Thoughts and/or Experience w/Black+Decker Variable Pump?

asusundevil

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Jun 24, 2014
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Chandler, Arizona
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I'm looking to upgrade my 1.5hp single speed motor with this Black+Decker and 5-yr warranty ($599.00 at Wal-Mart). It's half the cost of a Hayward and Pantair. But cheaper isn't always better.

Would love some feedback here:

 
A,

This pump is Manufactured by Blue Torrent Pool Products..

If you search this site, I think you will find a few related threads.

I have not seen enough positive or negative threads to form an opinion.

I looked at the manual, which looks pretty clear and I see that it comes in 1.5, 2.0 and 3.0 HP models.

I like that it has a removable base that allows it to match OEM pumps, and also has 1.5 to 2" union adapters.

I suggest that you buy it and report back with your findings.. :mrgreen:

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
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curious about these also ,, I am realizing my PB did not do me any favor using a one pump setup with in floor cleaning and the water feature
I am thinking of Isolating the waterfall with it's own pump
 
I see you are in the Phoenix area. Depending on your pump it might be possible to add a variable speed motor. I believe Perry's pool pumps could do that depending on your wet end. I also considered the black and decker but ended up going with a VS 950 since I have hayward automation. Will be interesting to see the savings going from a single speed pump.
 
Well my V-green 2.7 gave up and the B+D 3 arrives today. Losing freeze protect but gaining 500$ everything else looks comparable. I'll definitely let ya'll know if the B+D gives up.

I am hoping I won't have to re-plumb for the B+D dimensions with the adjustable base, but just got done re-plumbing the whole pad. So I have some confidence and local source for long sweep elbows(real schedule 40 not DWV); practically an expert by now, if I do.
 
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Mine just came in yesterday. Looks to be good quality but being in NJ I won't install for another month or two. The price and 5 yr warranty was what sold me. Hopefully all goes well! Anyone know where to check if it qualifies for a rebate?
 
My utility service in central Texas says 150$ per HP. They want it to be installed by a contractor, with an invoice including serial# on the invoice, Energy star certificate, and settings from the energy star site(literally schedules with lower variable RPMs, they had a spreadsheet calculator in the same place you download the certificate on the energystar.gov site). I am just going to write it up with pictures and evidence, but invoice myself and see if it will push through(just got done doing it with central AC SEER upgrade). There are said to be no federal/irs deductions for pool pump energy improvements.

Waiting for my gauges to get in to really optimize filtration/RPMs with Total Dynamic Head measurements, then get rid of my suction side cleaner, throw a Dolphin in there and run just high enough to feed enough daily liquid disenfectant and turnover goals. The B+D strainer house looks like it has the same ports;
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My current one-speed pump has gone bad so I was also thinking about it. After some research on it and also not being able to get Pentair/Hayward ~3HP variable pump anywhere in stock. I decided it is worth the risk to try this. I ordered the 3HP version online for ~$950 and now waiting for it to be delivered. I will update here with my experience of installation and usage and will look forward to reading from other users as well. Hope this one last 5 years and it will all be worth it :)
 
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My current one-speed pump has gone bad so I was also thinking about it. After some research on it and also not being able to get Pentair/Hayward ~3HP variable pump anywhere in stock. I decided it is worth the risk to try this. I ordered the 3HP version online for ~$950 and now waiting for it to be delivered. I will update here with my experience of installation and usage and will look forward to reading from other users as well. Hope this one last 5 years and it will all be worth it :)
Please keep me informed. I am thinking if i should maintain the 1HP or go bigger 1 1/2 HP just in case. Actually will have to change the connection as it will be 240V.
 
What is the advantage to sizing up on your pump? It just doesn't work as hard?
Yes, you can move the same amount of water for less energy cost.

Using a 2-speed pump analogy, If a 2hp pump moves 100 gpm at full speed, it will move 50 gpm at its low speed (half speed), but the cost is only 1/8 to 1/4 (depending on which website you visit) the amount to run it at full speed. So, while it may take twice as long to move the same amount of water, it will cost only half or a quarter of what it would at full speed. (Google "pump affinity law.")

There are also the advantages in less and easier filter cleanings, which means the filter will last much longer.

A larger VSP can actually cost less to move the same amount of water that a smaller horsepower VSP would do as the smaller one would have to spin faster.
 
bigger motor running lower also produces lower sound pressure level(happy for my neighbors on that side).
My rebate came through:
-filled application
-wrote myself a purchase order
-described my settings and schedules in adhearence to the manufacturer's recommended energy stary settings

The gauges fit perfectly.
 
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I'm looking to upgrade my 1.5hp single speed motor with this Black+Decker and 5-yr warranty ($599.00 at Wal-Mart). It's half the cost of a Hayward and Pantair. But cheaper isn't always better.

Would love some feedback here:

Did you go with the pump? Is it still running today?
 
B&D impeller keeps clogging 100% with tree debris, never had that problem with the old pentair whisperflo or the easyfit pump impellers.
...But obviously, other issues at play there.

How is tree debris getting through your skimmer basket and the pump basket? Examine the baskets carefully for any cracks or holes.

You use skimmer socks?
 

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