Want to upgrade pump to save $

[GaryT]

Currently a 17 yo sta rite duraglas 1hp -- btw is the SF-N2--3/4A equivalent to the 11771 Whisperflo?

The 1/2 HP Hayward Tristar SP3205EC has been strongly recommended. Would it serve my needs or would it cavitate?

Thanks!

[PoolDoc]

Haven't heard good things about the wet-end of the Tristar; the wet end of the Whisperflo is well proven.

[mas985]

Currently a 17 yo sta rite duraglas 1hp -- btw is the SF-N2--3/4A equivalent to the 11771 Whisperflo?

The 1/2 HP Hayward Tristar SP3205EC has been strongly recommended. Would it serve my needs or would it cavitate?

Thanks!

Pumps rarely cavitate and only under very unusual circumstances so that should not be an issue. In fact, it is harder to make a small pump cavitate than it is a larger pump.

If you are going with a 1/2 HP pump, I would go with the Whisperflo WFE-2 but you won't save nearly the amount of money as you would with a two speed. The Superflo has a better energy factor (gallons/watt-hr) than either the Whisperflo or the Tristar AND it is a two speed.

[GaryT]

Mark, the closest I can come to the SF-N2-3/4 (part #334111) uprated pump is the Superflo 3/4hp (part #340037) a standard efficiency motor.
Would this be a better choce than the Hayward Tristar 1/2 hp?

I like the fact that theabove Pentairs are ported for 1 1/2 inch plumbing.
Who might ship a SF-N2-3/4 to Canada?

Thanks, Gary

[GaryT]

I CAN source the Pentaire SF-N1-3/4FE It appears to be the single speed version of the one you recommended Mark.
1 1/2 in plumbing & high efficiency, but not 2 speed. Could I run it for 8 hours per day and get most of the benefits?
Would this be your "second" choice for me?

[PoolDoc]

I don't have answers, but I do have a question: can US suppliers not ship equipment across the border?

(I knew about problems with chemicals and testkits, but I hadn't considered gear.)

[GaryT]

Some will. Brokerage fees can kill. Often 20% extra.
Sometimes I drive across boarder for bigger items.

[mas985]

If you can't find someone to ship to Canada, then my second choice would be the 1 HP version SF-N2-1A (340042) which should be similar to your current pump. If that worked fine for you, then the 1 HP should be fine as well although it is probably a little bigger than required.

But this place has the 3/4 HP I just don't know if they ship over the boarder but I think most online places will:

http://www.tcpoolequipment.com/cart/...61c1f0f921c379

Also, the Sta-Rite SuperMax is exactly the same pump (PHK2RAY6D-101L):

http://www.backyardpoolsuperstore.co...nt_p_3993.html

This company looks like it ships worldwide:

http://www.hxworldwide.com/component...article/37/427

Here is the 1 HP version:

http://www.inyopools.com/Products3/03501145035273.htm

One additional consideration is the line voltage. The 3/4 HP is 115v and the 1 HP is 230v so that may override any other consideration if it would be difficult to change.

[GaryT]

Mark, I just installed the Whisperflo 1/2hp WFE-2 because it was the only reasonable choice I could get in time to replace the 1 hp Sta Rite I sold.
As it was I was pumpless" for 48 hours.

The Whisperflo seems to run a lot cooler and pump about the same volume. Pressure dropped to 15.5 from 17 psi.
Since the SF on the 1HP Sta Rite was 1.25 would you have any idea how much I might save with the new WhisperFlow running 8 h per day.
Cost of electricity is $0.20/kwh

Thanks for your help, Gary

ps. I am in the habit of backwashing into a 55 gal drum. The old pump took 62 seconds to fill it. I will be able to compare pump volume easily when I back wash with the new pump.
BTW I gravity feed the back wash water back into the pool after it settles and clears. Essentially I use only a gal to back wash my pool

[PoolDoc]

I am in the habit of backwashing into a 55 gal drum. The old pump took 62 seconds to fill it. I will be able to compare pump volume easily when I back wash with the new pump. I gravity feed the back wash water back into the pool after it settles and clears. Essentially I use only a gal to back wash my pool

Interesting. I'll have to try that sometime.