Pump Repair/Replacement - General Upgrades

[esn13_jrr14]

I went to open this past weekend and my pump was seized. I turned off the power, reached through the strainer area and attempted to turn the impeller. It would not turn. I took the back off the pump and attempted to turn the screw which turns the motor and could not. Anyways, I'm taking it to a pool store today to see if it can be repaired or if I should replace it. As you can see from the pictures it's a Hayward Super Pump, but the sticker is gone so I have no idea the HP. I was reading on the Hayward site and did the calculations, I should have a 1/2HP pump based on my pool size and 8.75 ft of head. I had to remove the pump from the plumbing because all of the bolts holding the motor side to the wet side were completely rusted and unmovable. My questions...

1. Does this pump look worthy of repair, or should I just replace, if so, does the 1/2HP sound right?
2. If I were to replace, ideally I'd get a VS pump, but that's just not in the budget now. Is a $50 timer a worthy investment?
3. My plumbing looks extremely simple. We bought this house with the equipment and I'm slowly seeing the previous owners cut corners everywhere. Is this plumbing sufficient? Are there areas of improvement?

THANKS!!!

 

[Swamp Thing]

I'd like to know what you found out...I went to open my pool yesterday and my pump just buzzes.

 

[esn13_jrr14]

I know the feeling... I was getting ready to add DE to the filter and start shocking. Buzz then nothing. I'm going to get it checked out after work. I'll let you know what they say.

 

[Swamp Thing]

I took the back off the pump and attempted to turn the screw which turns the motor and could not.

I think you might have just saved me $500...I disconnected the pump last night and looked it over in the shop but didn't do anything. After reading your quote I just went and tried turning the screw...Mine has some mechanical switch covering the screw so I slipped a small pair of channel locks in there and it wasn't turning. I applied a bit more pressure and BOOM...It's turning. At first it was crusty sounding but now it spins like a dream. Must have been dirty from the winter? Assuming that's all it was/is...How can I lube this thing?

I'm going to hook it up and see if it works. As much as I would like to update the pump...I'd rather do it when I want VS having to.

 

[msumoose]

Dirt Daubers love to make nests in electric motors around here....

I am sure there is some insect in every part of the world that will do the same, causing the same issue.

Started 2 polaris pumps like that this year...

 

[Swamp Thing]

Dirt Daubers love to make nests in electric motors around here....

Yeah for sure...An earwig blew a capacitor in my AC unit one year. I guess they like nesting on warm switches. I replaced it myself for $20.

Can a pump be lubed or is it not necessary?
Will clearing it out with my air compressor be good enough?

Thanks

 

[esn13_jrr14]

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/91iT7XXYyBS.pdf

That is the instruction manual for my pump. It says not to purge the system with compressed air. As far as bearings, I'd Google your pumps manual. Mine uses the water as coolant and lubricant for the motor shaft. Use silicone lube for o-rings, oil based lubricants like Vaseline will degrade the o-ring.

 

[msumoose]

Generally, you can't do anything for residential grade pool pump motors. Sealed bearings and such....

There are some exceptions though.

 

[Swamp Thing]

Thanks guys...Now for the moment of truth...I'll stay in touch with my findings.

 

[Swamp Thing]

That was it...I'm up and running!
Thanks!

Is a $50 timer a worthy investment?

Yes...Get a timer. I run my pump in the night and it shuts down just before the sun hits it. If I want to manually run my system I just flip the switch.