From your questions I was able to research and confirm that the Intelliconnect wont work with my pump. Maybe when I upgrade the pump, I can see what automation is available then.

For now, I will plan on running the pump 24/7 and adding a timer to the SWG. Anyone know if its possible to add an additional flow switch? In my head it seems like if you wire them together, you would be able to.
 
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