I had a 3 year old single speed pump in great condition, but the electricity here in CA was killing me. It was costing me $100 a month in electricity just to run it 4 to 5 hours a day. I redid my whole equipment pad and installed a flow meter and some additional valves for spa control and also looked into adding a VSP pump. When I ran the math, I realized that I would be able to run my pump 24/7, mostly at low speeds (1000 rpm), I would be able to save $75/month in electricity. It was a no brainer to get it. It paid for itself in less than a year, and has been running strong since 2016. I have since added a SWG and a Dolphin robot which has made maintaining the pool SIMPLE. I just have to add a little muriatic acid to control the pH and I occasionally check the chlorine level with my Taylor K2006 test kit. I haven't had even a hint of algae since, which is when I fired my pool guy and took over things myself.
I use 2 speed pumps. VSP are super expensive to repair when lightning craps them out, they have computer control boards. My 2 speed pumps have…a toggle switch. I only run on high to backwash, vac, maybe to mix chemicals on recirc. Day in and day out they run on low speed. Cheap to run, easy to rebuild the bearings. They work for me.
In Phoenix AZ we have a lot of houses with solar. I run these pumps on high from about 8am-4pm, because it is practically free with the solar. For houses without solar, I try to avoid what we call "Peak power" where the cost of electricity from the power company is about 4x. These times are around dinner and breakfast, when most families are cranking up their AC units.
Out of all the people I found on RUclips You're the perfect person to ask this question. I just bought a Century one and a half horsepower pump it does a service factor of 1 replacing an AO Smith pump which is 1 horsepower with a service factor of 1.1 I also purchased a one and a half horsepower impeller the SP2 610c from Hayward not understanding the difference between uprated and total horsepower I really don't know the power of the new pump that I got and I'm not sure if the one and a half horsepower impeller will work with the one and a half horsepower upgrade water pump that I have
I have a Blue-White flowmeter installed at the inlet of the return manifold. I set my VSP at a speed that gives me four turns a day and run 24/7. It has been running this way since March. For my set up, 2850 RPM = 50 GPM.
You only need to run it at 2850 rpm about 3 hours a day to adequately skim and vacuum - the rest of the schedule is just for circulation. Most of the year 2 turnovers is plenty. In summer maybe 3 turns. Variable speed pumps are efficient but if you run it more than necessary you are still wasting electricity (and money). I’ve never come across a pool that NEEDS to run 24 hours a day. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
Hey Steve! great videos, thanks for the information. can you make a video on converting a chlorine pool into a saltwater pool? what are the costs and risks of doing this?
Can you do a version of the video on how long to run a pool pump with a solar panel system in summer. Ideally you would only run the pump when the solar is generating so that the power is free. Thanks
Would temperature or geographical location make a difference? I’m in Dallas, Tx where we’re having temps between 104-109 and I’m tempted to change my VSP to run 24hr but definitely don’t want to mess anything up.
Hi Steve, I take you as one of the real experts in the field and would like to know your thoughts on the implamation of airlift pumps. Better know as Bubble Pumps. They are use successfully in water treatment plants and can move tons of water with very little energy input.
. Mine run only at max speed that is proper for an individual system, the 3hp pumps can be too much for some plumbing etc. They run a cycle the same duration as a single speed would if the folks were smart enough to still have one. It’s not enough to “turn over” afaic, I want them spotless when I walk in. A pump running at a low speed does nothing to make my job easier, if my job isn’t easy folks will pay far beyond whatever energy saving would dividend.
What are your thoughts on the lifespan of a VSP given it never turns off? I’d imagine the bearings would fail sooner Lastly, I fully support VSP! I switched from an ancient single speed and 3k rpm’s has more a greater GPM flow rate than my single speed at 3,450RPms. Same HP. My vacuum works better, my pool is clearer, and I’m paying less monthly. WINNING
I think long hours at low speeds is far better for longevity of the pump and motor versus high speed operation. Less friction and heat, and the motor is continuous duty so it is made for constant operation.
For best sanitization pump should run primarily during the daylight hours when UV index and water temp are highest. This is the time when the chemicals must work the hardest - without daytime circulation they can’t do their job. That’s why your water keeps getting cloudy
Bull! Bull! Bull! Over 40 years of owning swimming pools I’ve NEVER ran the pump 24/7! 8 hours a day is all you should need! Never had any major issues!
Steve, awesome info. Just a follow up question concerning a salt water pool with a VSP. Would you run the salt cell 24/7 also? If not, would you run it on the high, medium or low speed schedule and what percentage of chlorine production. Thanks in advance.
Chlorinator cell output will vary from pool to pool , depending on swimmer load and environmental factors, blanket on pool and water temperature if heated ... Hi cell production with low pump speeds can also create a gas void in the upper portion of the cell , exposing the flow sensor to gas and not water , causing the chlorinator power pack to shut down due to "no flow" over sensor, which will turn the pump off as a protection from running the pump dry.... This gas void may take an hour or two to develop depending on how low pump speed is on the vsp and how high you have the chlorinator cell output.
12-16hr running time , with 10-20% cell output.. do water tests daily for a week with no swimmers , and see what the chlorine level is doing , try to achieve atleast 3-4ppm constantly.... Find out the specs on the vsp , rpm/flow rate as you need to achieve complete pool water turn over atleast once a day. Eg 60000ltr pool , pump set to 1350rpm = approximately 140ltrs/min , depending on manufacturer , so to achieve one complete water turnover thru the filtration, multiple 140ltrs ×60 = 8400ltrs per hour ... divide 60000 by 8400 = approximately 7hrs for one complete turn over... So two turnovers would be 14hrs.... chlorinator output level will vary due to environmental factors but normally 10-30% production will be suitable, ... His comment is a guide only ! Every pool is different and it may take a fews weeks of close observation to obtain correct sanitization levels ... Other water chemistry factors will also play a part in the efficiency of the free chlorine molecule to adequately provide sanitization, pH is very important
Variable speed pumps are becoming mandatory by local regs to save energy.. but they have been a huge waste of money for me.. just replaced a pentair intelliflo.. almost 5 years old. Had a single speed pump in another house.. lasted 10 years and cost 25% of a vsp. Running a pump 24 hrs a day will shorten its life span.. and you will be out another 2 grand..
You are comparing the price a pump you bought 15 to one you bought 5 years ago. In those intervening 10 years the cost of pool hardware skyrocketed and so has the cost of electricity. Without considering those significant factors your math is far off
When my pump speed dips below 40% I get cavitation under the lid and I can hear the water moving through the cartridge filter. Does that lead to increased pH? I have a SWG so the pH battle is endless.
With SWG the pH battle is intrinsic to the chemistry and not due to aeration. It’s not something they tell you when selling the salt system. The air in your pump should be eliminated by properly balancing your skimmer and drain. If that doesn’t fix it start looking for your suction side leak.
I run a Pentair Intelliflo Variable Speed pump 24/7 @ 1500 RPM no problem and the pool looks great. I will run it at 1900 RPM on Saturday and Sunday if we use the pool. The MAX RPM is 3450 RPM. I would not run that 24/7. $$$
I have NEVER run my single speed pump 24/7. I've run it from between 6 and 10 hours. Now I'm running 8 hrs from noon to 8pm. My pool has always been clear...18x36.
What is your RPM's during that 8 Hours? What If I told you there was a way to calculate your electric usage in that 8 hours AND find out how many gallons of water flow through your filter? Would you believe me when I say my current variable speed pump filters more water for less money in 24 hours than it does in 8 hours? Math does not lie so you don't have to believe me, just believe the math. THIS is why variable speed pumps exist and save money over the years. It's a big cost up front but in the long run you save money monthly.
He wasn’t suggesting that anybody run a single speed pump 24 x 7. In fact he advised against it But with a variable speed pump you can circulate using the same as a 75 watt light bulb so all day run times are a non-issue.
![[SFM] Risky Recital](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RzNkY1_Nk3o/mqdefault.jpg)
I had a 3 year old single speed pump in great condition, but the electricity here in CA was killing me. It was costing me $100 a month in electricity just to run it 4 to 5 hours a day. I redid my whole equipment pad and installed a flow meter and some additional valves for spa control and also looked into adding a VSP pump. When I ran the math, I realized that I would be able to run my pump 24/7, mostly at low speeds (1000 rpm), I would be able to save $75/month in electricity. It was a no brainer to get it. It paid for itself in less than a year, and has been running strong since 2016.
I have since added a SWG and a Dolphin robot which has made maintaining the pool SIMPLE. I just have to add a little muriatic acid to control the pH and I occasionally check the chlorine level with my Taylor K2006 test kit. I haven't had even a hint of algae since, which is when I fired my pool guy and took over things myself.
I use 2 speed pumps. VSP are super expensive to repair when lightning craps them out, they have computer control boards. My 2 speed pumps have…a toggle switch. I only run on high to backwash, vac, maybe to mix chemicals on recirc. Day in and day out they run on low speed. Cheap to run, easy to rebuild the bearings. They work for me.
Same here. Should be called half speed not low speed (1725 RPM). Motors are a lot cheaper too.
In Phoenix AZ we have a lot of houses with solar. I run these pumps on high from about 8am-4pm, because it is practically free with the solar. For houses without solar, I try to avoid what we call "Peak power" where the cost of electricity from the power company is about 4x. These times are around dinner and breakfast, when most families are cranking up their AC units.
Steve, You are a wealth of knowledge. Thanks for the great tutorials.
I can run my VSP 24/7 for ~75 watts. That's less than $6/month. I like the constant skimming, chlorination, filtering, and circulation.
Out of all the people I found on RUclips You're the perfect person to ask this question. I just bought a Century one and a half horsepower pump it does a service factor of 1 replacing an AO Smith pump which is 1 horsepower with a service factor of 1.1 I also purchased a one and a half horsepower impeller the SP2 610c from Hayward not understanding the difference between uprated and total horsepower I really don't know the power of the new pump that I got and I'm not sure if the one and a half horsepower impeller will work with the one and a half horsepower upgrade water pump that I have
I have a Blue-White flowmeter installed at the inlet of the return manifold. I set my VSP at a speed that gives me four turns a day and run 24/7. It has been running this way since March. For my set up, 2850 RPM = 50 GPM.
You only need to run it at 2850 rpm about 3 hours a day to adequately skim and vacuum - the rest of the schedule is just for circulation. Most of the year 2 turnovers is plenty. In summer maybe 3 turns. Variable speed pumps are efficient but if you run it more than necessary you are still wasting electricity (and money). I’ve never come across a pool that NEEDS to run 24 hours a day. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
Good info as always Sir
Question, do you run your ionizer and ozone generator 24hrs along with the vsp or should they be on there own timer?
Hey Steve! great videos, thanks for the information. can you make a video on converting a chlorine pool into a saltwater pool? what are the costs and risks of doing this?
Can you do a version of the video on how long to run a pool pump with a solar panel system in summer. Ideally you would only run the pump when the solar is generating so that the power is free. Thanks
Would temperature or geographical location make a difference? I’m in Dallas, Tx where we’re having temps between 104-109 and I’m tempted to change my VSP to run 24hr but definitely don’t want to mess anything up.
I am in East Tx….. hi for two hours each morning and low from 8 am to 9 pm…. Seems to work well for me. Stay cool and hydrated…..
@@danielchambers1958 I am in dallas also .. i run my vsp for 12 hours at 2100 rpm.. doing fine keeping the pool clean.
Hi Steve, I take you as one of the real experts in the field and would like to know your thoughts on the implamation of airlift pumps. Better know as Bubble Pumps. They are use successfully in water treatment plants and can move tons of water with very little energy input.
.
Mine run only at max speed that is proper for an individual system, the 3hp pumps can be too much for some plumbing etc.
They run a cycle the same duration as a single speed would if the folks were smart enough to still have one.
It’s not enough to “turn over” afaic, I want them spotless when I walk in.
A pump running at a low speed does nothing to make my job easier, if my job isn’t easy folks will pay far beyond whatever energy saving would dividend.
I have an Intelliflo VSF pump. Is the flow rate displayed on the controller accurate or should a flow meter be installed?
I prefer an external flow meter versus the flow estimate from the built in display
What are your thoughts on the lifespan of a VSP given it never turns off? I’d imagine the bearings would fail sooner
Lastly, I fully support VSP! I switched from an ancient single speed and 3k rpm’s has more a greater GPM flow rate than my single speed at 3,450RPms. Same HP. My vacuum works better, my pool is clearer, and I’m paying less monthly. WINNING
I think long hours at low speeds is far better for longevity of the pump and motor versus high speed operation. Less friction and heat, and the motor is continuous duty so it is made for constant operation.
Filter at night during off peak hour's, for like 12 hrs. If pool begins to cloud, increase filter time an hour, or so.
For best sanitization pump should run primarily during the daylight hours when UV index and water temp are highest. This is the time when the chemicals must work the hardest - without daytime circulation they can’t do their job. That’s why your water keeps getting cloudy
@@drdrew3 True, but they're talking about saving energy, not chemical.
Bull! Bull! Bull!
Over 40 years of owning swimming pools I’ve NEVER ran the pump 24/7! 8 hours a day is all you should need! Never had any major issues!
Variable speed pumps are new. So whatever was a good idea 40 years ago is not the best option today. Might be time to update your approach.
Steve, awesome info. Just a follow up question concerning a salt water pool with a VSP. Would you run the salt cell 24/7 also? If not, would you run it on the high, medium or low speed schedule and what percentage of chlorine production. Thanks in advance.
Chlorinator cell output will vary from pool to pool , depending on swimmer load and environmental factors, blanket on pool and water temperature if heated ... Hi cell production with low pump speeds can also create a gas void in the upper portion of the cell , exposing the flow sensor to gas and not water , causing the chlorinator power pack to shut down due to "no flow" over sensor, which will turn the pump off as a protection from running the pump dry.... This gas void may take an hour or two to develop depending on how low pump speed is on the vsp and how high you have the chlorinator cell output.
12-16hr running time , with 10-20% cell output.. do water tests daily for a week with no swimmers , and see what the chlorine level is doing , try to achieve atleast 3-4ppm constantly.... Find out the specs on the vsp , rpm/flow rate as you need to achieve complete pool water turn over atleast once a day. Eg 60000ltr pool , pump set to 1350rpm = approximately 140ltrs/min , depending on manufacturer , so to achieve one complete water turnover thru the filtration, multiple 140ltrs ×60 = 8400ltrs per hour ... divide 60000 by 8400 = approximately 7hrs for one complete turn over... So two turnovers would be 14hrs.... chlorinator output level will vary due to environmental factors but normally 10-30% production will be suitable, ... His comment is a guide only ! Every pool is different and it may take a fews weeks of close observation to obtain correct sanitization levels ... Other water chemistry factors will also play a part in the efficiency of the free chlorine molecule to adequately provide sanitization, pH is very important
Oh, good. That's exactly how long it has been running. Glad summer doesn't last that long in these parts!😅😅😅
I want to do that. I just worry about shortening the lifespan of the pump, as they are expensive.
Variable speed pumps are becoming mandatory by local regs to save energy.. but they have been a huge waste of money for me.. just replaced a pentair intelliflo.. almost 5 years old. Had a single speed pump in another house.. lasted 10 years and cost 25% of a vsp. Running a pump 24 hrs a day will shorten its life span.. and you will be out another 2 grand..
You are comparing the price a pump you bought 15 to one you bought 5 years ago. In those intervening 10 years the cost of pool hardware skyrocketed and so has the cost of electricity. Without considering those significant factors your math is far off
My question is this, if the VSP draws as much current at 2200 RPM as it does at 3450 RPM, how does that save on power consumption?
The VS pump does not draw the same current at max RPM as it does at 2200 RPM. It would be drawing only a fraction of the full RPM current.
When my pump speed dips below 40% I get cavitation under the lid and I can hear the water moving through the cartridge filter. Does that lead to increased pH? I have a SWG so the pH battle is endless.
With SWG the pH battle is intrinsic to the chemistry and not due to aeration. It’s not something they tell you when selling the salt system.
The air in your pump should be eliminated by properly balancing your skimmer and drain. If that doesn’t fix it start looking for your suction side leak.
I run a Pentair Intelliflo Variable Speed pump 24/7 @ 1500 RPM no problem and the pool looks great. I will run it at 1900 RPM on Saturday and Sunday if we use the pool. The MAX RPM is 3450 RPM. I would not run that 24/7. $$$
I have NEVER run my single speed pump 24/7. I've run it from between 6 and 10 hours. Now I'm running 8 hrs from noon to 8pm. My pool has always been clear...18x36.
What is your RPM's during that 8 Hours? What If I told you there was a way to calculate your electric usage in that 8 hours AND find out how many gallons of water flow through your filter? Would you believe me when I say my current variable speed pump filters more water for less money in 24 hours than it does in 8 hours? Math does not lie so you don't have to believe me, just believe the math.
THIS is why variable speed pumps exist and save money over the years. It's a big cost up front but in the long run you save money monthly.
He wasn’t suggesting that anybody run a single speed pump 24 x 7. In fact he advised against it
But with a variable speed pump you can circulate using the same as a 75 watt light bulb so all day run times are a non-issue.