Hey all! Been generally lucky for the past few years, but looks like this year, I'll be spending some money on pool parts! Haven't had to do a ton previously, but pool is of unknown age, somewhere between 10-15 years old, and things are starting to wear. Likely installed around 2008. Looking for any input/guidance as I start to grab parts.
1. Pool pump (currently Hayward SuperPump, 1.5hp). Actually working alright, but much louder and bit of a high pitched mechanical noise, I guessing maybe bearings are going bad? Usually much more quiet. Also decent amount of water underneath it on the pad, so guessing some seals aren't doing so hot. First question: Buy a replacement motor, or just buy a whole new pump? Given the age, inclined to buy a whole new thing, especially if some of the stuff wearing down in on the pump side and not the motor side. Can buy exact same model (SP2615x15), which should hopefully be plug and play instead of having to replumb anything. The plumbing already has quick disconnects on suction and filter sides, so can I assume that I can undo that, unscrew that connection from the pump housing, and transfer everything to the new one without needing more parts?
2. Diverter valve. Switches between Main Drain and Skimmers. When I put the handle back on yesterday, noticed that it doesn't go all the way to closed on either position, stopping like 15 degrees short on either side. Means I can't totally bypass either main drain or skimmers, although can cut the majority of it off. I don't use it to vacuum, so not a huge concern there, and usually have it like 20% main drain, 80% skimmer anyway, just weird that it won't let the handle get all the way to inline with the piping. Going to take this one apart, lube, and see what happens, but odd/new problem for me. If any damage, will try and just replace the guts before cutting out the whole thing; easier and not a ton of space for adding pipe inline junctions.
3. Salt cell. Knew this one was on it's way out, and it gave me more years than expected (it wasn't new looking when I moved in 6 summers ago). Already bought the direct TCell15 replacement, will install when SLAM is finished (figured I'd let the old one take the beating for that (although not plugged in/energized, obviously).
4. Check Valve. There's no check valves in my system, and assume that's bad. Was planning to add one just before the salt cell (between it and the heater). 2" PVC piping in that run. How far away from the salt cell should I be? Assume I'm looking for the 2" internal, 2.5" external, but what's a 'good' one to be looking at? Seem to be a lot of options here. Salt cell isn't transparent, so something I can see flow on would be good, plus obviously being able to see the flapper is a plus. With the salt cell, needs to be able to take a hit of chlorine as well. And seem to be a couple different spring weights (1/2lb and 2lb), what should I be looking for?
5. Heater. Needs it's own thread, but I've got a Hayward 300k btu gas heater that I've never used. Was told when I bought the house it had gas supply issues, and I've since had the meter upgraded, so that may be resolved, but I've never used it, have no idea how to, and looking at it, it's probably past it's prime anyway. Suspect this will need a pro to look at to see if it's repairable or just ready for replacement. Given the age, visual condition, that there's never been a check valve on the salt cell... can't imagine this is a winner. Will see what repairs vs. new does for me, but may at least need some advice for how to actually use it normally. Like I said, never even tried to turn it on, know nothing about it.
Been nice having the pool during lockdown, and with 2 young kids, they're of the right age to get max use out of this thing, so want to do it right and set myself up for another run of hopefully little/no repair bills
Thanks for any advice/help!
1. Pool pump (currently Hayward SuperPump, 1.5hp). Actually working alright, but much louder and bit of a high pitched mechanical noise, I guessing maybe bearings are going bad? Usually much more quiet. Also decent amount of water underneath it on the pad, so guessing some seals aren't doing so hot. First question: Buy a replacement motor, or just buy a whole new pump? Given the age, inclined to buy a whole new thing, especially if some of the stuff wearing down in on the pump side and not the motor side. Can buy exact same model (SP2615x15), which should hopefully be plug and play instead of having to replumb anything. The plumbing already has quick disconnects on suction and filter sides, so can I assume that I can undo that, unscrew that connection from the pump housing, and transfer everything to the new one without needing more parts?
2. Diverter valve. Switches between Main Drain and Skimmers. When I put the handle back on yesterday, noticed that it doesn't go all the way to closed on either position, stopping like 15 degrees short on either side. Means I can't totally bypass either main drain or skimmers, although can cut the majority of it off. I don't use it to vacuum, so not a huge concern there, and usually have it like 20% main drain, 80% skimmer anyway, just weird that it won't let the handle get all the way to inline with the piping. Going to take this one apart, lube, and see what happens, but odd/new problem for me. If any damage, will try and just replace the guts before cutting out the whole thing; easier and not a ton of space for adding pipe inline junctions.
3. Salt cell. Knew this one was on it's way out, and it gave me more years than expected (it wasn't new looking when I moved in 6 summers ago). Already bought the direct TCell15 replacement, will install when SLAM is finished (figured I'd let the old one take the beating for that (although not plugged in/energized, obviously).
4. Check Valve. There's no check valves in my system, and assume that's bad. Was planning to add one just before the salt cell (between it and the heater). 2" PVC piping in that run. How far away from the salt cell should I be? Assume I'm looking for the 2" internal, 2.5" external, but what's a 'good' one to be looking at? Seem to be a lot of options here. Salt cell isn't transparent, so something I can see flow on would be good, plus obviously being able to see the flapper is a plus. With the salt cell, needs to be able to take a hit of chlorine as well. And seem to be a couple different spring weights (1/2lb and 2lb), what should I be looking for?
5. Heater. Needs it's own thread, but I've got a Hayward 300k btu gas heater that I've never used. Was told when I bought the house it had gas supply issues, and I've since had the meter upgraded, so that may be resolved, but I've never used it, have no idea how to, and looking at it, it's probably past it's prime anyway. Suspect this will need a pro to look at to see if it's repairable or just ready for replacement. Given the age, visual condition, that there's never been a check valve on the salt cell... can't imagine this is a winner. Will see what repairs vs. new does for me, but may at least need some advice for how to actually use it normally. Like I said, never even tried to turn it on, know nothing about it.
Been nice having the pool during lockdown, and with 2 young kids, they're of the right age to get max use out of this thing, so want to do it right and set myself up for another run of hopefully little/no repair bills
Thanks for any advice/help!
