Replacing and upgrading to variable speed pump

[$teveMoney]

I currently have a Hayward super pump, C48K2N143B1 (SP2607X10), This is a 1hp model, that seems to have fried.

I The label suddenly turned brown overnight and pump stopped working. I noticed the grommet on the outside was loose, and a wire inside seemed to come loose (and browned a bit as well) and I’m thinking it cooked the motor during heavy rain. I have a capacitor on the way (as I tested it and got nothing), but I am expecting I need to replace the whole pump as I get no humming when I turn it on, and I’ve verified it’s getting power.

So anyway, I am thinking it’s a good time to consider upgrading to a variable speed.

I see a variable speed, model W3SP2603VSP on Amazon.

I have two inch pipes now, and I see this model is 2” and comes with adapters to shrink.

This is a 1.65HP model. Is that an ok upgrade, from 1hp?

I have about a 24k gallon in ground pool. My filter is cartridge (C3025) and says I should do 122 gpm flow rate.

Is this install going to really be an easy drop in and replace?

Anything I’m missing?

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

The W3SP2603VSP should work fine for you if you choose to get it.

With a VSP you adjust the RPMs to whatever HP works best for your pool. So the 1.65 max HP is no problem. You will probably run it slower then that.

 

[Jimrahbe]

$teve,

It could just be the pic, but it does not look like 2" plumbing to me.

I'd double check just to make sure.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[ajw22]

1.9" OD is 1 1/2" pipe.

 

[i30swimmer]

Steve,
You can see on your elbow joint that the plumbing is 1.5inch. The sizing is marked on that elbow.

 

[$teveMoney]

You guys are good. I measured a few spots and it was a hair under 2” but you’re right, the elbow is marked 1.5”. Lesson learned.

The VS pump seems to advertise itself as 1.5”, but I see comments it’s 2” and has adapters to 1.5”. Is that a problem/risk for a leak?

 

[Jimrahbe]

Steve,

When you replace the pump, get rid of those Home Depot unions and get real pump unions. In fact, some pumps come with unions, if your does not you should buy them. They make installing the pump a breeze.

Pump unions screw right into the pump.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[$teveMoney]

Steve,

When you replace the pump, get rid of those Home Depot unions and get real pump unions. In fact, some pumps come with unions, if your does not you should buy them. They make installing the pump a breeze.

Pump unions screw right into the pump.

Thanks,

Jim R.

Thanks Jim, I’ll head to the pool store to look for some unions. I don’t think this comes with any. Is there anything in particular I should be looking for? Not sure how you could tell this was a Home Depot special

 

[$teveMoney]

Will it be okay to use the W3SP2603VSP with my existing mechanical timer? I will have the on / off pegs out.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Will it be okay to use the W3SP2603VSP with my existing mechanical timer? I will have the on / off pegs out.

Yes..

Real pump unions screw into the pump, fake ones do not.

Here is a link to the 2" ones, but they also have 1.5". Just depends on what your new pump needs.

Amazon.com

Notice that the threaded end screws into the pump, but it has an O-ring that prevent leaks and you don't need goop or Teflon tape, you just screw them in.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[generessler]

It sounds like you are already focused on a specific pump, but I'll add that a bigger VSP can be better. A 3hp pump will loaf very quietly using very few watts to do the job a 1 hp did. The 1.65 will need to operate at a comparatively larger RPM. If power is expensive where you live, the big pump's higher price may be offset over time, and all the while you'll enjoy the almost silent running.

I replaced a 1.5 hp single speed with a 3+ hp Intelliflo. It's nice.

 

[HermanTX]

Will it be okay to use the W3SP2603VSP with my existing mechanical timer? I will have the on / off pegs out.

You will program directly on the pump the on off times and speed. It should have some preset speeds already programmed.
The goal of a VS pump is to run the speed you need to accomplish a task such as skimming or mixing. You will rarely run a VSP at top speed. While it is called variable speed, it is really adjusting HP output. So you probably will be running closer you HP of your original single speed pump.

 

[i30swimmer]

Yes you can use your existing timer. I don’t know if you are going to do the work yourself, but a VSP should be “always on” so you need to wire it to the line side of that timer.

 

[$teveMoney]

It sounds like you are already focused on a specific pump, but I'll add that a bigger VSP can be better. A 3hp pump will loaf very quietly using very few watts to do the job a 1 hp did. The 1.65 will need to operate at a comparatively larger RPM. If power is expensive where you live, the big pump's higher price may be offset over time, and all the while you'll enjoy the almost silent running.

I replaced a 1.5 hp single speed with a 3+ hp Intelliflo. It's nice.

I’m open for suggestions for sure. Honestly I got attached to this after using the Hayward tool that says replace my pump, and found this model.

 

[$teveMoney]

Yes you can use your existing timer. I don’t know if you are going to do the work yourself, but a VSP should be “always on” so you need to wire it to the line side of that timer.

Yes I am. Thank you for the tip. I was anticipating I could leave the wiring as is and just make sure the lever is always in the on position. But should I do something different?

 

[i30swimmer]

I can’t tell if you have a salt chlorinator or some other device, because it looks like you have multiple items wired to the load side of the timer (maybe your heater?). I’m not an electrician, but moving the pump to connect to the line side of the timer, will provide it with always on power.

 

[$teveMoney]

I can’t tell if you have a salt chlorinator or some other device, because it looks like you have multiple items wired to the load side of the timer (maybe your heater?). I’m not an electrician, but moving the pump to connect to the line side of the timer, will provide it with always on power.

No salt chlorinator, and yep I have a heater.

 

[HermanTX]

Yes I am. Thank you for the tip. I was anticipating I could leave the wiring as is and just make sure the lever is always in the on position. But should I do something different?

I think you can wire the VSP to the load side just as the current pump is wired. Just ensure you remove the pins from the timer and leave it on full time. The schedule on your pump will dictate what speed and time the pump will be on. I assume you manually turn on your heater when you want it on as it will also get power full time in this mode. If that is not accurate then may need to adjust how to wire it.
Also ensure you move the bonding wire from the old pump to the new pump.

You may wish to update your signature (go to Settings then Signature) to include what equipment you have, volume of pool, etc.

 

[$teveMoney]

I think you can wire the VSP to the load side just as the current pump is wired. Just ensure you remove the pins from the timer and leave it on full time. The schedule on your pump will dictate what speed and time the pump will be on. I assume you manually turn on your heater when you want it on as it will also get power full time in this mode. If that is not accurate then may need to adjust how to wire it.
Also ensure you move the bonding wire from the old pump to the new pump.

You may wish to update your signature (go to Settings then Signature) to include what equipment you have, volume of pool, etc.

Exactly my plan! Thank you. I’ll get that signature updated!

 

[$teveMoney]

Alright guys, new pump is here. Home stretch.

Previous comment was made about updating my unions. Can I get some guidance on removing and replacing this? Where should I cut and what should I plan to replace exactly?