Solar pool heating systems use the existing pool filtration pump to circulate water, so the selection of a pump can have a profound impact on solar pool heating performance. The concept of a variable speed pump is pretty simple — when a centrifugal pool pump runs at a slower speed, the resulting energy use reduction is the cube of the speed …
Pentair Introduces Intelliflo VSF Variable Speed/Flow Pump
The Industry Leader Gets Better Pentair has combined the features of its variable speed (VS) and variable flow (VF) pumps into one model that does both. The new model is the Intelliflo VSF. This is the first swimming pool pump on the market that can perform variable speed and flow functions in a single unit. We previously recommended the Pentair …
Why “Oversize” A Variable Speed Pool Pump
We have heard it over and over again. A client tells us that their pool builder or service company said a 3 horsepower Pentair Intelliflo pump is too big for their pool. It’s oversized. It’s overkill. It will destroy their pool plumbing. It will drain the oceans dry, trap baby seals, and eat all of the lobster in the sea. …
Compare Variable Speed Pool Pumps
Variable Speed Pumps Explained There is no question that variable speed pool pumps will save you money and cut down your pump noise, but how do you compare pumps when you have a solar pool heating system? Choosing a pump based on cost, horsepower, or brand alone will result in poor performance or savings at best, and disastrous results at worst. …
Two-speed Pool Pumps vs. Variable Speed Pool Pumps
Right before I published this article I was contacted by a nice lady in Georgia who felt her pool service company was steering her wrong with a decision to replace her ailing single-speed pump. There is a lot of misinformation out there regarding two-speed pool pump and variable speed pumps, and many dealers are not up to speed (no pun …
Don’t Buy the Wrong Variable Speed Pool Pump
You may have heard about the fantastic energy savings that can be realized with a variable speed pool pump (aka Variable Frequency Drive or VFD pumps). It’s true that these pumps can save a ton of money. Even running at the same flow rate, variable speed pumps are inherently more efficient than the single speed variety. When used at a …
Pentair Superflo VS Pool Pump Updated With New Automation Options
The Pentair Superflo VS is being re-released with some new automation functionality. We previously recommended against this pump for a couple of reasons, primarily due to the analog automation options and 1.5 HP rating. The new automation options make it a good choice under certain circumstances. We have always recommended “oversizing” variable speed pumps so you can get the advantages …
Don’t Buy a Two-Speed Pool Pump
I keep asking myself, “am I missing something?” Why are pool builders still building new pools with two-speed pumps? If you are buying a new pool, I can’t say it any other way: Don’t Buy a Two-Speed Pump! The basic idea behind two-speed pumps is good. You can run the pump at a lower speed, saving electricity. Unfortunately, there are …
DOE Approves National Efficiency Standards for Pool Pumps
One of the biggest energy hogs in a home is a swimming pool pump. The DOE has been working on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) for Energy Conservation Standards for about a year by way of the Appliance Standards and Rulemaking Federal Advisory Committee (ASRAC). What this means for the solar pool heating industry is that it will probably become …
Solar Pool Pump
If you are considering a solar powered pool pump, this article is for you. A solar pool pump is simply a pump with an electric motor that runs on DC power produced by solar panels to circulate water in your pool. It seems like a fantastic way to save money on what is often the second biggest energy hog in …
Should I Buy A Solar Pool Pump
Your pool pump runs for several hours each day of the year. It is often the second biggest energy hog in a Southwest Florida pool home (after air conditioning). Your pool pump is important because circulating water in your pool both filters it and disburses sanitation chemicals evenly throughout it. You might wonder about the possibility of using a solar …
Whole Home Solar Backup vs Critical Load Backup
Most clients who install solar panels just do grid-interactive systems that offset utility electricity usage. The solar panels cease to function during a power outage. This is (by far) the most cost-effective way to install and use solar panels in Florida, and the reason for the explosion of solar panel installations worldwide. However, there is obviously a desire for backup …
Pentair Intelliconnect With Solar Pool Heaters
The Pentair Intelliconnect pool automation system was introduced in 2018. We are starting to see it in the wild here in Southwest Florida. This product is intended to fill a small niche market for pool only scenarios (no spa). It’s for pool owners need only control a couple of features and want online control via an app. It covers only …
Flow Rates and Flow Balancing Explained
Recently one of our competitors has been telling prospective solar pool heating clients that plumbing, valve, and panel header size don’t matter. In fact, they are even saying smaller is better. Does that make sense? It’s just nonsense, and we want to set the record straight. We use all 2 inch PVC pipe, valves, and full 2 inch inside diameter …
Finance Your Solar Pool Heater
Solar Loans and Deferred Payments For Every Budget We are pleased to announce a new financing option for our valued solar pool heating clients. Through a manufacturer relationship we can now offer low payments on solar pool heaters starting at just $50 per month. Enjoy Your Pool Without The Up-Front Cost! Pay Less Than a Traditional Heater For less then the …
Solar Pool Heater Financing
Current Solar Pool Heater Financing Offers Bundle a solar pool heater and variable speed pump for as little as $50 per month! No interest, no payments for 6 months! Solar Pool Heater Loan Details We have partnered with the manufacturer of our solar pool heating panels to offer you fantastic loan and deferred payment alternatives through their in-house financing company. Because …
Solar Heated Water From Pool Jets Is Not Hot
Occasionally we get a call from a client that says the solar heated water coming out of their pool jets does not feel very hot. Our response is pretty simple: “Good!” It’s not that we are being dismissive. If you feel a large temperature difference in the heated water coming from the solar panels, that usually means the flow rate …
Real Stories of Solar Panel Service Calls: Episode 1
We service all brands of solar pool heating panel. The stories range from sad to funny and everything in between. While most service calls are routine issues resolved, some are not so simple. And others are incredibly simple. We’ve decided to share some of our stories as we come across them, and this is Episode 1. We’re calling this one …
Solar Pool Panel Cost
Note: This article focuses on the cost of solar pool heating panels specifically. If you are at the beginning of your research about solar pool heaters, your first question is probably about the solar pool panel cost. Most systems come as a fully installed package. Dealers will give you turnkey pricing including all engineering, permits, and installation. This is especially true …
Upgrade Your Pool Equipment
Here are some before and after pictures where we have replaced valves, pumps, filters, and other equipment. We replaced this equipment with a new Variable Speed Pump, easy to service Pentair Clean & Clear filter, installed high quality Pentair Neverlube valves, reorganized the plumbing to make it tidier, and added a salt chlorine generator. It all works together seamlessly with …