VS Pump upgrade

[SMH2]

I have been scouring thru the options of an upgrade to a VS Pump for my pool this year for efficiency savings. Currently I have an 8 year old Sta-rite Max E 1.5 HP, it is my second year owning the home and pool and being in Massachusetts only have a short season to enjoy the pool. After opening, I had been running the pool pump 10-12 hours a day to enjoy the spa spillover while i was outdoors, I knocked it back to about 6-8 hours after a few obscene electric bills due to the house A/C and the pool operation.

Anyhow, I was planning to self install the Sta-rite Intellipro 3050 as it looks identical to what I am replacing, save the VS capabilities, however it's tan cousin, the Pentair 011018 seems to be about $120 bucks less expensive, looks a little different but same specs. Now I realize they are both made by pentaire and there are about a dozen submodels of those pump. I get the difference for some of them (variable flow, svrs technology, California and brick and mortar models etc) but I dont want miss out on something I should get. Any recommendations on these pumps.
I also see that if you self install these, your warranty is drastically reduced. Anybody have any major issues with this?

 

[Divin Dave]

I have the 011018 VSP. Going into year 5 now with no problems. Its very efficient. I run mine at 1500 RPM (186 watts) 24/7 year 'round, and the electricity costs a bit less than 20.00/month. My KWH costs about 15 cents.

I have a couple of friends who have converted to the 011018 because they like mine, and they couldn't be happier. I helped them do a DIY and it's easy.

I dont know the differences between one model and the next. but as a user of the thing, IMO, you can't go wrong with it.

 

[ramsfan]

I am not an expert, but I use a Pentair VST2, and the ability to set variable speeds saves tons of money, and comes in handy for different applications. One note, Pentair released a new model that allows you to not just set RMP's but to set water flow rates, which I think would be more useful.

 

[SMH2]

I am not an expert, but I use a Pentair VST2, and the ability to set variable speeds saves tons of money, and comes in handy for different applications. One note, Pentair released a new model that allows you to not just set RMP's but to set water flow rates, which I think would be more useful.

Thanks, I am starting to look at the XF models that control flow. I spoke to a lady at my Utility Rebate program and she said the "energy star dealers" get a backdoor $600 bucks for installing high efficiency pumps, but nothing for the homeowner. I stopped by the company that installed my pool to see if they want to pass some savings onto me. Waiting on a quote!

 

[ramsfan]

Thanks, I am starting to look at the XF models that control flow. I spoke to a lady at my Utility Rebate program and she said the "energy star dealers" get a backdoor $600 bucks for installing high efficiency pumps, but nothing for the homeowner. I stopped by the company that installed my pool to see if they want to pass some savings onto me. Waiting on a quote!

Interesting.... I got $350 direct from the utility company when I installed mine.

 

[Jimrahbe]

smh,

You really do not want the SVRS option... it will cause you intermittent problems with any water surge causing the pump to shut off... It is an unnecessary option... The IntelliFlo is the gold standard of pool pumps but not when the SVRS option is added...

I suggest that you go with the VS model... 90% of the owners have the VS, only a few have the VF.. more complex and not needed... more expensive for no real gain..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[skoum]

I do have a VF (from previous owner) and if I had to choose I would go for a VS.

The pump is not able to calculate the gpm with enough accuracy.
I have installed a flow meter and the pump calculates 0 gpm when the flow meter displays 40gpm, 20gpm for 50gpm etc.

GPM is the only variable that can be adjusted when running the timed options.

Last season I ended up tweeking the pool volume to 10,000 gallons in the pump settings so it does not run for too long or at a too high speed.

This year I just run it on manual mode at 1400 rpm for 8 hours so I have my daily water turnover.

 

[SMH2]

Thanks Jim, Skoum and others for the input,

Will definitely be staying away from the SVRS. Pool Co will be installing the Sta-rite Intellipro VS (not sure if it is the VSF model) when they open the pool next month. More money then I wanted to spend but I'd like the peace of the 3 year warranty.
Almost seems kinda silly to spend 1200 bucks to save $200 a year but it will be an improvement. Hoping for a nice summer to enjoy the pool!

 

[SMH2]

Thanks for the help. New pump is in. They put in the Sta Rite Intellipro 2 VST. The thing is pretty neat compared to the old one speed it replaced. Hopeful it will save me money because the pool lights and heater were shot and are now ordered!