Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Rick Chafey buildredrock.com on August 1, 2010 at 9:47am

The newer whisperflow pump could be the right pump for the job but, it is not always that simple. 9 years ago a 2hp pump output was not quite the same as today, so we have likely are trying to move more water, and if we cannot get enough volume on the suction side, the pump will cavitate some (decrease pressure due to vacuum so low that air is actually pulled out of the H2O) The easiest solution to this, if available, is to slightly restrict the output of the pump to decrease the output and, in return, the suction vacuum. You might need to install a valve on the output of the pump to accomplish this.
One other issue might be the install of the pump. If there is not enough straight pipe prior to the input side of the pump (i.e. valves, fittings, reducers, t',s 90's etc) you can create turbulence as the water enters the system, creating noise

A good solution is to make sure you have the right size pump. You likely only need a 1 or 1.5 hp pump to run your pool properly and effectively. This might not be a great solution given you already own the pump. The best solution would be to purchase a Intelliflo Variable speed pump so that it can be dialed in perfectly to your existing system, as well as save you up to 80% on energy savings.

Good luck

Permalink Reply by Julie Silver on August 1, 2010 at 11:42am

I will check into the Intelliflo variable speed pump, We just put this pump in 8 days ago. I would hope the company would take back the whisperflo pump. But, first we will try to restrict the output. Does make sense having that a 9 year old pump was replaced with a newer one that pumps are not the same. Thank you,

Rick Chafey buildredrock.com said:

The newer whisperflow pump could be the right pump for the job but, it is not always that simple. 9 years ago a 2hp pump output was not quite the same as today, so we have likely are trying to move more water, and if we cannot get enough volume on the suction side, the pump will cavitate some (decrease pressure due to vacuum so low that air is actually pulled out of the H2O) The easiest solution to this, if available, is to slightly restrict the output of the pump to decrease the output and, in return, the suction vacuum. You might need to install a valve on the output of the pump to accomplish this.
One other issue might be the install of the pump. If there is not enough straight pipe prior to the input side of the pump (i.e. valves, fittings, reducers, t',s 90's etc) you can create turbulence as the water enters the system, creating noise

A good solution is to make sure you have the right size pump. You likely only need a 1 or 1.5 hp pump to run your pool properly and effectively. This might not be a great solution given you already own the pump. The best solution would be to purchase a Intelliflo Variable speed pump so that it can be dialed in perfectly to your existing system, as well as save you up to 80% on energy savings.

Good luck

Permalink Reply by Rick Chafey buildredrock.com on August 1, 2010 at 11:51am

There are a few good video links on the innovation lab that show the energy savings ands noise difference of the intelliflo pump as well. Good luck