Pump Done?

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Padle

Well-known member
Dec 11, 2022
110
Tampa Bay, FL
Pool Size
17100
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
I've got an old 1.65 HP pump. It's got some rust on the outside, and now it seems to be leaking water. I suppose that means I need a new pump?

If yes, I ran a energy saver calculator, and it tells me of I switch to VS pump I would save $128 a year. That hardly seems worth it, as a VS is about 1000 and single speed is 300.

Any thoughts?
 
It would be interesting to know how the calculator you used does its thing. If you run your current pump 10 hours a day, the power costs about $700 / year. A 13k gal pool should do fine running an Intelliflo 3hp pump at 1400 rpm or so for 10 hours/day. That should cost about $120. Ymmv of course with your actual numbers. Running at low RPM is also nearly silent, a nice side effect.

For my 20k gallons, we run at 1200 except a couple of hours at 2000 for skimming tree dandruff. When we went from single to VS pump, we could definitely see the down tick in our bills.
 
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You can replace just the motor with a single speed, but not the entire pump - unless they have old stock laying around.

ROI for a VS pump should be about three years or less in FL, where your pool is open year round.
 
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You may just need to get a new motor shaft seal if it is leaking - that's your cheapest option (and I like the cheap options!). Do it quickly before the water hits the bearing and starts to ruin it.

Replacing just the motor is generally easier than replacing the whole pump (and cheaper), since you will (almost certainly) need to rework some plumbing when replacing the whole pump. I'm not knocking the Circupool brand, but I would much rather get a new motor for a good big-name pump (Pentair, Hayward, Jandy) as long as the parts are available.
 
InyoRich said:
You may just need to get a new motor shaft seal if it is leaking - that's your cheapest option (and I like the cheap options!). Do it quickly before the water hits the bearing and starts to ruin it.

Replacing just the motor is generally easier than replacing the whole pump (and cheaper), since you will (almost certainly) need to rework some plumbing when replacing the whole pump. I'm not knocking the Circupool brand, but I would much rather get a new motor for a good big-name pump (Pentair, Hayward, Jandy) as long as the parts are available.
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My only issue is, even getting someone to come out and diagnose costs $100 :(

Is there a easy way to diagnose myself?
 

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I see no automation in your signature so then your not tied to any one brand therefore look into the black and decker vsp in the 3hp range. It'll give you good range in the low rpm with good efficiency and a built in 5 year warranty.
 
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Padle said:
I've got an old 1.65 HP pump. It's got some rust on the outside, and now it seems to be leaking water. I suppose that means I need a new pump?
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Not necessarily. If the pump is leaking then it is probably as simple as replacing a few seals. Pretty cheap. Has nothing to do with the motor.
Rust on the outside has absolutely nothing to do with the internal workings of the pump. It is just an aesthetic. Spray paint if it bothers you.
If you want to save money and have less noise then pick up a VS motor with controller and put it on your existing pump. Sounds like you have a simple set up and you can do that with a VS motor and controller.
 
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You should be able to diagnose the leak yourself without too much difficulty. Bottom line: Where is it leaking? If it is leaking between the motor and the pump it is probably the shaft seal. If it is leaking where the plastic part (the seal plate) that the motor is mounted to meets the body of the pump it is probably the seal plate leaking. Either one is relatively easy for the average handyperson to fix - there are plenty of videos and instructions online.

Can you post a few pictures of the leak?
 
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You can pick up a 'rebuild kit' that will replace all the O-rings and the shaft seal for ~$25. Just get the one that matches your pump.

The process is tedious, but not that difficult and there are plenty of YouTube videos to walk you through the steps.

Here is the product and video I used to rebuild mine awhile back.


 
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I don't know much about pumps, but here are the photos, does it seem to be the seal plate?

Thanks everyone!
 

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The motor probably has a limited time left, so it might not be worth fixing.

A variable speed pump will use about 200 watts compared to about 1,650 watts for your current pump.

The cost saving depend on the cost of electricity and the amount of time you run the pump.

A variable speed pump will also be much quieter.
 
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You have a good pump, it is worth replacing seals. It is a fiberglass so you don't have to worry about Rust!.
It sounds like your motor is fine since you did not complain about noise. However if you let it go long enough that leak will get into the bearings.

So your call, repair pump which is cheap, or repair pump and swap motor with a VS and controller.

I have a similar pump I repaired seals on pump and hooked up a new VS motor. Love it. nice and quiet.
 
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Padle said:
us motors c55cxjwn-2193
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That's the motor, which helps some, but it does not identify the exact model of the pump or the age.

I would be inclined to get a new pump rather than replace the motor and rebuild everything, but you can get a variable speed motor if you want.

Sometimes a rebuild goes well and smoothly and sometimes it's a disaster and you wish you just got a new pump.




1707870106029.png

Neptune Variable Speed Pool Pump Motor

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waterlinetechnologies.com

Nidec/US Motors Neptune 1.65 THP Square Flange Variable Speed Motor 115/230V - NPTQ165

Shop online today for the Nidec/US Motors Neptune 1.65 THP Square Flange Variable Speed Motor 115/230V - NPTQ165 at Waterline Technologies
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