Pump/motor electrical question

[tomdow2]

I have a 1 HP Hayward Super II pump rated 115/230 volts, Amps 15/7.5. The power line from the timer to the pump motor is 230 Volts. The pump motor can be run at 115 volts or 230. How can I convert it to run 115 Volts, and will I save energy by doing this? Will I lose suction power? Pool is an inground 15X30 Oval gunite with plaster finish.
Thanks, Tom

[Poconos]

The motor speed is virtually the same at either voltage so the pump parameters won't change. However, motors run at a higher efficiency at higher operating voltages. Reason is the lower operating current at higher voltages. Lower current (amps) means lower 'I (amps) squared R (ohms)' losses (Current squared times Resistance = Watts) which is heat dissipated in the windings and the feed circuit due to the resistance of the copper wire. So...leave it at 230V.
Al
BTW: Welcome to the forum.

[CarlD]

Just to make it PERFECTLY clear:

Motors that can run at either 115v or 230v usually run more efficiently and use less energy at 230v.

230's a pain to wire and set up, and you probably need an electrician to do it. etc, etc...but in the end it's worth it.

Your pump will probably last longer, too, because there's less resistance loss (which translates to heat) and runs cooler.

[tomdow2]

Thanks for the answers.

[tenax]

ps- i switched from 115 to 230 last season. amazing how much cooler my pump is running..and yes, while i can dicker around with electrical. playing with a live breaker box (as i needed a new breaker and wire run) or a box in the dark , even if turned off, wasn't my cup of tea. i have good sleeps at night knowing it as done perfect.

[tphaggerty]

And to throw in a curve, you can also install a 3-phase, 220V motor like an Ikeric or the Pentair variable speed pumps. These are cool because they can be adjusted to run at many different speeds, not just high/low. At low speeds, these pumps are virtually silent. Even at high speed, my Ikeric is much quieter than the 2HP SuperPump it replaced.