What Is The Best Speed For A Variable Speed Pool Pump?

[davidhagy]

I recently had a VSF pump installed and got no insight on how to program it to run my salt generator or vacuum. I was excited when this video came on my feed but your video merely accentuated my questions about how to set it up. Good insight on your part but I feel you need to go deeper on this subject.
That’s for your wisdom
David

[bberge]

Well, you could also use a pump with pump curves... that is what they are for... use a BEP (Best efficiency Point0 on the curve.

[jwhite]

A main advantage of the VSP that I don't think was directly stated (it was in a reply to a comment below) is the reduced electricity ($$ cost) with lower speeds. For example, on my system with a Pentair VSP pump and controller, at 3000rpm it reports using 1527W. But at 2000, it's only 468W, and 1000, it's only 136W. Clearly not linear. I don't have the full numbers, but I think if Watts per GPM was determined, the most efficient speed would be a lower RPM.

So as a comment below stated, run the pool for a little while at higher speeds for devices that require it (ie., cleaners, heaters), but then at lower speeds the rest of the day, when general circulation is all that's needed.

[paulk]

Does the filter need a certain amount of pressure to work or does it only need flow volume?.. if we reduce speed pressure will be reduced, will the sand filter still work?

[alexgertsik]

What would be the optimal speed for the skimmer? I'm currently running my pump at 1500rpm which translates to about 28gpm but but it does not look like the skimmer is doing a good job. SWG and heat pump are operating properly at this speed.

[elaineoutdoors]

It would be helpful to get actual rpm numbers to run on low speed and high speeds

[bch]

Is it the best way to run 24/7 closed loop control regulation flow rate accordingly to the specification of filter tank.

[gailbautista]

What rpm number is low, mid and high? I have a play pool about 12K to 13K gal. and with a sand filter vith a variable speed pump. Thanks

[yoster]

I don't know why all the thumbs-down. This is spot on and what I've also realized via playing with various RPM's and monitoring GPM. It's amazing how low you can run the pump while achieving a certain target GPM. To his point though, sometimes that extra power is required regardless to get certain pieces of equipment moving.

An alternative could be running the pump constantly at very low RPM/GPM (but enough for skimmer-duty) - and then utilize a robotic pool vacuum for floor/wall cleaning, thus eliminating the need to run the pump at high speeds outside of say, wanting to run your water features.

[rickraub]

I just changed to a variable speed pump. What time of day do I set the pump to run the higher speed? Mid day?

[andyh]

Ive heard claims that a small pump at full speed, is more efficient than a large pump at slow speed.

If tou were to decide between a 1.5 vari speed and a 3.0 vari speed it is obvious that the 3.0 is quieter at a given flow rate.

but... Is it less efficient?

[rubberroast]

You say the title as best speed for variable speed pump, but then do not actually give an actual speed. You just say you need to run it above the minimum rpm level to also incorporate the gas heater / skimmer etc if attached.
Couldn't you just say run it at 55% (for example) if you have gas heater attached, 60% if gas plus waterfall, 40% if just pool I still dont know what the best speed is based on my setup

[EdwinCage-jfsd]

Why not just buy a smaller motor pump and be done with it

[petermorton]

Variable speed pool pumps are waste energy use more power than a standard single speed pool pumps as you get a far better flow rate & you don't have run the pool pump as what you as having a variable speed pool pumps & the variable speed pool pumps are higher in hp so where are you's getting the power saving as some people are running their variable speed pool pumps 24 hours a day & the variable speed pool pumps are working harder at low speed for turn over the pool water where as a single speed pool pumps are not working as hard as a variable speed pool pumps do so how do you get power savings with a higher hp variable speed pool pump motors slowing down a variable speed pool pump motor you don't get the proper flow through the pool filter in my opinion single speed pool pumps are far better as you get a far better pool water flow through the pool filter which means a cleaner swimming pools I'm in tending in buying a single speed pool pump with 1hp motor that has a flow rate 350 litres per minute so don't have to run the motor as long as you would with a variable speed pool pump the pool sand filter I'm also buying has a flow rate of 360 litres per minute with glass media for my 16, 879.8069 gallon pool