Black + Decker Pump On 16x32 Pool
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This page looks at the 1.5 horsepower model of variable speed pump from Black + Decker operating on a swimming pool that holds somewhere around 15,000 to 20,000 gallons. This system is built using 1.5" pvc plumbing lines and the system resistance to flow is equal to about 35 feet of head. This dynamic 24 hour filtration schedule will result in over 45,000 gallons of filtered water per day with an associated cost of about $0.80 per day based on national averages for electricity cost ($0.13 per kWh based on national averages). Every pool and pool system is unique but this is a great starting point for establishing a variable speed pump schedule if your pool is similar to the one described and you are using a Black + Decker variable speed pump for your system.
This is just an example to help pool owners to learn about variable speed pump programming and what to expect in terms of performance and cost to run from variable speed pumps. Every pool system is unique and has unique considerations. Most especially the peripheral devices that are installed on your pool such as salt chlorine generators, gas heaters or electric heat pumps will change the RPM that you run your pump at, and for how many hours you run at each specific RPM. The information on this page should not just be dialed directly into your pump. This is just a point of comparison for helping you to learn about your pool system and how to operate it to maximum efficiency.
Filtration goals - Three turnovers of the pool volume daily will result in approximately 95% of the water in the pool being filtered at least one time. The first turnover nets 63% and the second nets 86%. The third 95% and a fourth turnover will result in approximately 98% of the water being filtered at least one time. With 15,000 to 20,000 gallons as the example pool size this means we should ideally be filtering 45,000 gallons or more every day to effectively filter all of the pool water at least one time.
24 Hour filtration example
Pipe size = 1.5" PVC
TDH = 35'
Filter pressure = 10.5 PSI @ 3000 RPM
Pump = Black + Decker 1.5hp (BDXBTVAR150)
Filtration total = 47,520 gallons
Electrical use = 6.24 kWh
24 hour cost = $0.81
In this example we have periods of time with the pump running at only 900 RPM which on some pool systems might not be enough to overcome the resistance to flow in the lines. This means you could actually be pumping no water at all. This is why a flow meter is so important. You need to be able to actually measure the flow rate in your system to allow you ti dial in on a low RPM value that will cost very little to operate, but will actually result in an appreciable amount of filtered water as well.
24 Hour schedule
6am - 12pm = 900 RPM
12pm - 8pm = 1500 RPM
8pm - 2am = 900 RPM
2am - 6am = 3000 RPM
With this schedule we have 12 hours per day of operation at 900 RPM, eight hours per day at 1500 RPM and four hours at 300 RPM. This will provide adequate flow to turn over the pool three times in 24 hours (or close to it) while having a few hours at higher speeds, about double this time at medium speeds and the rest of the 24 hour day at low speed operation. This results in a very efficient overall filtration schedule that allows the pool to function well for skimming debris and diffusion of clean water. This does not account for additional or peripheral devices which may require flow. Like a gas heater for example will probably not run when a pump is ay 900 RPM on most pool systems. If you have a heater that you want to be able to run any time then you would need to increase the minimum RPM operation of the pump, or allow enough time at medium and high speeds to let the heater run and satisfy the call for heat.
Filtration totals
900 RPM (20 GPM) = 14,400 gallons after 12 hours
1500 RPM (34 GPM)= 16,320 gallons after 8 hours
3000 RPM (70 GPM) = 16,800 gallons after 4 hours
Total filtration = 47,520 gallons / day
Electrical consumption totals
900 RPM (55 Watts) = 0.44kW after 12 hours
1500 RPM (167.5 Watts) = 1.34kW after 8 hours
3000 RPM (1060 Watts) = 4.24kW after 4 hours
Total electrical use = 6.24 kWh / day
Total cost (6.24 x $0.13) = $0.81 / day
Watch the video to see how to program this schedule into this pump
When you start to break up the pump operation into RPM, power consumed and gallons filtered it becomes much easier to see that the low speed operation of variable speed pumps is absurdly efficient. In many systems you can run a variable speed pump on a low RPM that consumes less power than a 60 Watt lightbulb...while still moving an appreciable amount of water. This is why long hours at low speed is so important for maximizing your electrical savings with a new variable speed pump.
It is important to understand that this page and this pump schedule for the Black + Decker variable speed pump is just an example. There are many variables to consider and this information should be used to help you better understand your own unique situation. The power consumed, flow achieved and total filtration requirements of your pool will be unique to only you and definitely different than the value you see in this example. This is intended to help you understand the relationship between flow and power consumption better so that you can make better informed decisions about your own pool filtration situation.
For more pump filtration schedule examples you can check out this page: variable speed pump schedules
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New Black + Decker variable speed pumps are available online from www.PoolPartsToGo.com and they are a drop in replacement for many popular pump models including Pentair Superflo and Hayward Super Pumps. With an adjustable platform base, union connections included and a very strong warranty these pumps offer an impressive value to pool owners.
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