Solar pump for inground swiming pool

You have 2 choices for fueling your pool pump with sunlight based power: 1) Take your pool pump off the network. You can purchase a 'DC pool pump' and devote 4-6 sun based boards to controlling it. The sun based boards are wired straightforwardly into the pool pump (through some power gadgets) and when the sun is sparkling your pool pump will run.

summer escapes pool filter pump

Mod note. Adverts are not encouraged for low count posters. We will remove them for you, and when we tire of that, we'll ban you.
If you have info to bring to the discussion, great, but sales are not welcome.

[SunEagle]

It could be done automatically switched to grid power if there is not enough solar power.

Why go through the trouble to switch the pump between grid and solar power? Wouldn't it just be easier to go with a grid tie pv system and get the benefit of solar energy for all of your loads.

[Johann]

Without a battery how does the pump run when the sun isn't out? I can't let my pool pump not run for a day or so without getting a build up of algae and low chlorine content.

Now if the solar is a grid tie system then the real savings comes from the variable speed pump.

It could be done automatically switched to grid power if there is not enough solar power.

[Logan005]

your not running a salt ION pool? Ok then yes you will need a longer and guaranteed run for proper maintenance. with salt and an ION reactor that runs on 48 volts, We only had algae once and it was because of a very dirty filter.

[SunEagle]

we run 5hrs summer and if it goes a few days with little to no circulation, will not kill it. every pool specialist I know recommends a daytime run from 3 to 8 hrs, I just turned my to level 2 so as to mix Jacuzzi and pool water, Not necessary in a 2 circuit ION system, but helps keep the Jacuzzi clean since it does not have a skimmer. Jacuzzi pump is a single speed 240 volt AC 2 hp, use it in the evenings for about 30 to 45min's along with the blower also on AC

I just fought mine for 4 days to get all the algae out because my chlorine adder stopped working. PIA.

[Logan005]

we run 5hrs summer and if it goes a few days with little to no circulation, will not kill it. every pool specialist I know recommends a daytime run from 3 to 8 hrs, I just turned my to level 2 so as to mix Jacuzzi and pool water, Not necessary in a 2 circuit ION system, but helps keep the Jacuzzi clean since it does not have a skimmer. Jacuzzi pump is a single speed 240 volt AC 2 hp, use it in the evenings for about 30 to 45min's along with the blower also on AC

[SunEagle]

we have a salt water pool with VSP, it runs on low for about 3 hrs each day. does not need to run at night at all. unless we have guest and then only to run the fountains. I guess some people have different circumstances, we do run a lil more during summer months, but still no need to ever run at night.

I only run mine for about 4 hours a day in the Winter and 8 hours a day in the Summer during the daytime. But there have been many times (for multiple days) when I would not have gotten enough sun to have run it for even 1 hour during the day if I only relied on solar.

[sanramon]

I had never seen the need for batteries either. I have a 3m X 8m X 1.2m deep pool, so over 25,000 liters. My system runs at variable speed - depending on cloud cover and sun angle - from 7:30AM to 4:30 PM. So that is 8 to 9 hours per day continuous. This pump circulates through the 7 large heating panels as well as the sand filter at about 12-14 psi. Been saving me big electric bills for over 2 years.

[Logan005]

we have a salt water pool with VSP, it runs on low for about 3 hrs each day. does not need to run at night at all. unless we have guest and then only to run the fountains. I guess some people have different circumstances, we do run a lil more during summer months, but still no need to ever run at night.

[SunEagle]

I keep hearing Battery, where does this system have a battery? the solar pool pumps I have seen here in FL do not use a battery, solar panels connect to control box, then to the DCVSP.

Without a battery how does the pump run when the sun isn't out? I can't let my pool pump not run for a day or so without getting a build up of algae and low chlorine content.

Now if the solar is a grid tie system then the real savings comes from the variable speed pump.

[Logan005]

I keep hearing Battery, where does this system have a battery? the solar pool pumps I have seen here in FL do not use a battery, solar panels connect to control box, then to the DCVSP.

[sanramon]

Perhaps this warrants looking into - I installed a German made Lorentz DC pool pump, 3 panels and controller for $3,000 in Costa Rica, where labour is cheap but materials are very expensive. I helped with the install and did all the plumbing and final wiring. So far I reckon payback will be in 3 to 4 years. Power here is very expensive so I feel it is worth it. Perhaps in the USA, payback will be longer.
Hope this helps.

[solar_newbie]

Look I can't make you do anything that you want to do but that guy in the video has a half dozen electrical code violations that I can see. I am not sure you want to violate any code or open the potential of someone getting hurt. So think about what you want before you do it.

OK. Then, I have to crap this project idea ... Let me think something else for this end of the year or at least something for next year while I can still write off solar purchase and do it myself

[rrwsandiego]

The installer told me not to run the pump too high because he said it would wear down the shoes on my pool cleaner? I have a 25k gallon size pool. I will consider solar for pool once PV system is complete but one thing at a time

[SunEagle]

Thanks I will look into that

Most pool owners are given the "cycle" requirements when they first get the system installed based on the pool gallons, filter size, pump rating & motor hp. Making changes in the future is ok as long as you do not try to skimp on the water circulation.

End result of not enough water turn over is a pool without the proper rating for chlorine content and ph level.