Variable Speed Pump for AGP

[red-beard]

Any recommendations for a variable speed pumps? Or ones to stay away from?

One of my buddies has a 24 foot diameter ABG (14K gallons?). He runs a 1/2 hp pump about 18 hours a day. That is a LOT of kWhs/year. And he pays about $0.13/kWh. I saved a LOT of money replacing my 1 hp pump.

 

[mas985]

A two speed pump would be much less expensive and save almost the same amount in energy costs on low speed.

Also, you friend doesn't need to run the pump that long. 4 hours a day is probably more than sufficient.

 

[CrystalRiver]

Agree with cutting run time. I don't live with the pool, so it doesn't get run much at all. An hour or so a day after (heavy) use, and other than that, maybe 30 minutes a week. With a circular pool and an aimed jet, it doesn't take long at all to get a good whirlpool going and skim everything off the surface.

12,000 gallons is realistic. It's 4 feet measured to the rail. The water can never get that high, because it will overflow through the skimmer. 3.5 feet is more realistic water depth.

 

[red-beard]

It is a rental house, which is why I think he runs it that much.

With the VSP, he can run it 24/7 and program the times speed with the unit (which is how I do mine). If he goes with a 2 speed unit, he will have to add more automation to select the speed.

 

[red-beard]

Oh, and I agree he could run it less, but he keeps it on for his guests. I'm also trying to get him off the devil's candy, and to convert to a SWG.

 

[CrystalRiver]

I find I need to make sure the pump is off during pool use. One, nobody wants to listen to it. But more importantly, with such a small pool, it's very vulnerable to waves causing the pump to suck air. Pretty much any motion anywhere in the pool, and it starts sucking air.

But, to each their own. I found what works well for the pool I maintain. If his guests want the pump running more and he's willing to pay for it, then it sounds like he's found what works for him. In the end, that's what really matters - finding what works and keeps everyone healthy and happy.

 

[red-beard]

Again, I'm looking for SUGGESTIONS on pumps....

 

[ajw22]

Call Inyopools and see what they recommend and more importantly what is available.

Above Ground Pool Pumps | Inyo Pools - INYOPools.com

Explore our selection of above ground pool pumps at Inyo Pools. Find efficient and reliable pumps designed specifically for above ground pools to keep your water circulating smoothly and your pool pristine. Manufacturer: Pureline, Hayward, Pentair. HP: 0.75, 1.0, 1.5. Speed: Single, Dual.

www.inyopools.com

The only VS pumps Inyopools shows is from Speck.
@InyoRob

 

[mas985]

It is a rental house, which is why I think he runs it that much.

With the VSP, he can run it 24/7 and program the times speed with the unit (which is how I do mine). If he goes with a 2 speed unit, he will have to add more automation to select the speed.

There are also two speed pumps with built in timers.

Doheny's Above Ground 2-Speed Pool Pump, 115V, 1 HP

Doheny's Above Ground 2-Speed Pool Pump, 115V, 1 HP. Hurry and purchase today at Doheny's Pool Supplies Fast

www.doheny.com

You can always get an inground VS pump but it is unlikely that it will beat the lifetime cost of an AG two speed.

Also, unless you have a special requirement, there is really no need to run a pump at different speeds. For an AG pump, low speed is all that should be needed for normal filtering and circulation. I have an inground pool and run at just one speed. Fast enough for the skimmers and SWG to work properly. No need to go faster or slower.

 

[red-beard]

That looks PERFECT. And at that price point, it will take a lot of time to pay the difference compared to a VSP.

Now All I need is a 25K SWG!

 

[cj133]

I find I need to make sure the pump is off during pool use. One, nobody wants to listen to it. But more importantly, with such a small pool, it's very vulnerable to waves causing the pump to suck air. Pretty much any motion anywhere in the pool, and it starts sucking air.

But, to each their own. I found what works well for the pool I maintain. If his guests want the pump running more and he's willing to pay for it, then it sounds like he's found what works for him. In the end, that's what really matters - finding what works and keeps everyone healthy and happy.

I've always been the opposite, I hate being in a pool with the pump off. I like to know stuff that ends up in the pool from feet etc, gets removed.

That being said, I'm running a Hayward 1.5HP 2 speed matrix pump and it's never sucked air on low speed no matter how big the waves are. Also, on low it's so quiet I find it hard to imagine anyone would be bothered by it. On high it's easily 4 times louder.

Due to the fact anything the skimmer doesn't remove in a short amount of time tends to sink, I prefer to run my pump 24/7 and the low speed allows me to do that without spending a fortune on electric. Also, I really think the skimmer actually works better on low speed than it does on high as the water goes by it slower. Things tend to go into the skimmer rather than speed by it for another lap or two.

I did look at variable speed pumps, but I agree with others than the 2 speed pump is likely the best bang for the buck and I'd never go back to a single speed.

 

[Mdragger88]

That looks PERFECT. And at that price point, it will take a lot of time to pay the difference compared to a VSP.

Now All I need is a 25K SWG!

Discount salt pool is having their Black Friday sale now...