Experts, I Need Help w/ First Pool Purchase

[webfeet]

Thanks Mark for your comments. The super pump was what the PC recommended. I was wondering about 2 speed pumps. Today I was offered a Pentair Challenger and 600# sand filter for a similar pool set up- 28,000 gal 40'6" x20'6" . I don't know if this is a 2-speed, but I don't think so. To be honest I dont know anything about pumps, head or pipe sizes, or filters. Thats why I have asked for help. How much better flow with 2" pipe that with 1 1/2" pipe? What type and size filter go together? My fear is that I will get the wrong size pump, filter, or piping and be stuck with it for several years. I was thinking that the right 2-speed pump, although more costly, would save electricity. Your thoughts and any suggestions about them? ( Is a super pump a 2 speed? a northstar) I don't care what hp, (just want a good pump) as long as I have water turnover often and can add slide and fountain later if I want to. I don't understand head and all that technical stuff. I need specific advice, and I will certainly talk to PC about the things that you suggest. Thanks again

[hoffmans]

Hello!
The pool you are looking at sounds like a pool we are looking at from http://www.nationalpoolwholesalers.com.
Are you buying your kit on line?

~Hoffmans

[Poconos]

Webfeet...love the name. Sounds like about the right pump size and I would go for a 2 speed. I know a lot more now than I did 9 years ago when I got my inherited pool redone. Can't knock the Hayward superpump...9 seasons now. One thing to consider, enclose the equipment in a poolhouse or something if you can. Keeps the sun and elements like rain off the equipment. Maybe that's why my stuff is lasting so long.
Al

[y0manda]

I too am not familiar with vinyl liner pools although your pool is probably 2x the size as my gunite pool. I have four (4) 2HP northstar pumps for my pool. with a spa spillover, which has 9 returns in spa and 4 in pool. I run my pump twice a day for 3 hrs and has a dedicated vac line. just One pump filters both spa and pool into my DE hayward filter. I get a nice whirlpool effect that all gets sucked into my skimmer when filters running. Can't be more happier with my set up. BTW the three other pumps are for water features. So for me bigger is better

[CarlD]

I'm with Poconos on this--get the SuperPump, but get the 2 speed. You'll LOVE a 2 speed.

I have the 1hp 2 speed Superpump with a 200# T210 filter and it's FINE. The 300# will work even better--no chance of over-pumping your filter.

The two speed is INCREDIBLY quiet in low--as Poconos-- he's seen /heard mine. So has Watermom, my fellow moderators.

[hoffmans]

CarlD- or Poconos-

Could you please explain why a 2speed pump is better than a one speed?
What are the advantages?
And what does head size mean?

Webfeet, not trying to highjack your thread, but we might in the same boat here, I don't know anything about pumps/head/speeds ect. either. And we are looking at getting a very similiar pool to yours.

Thanks
~Hoffmans

[webfeet]

Hi everyone and to the Hoffmans- don't worry. We are all trying to learn! I am not ordering a pool kit. We are not diyer's on project like this! However, we do intend to install a SWG ourselves and built our own waterfall. I want my pool water to turn over every 8 hours or so and I want an energy efficient pump. However, the size of the plumbing affects the flow. I believe that a larger horsepower pump with a high GPM ( gallons per minute) flow rate is only effective with the correct size plumbing lines. I understand that my builder uses 1 1 1/2 lines, and the GPM for these are about 44. So even if my pump will push 65 gpms, it can only do it through pipe that can handle it. I am going to talk to my builder about 2 inch lines. I have not found a 2 speed superpump, but I am still looking. Once I choose the correct pump and size pipe then I need to make sure that I have a filter that is over-sized a little. Good luck and keep us posted on pool progress. Thanks to everyone who continues to give input. Webfeet