Frank and Jacque answer a listener’s question about whether they should replace a pump motor or spend the extra money and install a new Jandy variable speed pump.
using calculator https://www.jandy.com/en/pool-pump-savings
*error stated- Frank stated the $1300 savings for an 8 hour run time on the pump saves $1300 per year, I should have said about $1000 per year. The $1300 savings is if the single-speed runs 10 hours per day*
00:00 introduction, Jacque’s Birthday! Going to Croatia
07:37 Listener Question: My 2 1/2 hp pump motor is going out. It is making a really loud squeal. This particularly sucks because we are trying to cool the pool by running the pump at night and turning on the valve to the waterfalls, and the pool pump is by my daughter’s bedroom window. So now she is sleeping with us. The pool is cooler, but her sleeping with us is not cool. Please explain how the $1600 difference between a new motor or a 2.7 horsepower variable speed pump can be worth it.
10:50 Many large pumps are oversized for the plumbing. You may be able to downsize the pump to begin with. We find many pumps are too large for the plumbing and should be downsized.
12:10 Jacque asks what is the difference between the pump and motor. Frank explains that motors drive pumps and can be replaced without replacing them, but it is not always the best choice.
13:40 break
14:30 assuming 20 cents per KW, 2.5 uprated motor, 20K gallon pool, traditional chlorine, proper hydraulics. If hydraulics are incorrect, the single-speed pump will cost even more electricity than the online calculator shows.
17:00, an estimated 2.5 hp single-speed pump moves about 94 gallons per minute. In 8 hours, the pump will move 5628 gallons per hour. In 8 hours, this will accomplish 2.25 turnovers per day. We recommend a minimum of 2 turnovers per day. at a cost of $3.71 per day, $110 to $115 per month
If he installs a Jandy 2.7hp variable speed, it will move about 1/2 the water per hour but 2.28 turnovers in 16 hours, at a cost of $1.05 per day for about $31.50 per month. That is about $80 per month savings. About $1000 savings per year. (I screwed up the total math on the show, but still significant)
21:00 variable-speed pumps are typically much quieter than traditional single-speed pumps.
The extra flow is available for spas and waterfalls if needed.
Running longer and slower filter cycles is usually much more beneficial than shorter, higher flow cycles.
Saltwater chlorine generation systems can also be more effective with longer filter cycles. (This also applies to ozone, UV, and AOP systems)
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Do you have a pool question for Frank? You can email him at [email protected]. He just might read and answer your question on air!