Texas Freeze Damage / Pump Ideas?

[newburns99]

We lost power for couple of days during the freeze last month and our pool equipment took a hit. I am on multiple service company waiting lists, but am thinking about trying some DIY repairs (since my pool is down) while I wait. I found a replacement housing for my water feature pump (new as of last year,) but my main pump is so old that I can't even tell what brand it was. Should I be shopping for pumps based on the style of fittings? Or should I base it on the timer switch? Does it matter? My DE tank also cracked. What's the best option for replacing it? Should I try to salvage the grids or just buy a whole new filter? Should I also take this opportunity to remove the old, dead Polaris pump? We use a robot since it died.

The pool is a 20yo ~30k gallon salt pool. We are planning to replaster and replace tile/coping this spring if we can get back up and running.

Let me know what other information would be useful. Thanks in advance.

Allan

 

[HermanTX]

Your pump looks like a Pentair WhisperFlow with a single speed motor. I have what looks like an identical pump and motor. In July 2021, the new rules go into effect that any new pool pump (for filtration) will need to be a Variable Speed pump. Rather than replacing the existing pump housing you could consider going with a new VS pump and motor. Not sure what budget you have. It is probably the better option in the long run as you same $$$ on electricity but have to pay upfront for the new pump & motor.
You can keep your timer as you have it but obviously you are not using the cleaner timer.

Similarly with your filter, Not sure you can find just the bottom half. Have you tried to call inyopools.com? Again, the simpler method may be to convert to a cartridge filter and do away with the DE hassle. You will do away with that multiport valve in front of the filter. It is a simpler hook up and also easier to clean.

If you opt to purchase a new pump and filter, then by all means unhook the booster pump and replumb everything. Connect your intake suction that leads to the booster pump to the dedicated cleaner return line so you have a new return to the pool and you will keep that from getting algae in it if you were to just cap it.

Obviously a new pump & motor, a new filter and all new plumbing will cost some upfront $$$$ but you be set for the future. The main issue is that inventories are running low so not sure how long you may need to wait to purchase new equipment.

 

[cowboycasey]

I love my Cartridge filter and VS pump, they work great together.. Cleaning the filter once a year is a bonus

My pool is also 15,000 gallons so a 320 Pentair clean and clear plus to 520 would work great...

A VS pump will be directly connected to power and will not use a timer

The waterways use the same V Green motors that other and I have used to retrofit pumps and the superflo is the same size as your old pump... It is recommended to get the 3hp VS because it will save more money the lower it is ran.. The waterway 2.7 is probably the best value..

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Upgrade to a variable speed pool pump for energy savings and optimal performance. Explore our selection of high-quality variable speed pumps designed to efficiently circulate water, reduce energy consumption, and lower operating costs. Shop now and enjoy a quieter, more eco-friendly pool...

www.inyopools.com

 

[newburns99]

Thank you both for the feedback. Is the Waterway VS the consensus pick around here? And my pool is actually 30k gallons so is there another cartridge filter that I should consider? Thanks again!

 

[newburns99]

Also, having trouble figuring out exactly which waterway pump you meant. Looking for superflo VS in 2.7 or 3hp.

 

[newburns99]

Think I found it. I ordered the Waterway PD-VSC270. I’ll be able to get rid of the main pump/Polaris pump timer, but can I also tie the water feature pump into these controls and get rid of that timer as well? Looking at cartridge filters now...

 

[cowboycasey]

The 2.7 has the V green motor

 

[newburns99]

Can anyone point me to some info on plumbing for replacing the old DE filter with the new cartridge filter?

 

[HermanTX]

some info on plumbing for replacing the old DE filter with the new cartridge filter?

With a DE you need a backwash valve to get rid of the old DE into a drain line. With a cartridge filter you do not need that multiport valve any longer. Just plumb a line from the pump outlet to the filter inlet and then from filter outlet to either a heater inlet (if you have that) or back to your return line to the pool

You will not need to connect to the existing drain line unless you want to set that up.

 

[newburns99]

Should I leave myself the option to drain the pool by the way I hook up the filter?

 

[cowboycasey]

Should I leave myself the option to drain the pool by the way I hook up the filter?

I did, I used a 3 way Jandy valve and use 1 outlet to empty the pool, works great if I need it

It is the one on the top of my pump...

2016-05-29 13.00.03.jpg

• cowboycasey
• Mar 8, 2021

 

[HermanTX]

Should I leave myself the option to drain the pool by the way I hook up the filter?

@cowboycasey has the perfect hookup to follow. Thanks cowboy!!! Great picture of your setup.