So to answer the question, yes, you can replace your 1hp pool pump with a 1.5hp pool pump, but only if your situation calls for it. If you've determined that your current pump is too small for your pool, then we'll suggest replacing it with a larger ECO pump like the Water TechniX Pump Alpha ECO.
As I mentioned before, the 1.5 HP PowerFlo LX has only 1 GPM more flow rate than the 1 HP PowerFlo LX so very little difference between the two pumps. However, for an 18" filter, you don't want to exceed more than about 35 GPM.
The only real problem with an oversized pump is that it uses more electricity than a smaller pump would to do the same job. Unless you have a spa or waterfall or some other water feature, a 2 HP pump is larger than what you really need and costs more to run than a smaller pump would cost.
For instance, a pool with water features (deck jets, waterfall, etc) tied into the main pool pump might require a higher horsepower to provide enough flow. The same would hold true for installations with a spa or solar panels running off of the pool pump. Long runs of pipe might also require more power.
The motor on a pool pump will often fail before the pump itself needs to be replaced. Replacing just the motor is a common fix. Motors are generally interchangeable amongst many types of pumps, and there's currently no standard for replacement motors.
A professional electrician will be needed to disconnect the wiring before a pump can be removed. Once a new pump is installed, an electrician will again be necessary to reconnect the wires to the new pump. A do-it-yourself homeowner with basic mechanical aptitude can replace the pool pump in a relatively short time.
Hayward Super Pump (1.5hp)
This product by Hayward is a 1.5hp pool pump designed to pump up to 90 GPM in most pools. It requires less maintenance and is highly efficient.
Too large of a pump can cause poor filter performance and even damage it, if the filter is not also oversized accordingly. Another possible consequence is pump cavitation in which bubbles form in the water inside the pump and then burst with great force, resulting in damage to the impeller and other internal parts.
One horsepower equals 1.36 Newton-meters of torque at 5252 RPM. A two horsepower motor would have 2.36 Newton-meters of torque at 5252 RPM. A typical 1 HP 2875 RPM motor would have 2.49 Newton-meters of torque.
A 1-horsepower pump with the same resistance will work for pools up to 26,000 gallons, while a 1.5-horsepower pump is suitable for large pools up to 30,000 gallons. A massive 2-horsepower pump can clean pools up to 46,000 gallons.
You can see from the chart that a 1 horsepower pump will give you 52 gallons per minute on a system with 64 feet of head. We want to give you the flow information on each pump so that you can come up with the right pump the first time.
1.5 Hp Single Phase V4 submersible pump, Capacity: 15 To 50 M.
I calculated the L/min using wet method mentioned elsewhere on the web. My 1.5 HP pump pumps approx 14 L/min and I have purchased 40L/min flow sensors.
A pool pump that is larger than needed has a more powerful motor and circulates water at a higher flow rate. This uses significantly more energy to pump the same amount of water and puts additional stress on your pipes and filter, meaning you'll need to replace them sooner.
Horsepower theoretically required for pumping water equals the gallons per minute multiplied by the head in feet, and divided by 4.000 For power recommended, divide by 2000 instead of 4000.
Yes. You can, but what's more important to answer is do your really NEED to change your pump to one with a higher horsepower rating? If you have complete information on you pool and you've determined that your current pool pump is not enough for your needs, by all means, go ahead and change your pool pump.
Filling your pool with water (two to three days) Installing the pool pump (one to three hours) Installing the pool filter (less than 48 hours) Installing the pool heater (one to seven days, depending on the heater type)
On average, pool pump replacement costs about $440, average prices ranged from $80 to $800 for pool pump replacement in the US in 2020.
When it comes down to it, both pumps have their own strengths and weaknesses. The Hayward EcoStar has better energy efficiency and the Pentair IntelliFlo has a reputation for longevity with a proven track record. It's a close battle between the two pumps and it really comes down to personal preference.