Pump Upgrade Question

Pool Equipment
1

Hello, I found this site while searching for a new pool pump. I have a question that I’d like to get a second opinion on. My current pool specs are as follows:

27’x52" above ground, Saltwater, 1.5hp 115v Hayward pump (Mod. SP1593 Ser. 2121110726), Hayward sand filter (Mod.S210T)

My pump is on it’s way to the grave, tripping the breaker after several hours of run time. I plan to replace it with a 230v pump and considering an upgrade to a dual speed pump as well. I know the 230v pump will cut my energy use nearly in half, but I’m wondering if the extra cost of the dual speed is worth it? We live in a climate where the pool is open from late May through Mid September, so it only sees 4 months of use. During the hotest months, the pump has to run a minimum of 18-20hrs a day in order to keep the levels balanced. The other question is, if I go dual speed, should I step up to a 2hp, to help with volume at the lower speed?

Thank you.

CStokes

2

Hello CSokes - The really isn’t any cost savings by running a pump on 230v vs 115v. The electric cost is based on kilowatt hours (KWh). To figure out KWh you first calculate the watts. You do this by multiplying voltage x amps.

So let’s say your 1HP motor pulls 12 amps on 115v and 6 on 230v.

115v x 12 amps = 1,380 watts

230v x 6 amps = 1,380 watts

Take the watts and divide by 1000.

1,380/1000 = 1.38 KWh (on both voltages)

As far as the recommended size, we would suggest a 2-speed 1.5HP for a 27’ pool. The low speed would be sufficient for circulating the water. The high speed would only be necessary for vacuuming and backwashing.