Quarterly Update: Fall 2011

Pool pumps:

The traditional single speed pool pump has not changed much in several decades, and is anything but efficient. A typical motor has an average lifespan of 3-7 years, depending on many factors. The biggest killer of pumps is an insufficient water level in the pool. Every time your pool’s water level drops below the skimmer line, the pump pulls in air and shaves time off of your motor’s life. To replace a motor costs between $275-$300. We have to replace them all the time. Finally, we have some better options, either a 2 speed motor for your existing pump or an all new digitally programmable variable speed pump.

A two speed motor is a good idea if your current pump housing is in good shape and you are not yet ready to invest in a whole new pump. They switch speeds(rpm) during the filter cycle to consume a lot less energy. The pump’s efficiency will improve by 20-65%. It is still a traditional brush driven motor, so it can get hot if it is overworked. With a good high flow filter and a consistent water level, that should not be a problem. Cost runs about $675 installed.

The far better option is The Pentair IntelliFlo VS+SVRS or StaRite IntelliPro VS+SVRS. A variable speed pump increases energy efficiency by 90-92%. Most of your pool pumps are either 1hp or 1.5hp and eat up 1.8-2.07 kilowatts per hour, where these new pumps only burn about 0.75kw/hr. That is less than your refrigerator. Your central a/c unit uses about 1.08kw/hr. You could save as much as $1,000 a year by converting, and your power savings will pay for your investment in just over a year. We watch more motors burn out each month, and would love to see you get more life out of your pool pump. The VS is magnet driven and runs cool and quiet all the time. The extra bonus is the VS pump has a programmable timer to give you more control over its daily functions, and speeds ranging from ½hp-3hp to suit whatever your pool might need. It is even equipped with an automatic shut off in case of entrapment. It is compatible with any automation system and has many more features when combined with the Pentair IntelliTouch automation system. Cost is $1500 plus installation.

The future is all about VS pumps, and before too long there will be no other choice, so you can get a jump on conservation by upgrading now.

Timers and automation:

Almost every pool out there has the same Intermatic pool timer. They typically last quite a while, but every time we lose power have to be reset. We discovered a company called TightWatt that has a digital timer that adjusts the length of the filter cycle gradually throughout the year to reduce your energy costs by up to 63%. Take a look at the savings graph. It snaps right into your existing timer box. It does not need to be reset after a surge and can power two pumps with up to two filter cycles a day. You can also wire in your pool and landscape lights and get the optional remote control. Cost is $300 installed.

Pool automation makes it easier for you to program and operate your pool equipment by remote control. You can turn on your hot tub or your pool lights without having to tromp through the bushes in the dark, or with the click of a button adjust your valves for your waterfall or fountain. For years only two companies have dominated the industry with automation systems that are so complicated you have to call tech support every time you use it. Finally we have a few options that we would actually recommend. Pentair has the SunTouch and IntelliTouch systems.

The SunTouch is the more basic automation system. It powers a pool and spa pump and 2 additional features, communicates with your heat pump or gas heater, and can hold 4 different programs or schedules. You can get a wireless remote as well. It can also power your salt system and is compatible with VS pumps.

The IntelliTouch is the tech freak’s dream system. It has so many features I won’t even bother to go into it all. Check out the link yourself. You can program and control every component of your pool and then some. You can even control it from your Iphone, Ipad, or Ipod touch with a special app. You can turn on your lights and get your hot tub heated up while you are still at the restaurant or movies. You can download a program that lets you view your security camera feeds. There is little this system does not do. Tech support is available 24/7 to help you with any problems or questions you have. Email us for pricing on these systems.

Filters:

We have worked with every type of filter, and after all these years only one meets our standards. The Pentair Clean and Clear has worked wonders for us. It is a high flow cartridge filter that is easy to clean and incredibly maintenance friendly. This is the only filter we will install, because it has more than proven itself to us. We recommend it to all of you, especially if you have an old DE filter. DE filters simply have too many parts and too many problems, and despite our efforts to preserve them, they just do not do the job we expect of them. You will not believe the difference in water flow and clarity when you switch. Cost is $475 installed.

Salt systems:

In recent years chlorine generation has transformed the way pools are being sanitized. Most pools either have an inline chlorinator(feeder) or a floating dispenser(floater). A salt system replaces and outperforms these archaic chemical dispensers. The difference is clearer, softer, water that stays chemically balanced week after week. No more stinging eyes, no more itchy skin, and no more stinky chlorine smell. Every pool company has their own version of a salt system, and we have seen many of them in action. The way they all function is similar, but the quality of the components and the ease of maintenance varies across the board. Because the technology is relatively new, we have not been able to see how they fare in the test of time. The most common system is the Goldline or Hayward AquaRite, which can do a really good job. Unfortunately, we have seen many of the things that can go wrong with these systems, and they are very expensive to fix. Many of you have already made the conversion, and we thank you so much. The Resilience systems we have been using have shown us amazing results, and we have found the customer service to be very helpful and reliable. We are really happy with the Resilience, but they have to be special ordered, so we decided to try another company that could get a system to us as soon as we ask.

We were lucky enough to stumble upon SGS (Saline Generating Systems) and their salt system called the SG3000. It is a simple, heavy duty, highly efficient, and maintenance friendly system that actually shows you it is producing chlorine. Its crystal clear casing allows you to see for yourself the chemical reaction of electrolysis, the conversion of salt to chlorine. There is no confusing digital control panel with constant error messages. It only works as hard as it needs to, and it does not shut itself off all the time like many other systems do. Troubleshooting is a breeze and tech support is always available but rarely needed. We always look for the product with the fewest parts and the simplest operation, and the SG3000 is the way to go for us. We recommend it for any and every pool. Cost runs about $950 installed.

And last but not least...

Cleaners:

Pool cleaners, also known as pool vacs or kreepies, connect to a suction port in your pool and work continuously to keep your pool surface clean. For many years we recommended the Hayward Pool Vac or Navigator, which does a pretty decent job, but requires a whole lot of expensive maintenance. After countless repairs and replacing parts over and over again, we do not recommend them anymore. They just have way too many parts, and the parts are way too expensive for the frequency at which they need replacing.

We will, however, recommend the Kreepy Krauly Great White. They seem to have worked out all the bugs with this cleaner, and it tends to last for a long time without ever needing any repairs. With only a few parts and no metal bearings compared to the 30 or so parts of the Navigator, the Great White’s simplicity wins hands down. Plus it will not get stuck on your main drain. We can get one for you, but the cost is always changing, so just ask and we will check for you. Feel free also to shop around, and you may find a decent deal. Manufacturer rebates are almost always available too.

Cleaners come in all kinds of fancy shapes, sizes, and types, but they all have the same job to do, to vacuum your pool. Every pool should have a cleaner. We are pretty confident with the Great White and recommend it for any and every pool.

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