New Pump and Plumbing question

[PoolDoc]

Thanks, Mark.

Sounds like regulation-fear-mongering may be in use as a marketing tactic -- I've seen it before, enough times. Plumbers used to be great at it.

[jefflj98735]

OK, more info: 1)The pool has attached spa, with waterfall, hence the size.
2) The pump is actually 1.5/0.25 hp SF 1.3.
3) I installed this pump as a replacement of a single speed pump 5-6 years ago for energy efficiency reasons.
4) The pump and booster are controlled by an Intermatic PE100 series Digital Pool Timer
5) I took pump and motor to local pool store (Nathan's in Sacramento, Ca...very reliable and trustable) and he said pump needs rebuild and motor bearings are gone, total cost would be almost as much as a new unit.
6) We generally set it so the pump pulls from the skimmer and returns to both pool and spa, to get circulation and waterfall. I'm investigating VS pump because they qualify for energy efficiency financing in Placer county, along with some other work I'm having done.

[mas985]

With the spa, you will probably want the full size VS pump rather than some of the smaller/cheaper versions. So the Intelliflo VS 011018 is a good choice and can usually be found for under $900 if you are will to do the installation yourself. However, you will get a longer warranty with a professional installation. But with a VS, it is really important to get surge/lightning protection to protect the pump electronics so that will add cost to the pump. You have to run the numbers to see if it is worth it or not compared to a two speed. But IMHO, it seems silly to put a VS pump on a pool that has a cleaner booster because that will negate a lot of the cost savings of a VS pump. If you go with a VS, you might consider a cleaner that doesn't require a booster such as ThePoolCleaner.

But if you are handy at all, it is fairly easy to swap out a pump motor at a fraction of the cost of a VS pump with surge protection. No plumbing changes required either. So I would cost out both and then make the choice.

[jefflj98735]

Thanks for the answers. I'm assuming your answer also means that plumbing a new pump is NOT a handyman project?

[PoolDoc]

Thanks for the answers. I'm assuming your answer also means that plumbing a new pump is NOT a handyman project?

We see it done successfully, with some frequency. But not all handymen have the skills needed. Not only do you need to be able to make up good PVC joints (both threaded and glued), you need to know your way around a 220V circuit, a multimeter, and have a handle on the difference between grounding and bonding.

[mas985]

Plumbing isn't always difficult but it can be very time consuming so given the choice, I would avoid it if possible.