Advice for pump replacement- looking at VS pump

[Labrashark]

Hello fellow TF Pool enthusiasts! First I want to say thank you for all the help I have gotten since joining tfpool. The knowledge here has been all I need to run my own pool for the past 3 summers and keep it sparkling clean!

So now my Hayward Max-flo 1 1/2 hp is showing signs that it would probably fail - making bearing noises off and on during the day and also just found a leak between the pump body and motor, I am considering replacing it before it fails. I need advice on what would be the best choice in my case . I want to stay on budget under 1000 if possible around 7-800 for a complete pump. I would consider swapping just the motor for a compatible VS replacement and maybe rebuilding the pump if it proves to be significantly cheaper than a complete pump. I run a simple Intermatic mechanical timer so no automation necessary. I would be installing it myself.
Currently very tempted by the Circupool VS pump for 799. I bought my SWCG from them and so far, after almost 2 summers I am very happy. Let me know what you think. Is it a good value or just cheap? Trying to be on a budget but at the same time willing to spend a bit more if it means better value.
My setup is 18k gallons mountain pond inground pool, no spa, 2 returns at steps, 2 more in pool. I use a manual vacuum.
Here are some pictures to give you an idea of what I am talking about.

Thank you in advance!

 

[i30swimmer]

I will let the experts here give you more advice, but based on my research as I am replacing my single speed with VS after this season, I think your limiting factor here is what looks to be 1.5inch plumbing. There is only so much water that can flow through it. You probably could get away with the 2hp VS black and decker pumps that just came out which would be close to your budget. They have a long warranty, but have not been on the market very long to prove reliability. Alternatively, you also could probably get a Pentair Superflo VS which will be slightly over $1,100 shipped. These are tried and proven pumps that are reliable and long lasting.

 

[mknauss]

For a VS motor to match to your wet end, the 1.65 hp VGreen motor will work.

The Circupool, Calimar, and Black and Decker VS pumps are all from the same manufacturer, just rebadged.

The plumbing size is of no issue. A VS pump you run at low speeds. The plumbing may restrict at full speed, but you will not need that level of flow rate.

 

[Labrashark]

Thank you for the information!
Where do I buy this V-Green 1.65 motor? Also do you think it is worth going that route - rebuilding the wet end etc. what would I need to rebuild it? Are the Circupool and Black and Decker pumps a good choice as far as reliability?

 

[mknauss]

Where do I buy this V-Green 1.65 motor?

A.O. Smith V-Green 1.65 HP Round Flange 56J Variable Speed Motor - ECM16CU - INYOPools.com
You need 230v at pad for this motor.
That is an example. You need to determine what exact motor you need. Call inyopools.
You will need a seals Go kit but if wet end in good condition should be no issue.
Some members have purchased the other vs pumps. Do a search using keywords.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

The pump below is the same pump sold by B&D, Circupool, and more. Warranties vary by retailer. A few forum members have installed this pump are are happy with the choice. This retailer offers the best price.

CaliMar® Variable Speed Pool Pump | 3HP | CMARVSP3.0

Pool Supply Unlimited has some of the best prices when shopping for CaliMar® Variable Speed Pool Pump | 3HP | CMARVSP3.0

www.poolsupplyunlimited.com

 

[Labrashark]

Ok, I am going to go with the Calimar, for that price I can take what I believe is a calculated risk.The only thing that I am not sure is should I get the 3 hp or will the 1.5 be enough? My current Hayward single speed pump is 1.5 hp now and it does fine for vacuuming and all else I may need it to do.

 

[mknauss]

I would get the 3 hp. You can run it at lower rpm and will use less electricity for the same flow rate as the 1.5hp.

 

[Labrashark]

So I ordered the 3hp Calimar today and half hour later they emailed me that it is back ordered. Same for the 1.5 hp model. Back to square one, at this point is a toss between a 2hp Black and Decker or for a little less a V-green 1.65 with pump rebuild kit from inyopool. Just not sure about rebuilding the wet end. From what I understand by looking at the serial number it is 6 years old. Any input will be appreciated!

 

[mknauss]

The only thing that needs to be done to the wet end is the seal that keeps the water from going to the motor. I have never installed one, but many here have.

Pump Seals - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Plus to the VGreen is no plumbing changes.

 

[Labrashark]

So last week the motor died, literally smoke came out of it and I bit the bullet and bought the V-Green 165 replacement motor from inyo pools along with a new shaft seal, impeller seal and the wet end seal. Ordered Friday morning, Saturday afternoon the motor was delivered. I guess I was lucky they shipped from an NJ warehouse. I am amazed how economical the new motor is. I measured current draw of the old motor when i started thinking of replacing it and it was pulling 8.25A, at 230V. The draw didn't change until it stopped working. I expected to find seized bearings but that was not the case, the rotor spun freely by hand but the bottom was badly corroded, I think the stator probably disintegrated from the corrosion. I blame the old shaft seal. I now plan to replace the shaft seal at the start of every season, cost 19$ and was very easy to do.
The new motor runs very cool at speeds that I am using, and current draw is way less than the old one. I don't think it is quieter though, probably because of the fan. However my pump is situated in a way that I don't really hear it either way but I am sure it will make a big difference compared to other pumps.
So below I am attaching a few photos of the old motor and the new one installed along with a chart I made of the V-green 165 current draw at the different RPM. The most amazing part to me was that at 3450 rpm the new motor drew about half the current compared to the old. I am still figuring the running schedule, the SWG is happy at 1100 rpm and the pool looks super clear, however the heater needs way more than that, over 2100 with all returns open or 1600 with only the returns at the steps open. But I am not big on heating so not a big concern for me. Right now I am running 10 hrs@1350 rpm, 2 hrs @ 2100 and 8 hrs @ 1100, montly cost should total about 10$ with my cost of electricity.
The chart below assumes electricity cost of 15 cents/kW. I hope someone finds it useful in making a decision to switch to VS pump.

 

[Labrashark]

 

[guinness]

Another preventative measure is to stop water intrusion into the connection compartment. Below is a comment from another forum member.

The compartment has a history of leaking and filling up with water. There's a tiny o-ring that is supposed to seal the screw in the well on top of the cover. Use liberal amounts of silicone pool lube on the sealing surfaces around the edge and make sure they're clean. Here's the o-ring (see what I mean by tiny... too tiny?):