Quote Originally Posted by Water_man View Post
What's the advantage of 2 speed over single speed? It's about $100 difference in price. Is it worth it? Is it also available in 110 V?
Low speed is far more energy efficient. Even if you have to run your pump twice as long, it still will only use about 1/3 the electricity. You will use it on low speed 90-95% of the time, only using it on high for backwashing or for vacuuming, or for a fountain.

It's far quieter. You can barely hear it if you are close so longer running times are not an ear strain.

Sand filters actually filter BETTER when the water is moving slower. More stuff sticks to the sand and that, in turn helps it filter better. Also the filter may last longer (also in its 6th season, and with the original sand).

It only comes in 220v...but that's more energy efficient as well.

Remember: This is all merely my opinion, but it's based on my experience.