Weighing one long low rpm cycle against two shorter high rpm ones

Started by Marcus Reed · · 1 reply
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#1
Been going back and forth on this for my 22k gallon gunite. Option A is single 8 hour cycle around 1800 rpm to hit one turnover a day, nice and gentle on the equipment. Option B is two 3.5 hour cycles at 2400 rpm, one midday one evening, better skimming action and CYA stays mixed better after I dose.

Ran the affinity law math, power scales with rpm cubed, so the 2400 rpm cycles cost noticeably more per hour even though total runtime drops. Working out to maybe a few extra cents a day for option B but better turnover distribution and the cell sees more consistent flow for salt production. Curious if anyone running a Sigma or similar has opinions on whether two shorter high flow windows actually help debris pickup versus just letting one long slow cycle do the work.

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#2
No VS pump here, mine's the mechanical timer, so I can't speak to the rpm math, but twenty five seasons tells me the long slow cycle wins on skimming just because surface debris needs time sitting in the current, not a burst of flow for three and a half hours twice a day.