Noise just started [video] - 3 year old pump Hayward 900 VS

[pinmode]

I've got a 3 year old Hayward HL32900VSP variable pump that just started making this noise 48 hours ago. Does this sound like something obvious? I did check for debris beyond the filter around the impeller but didn't find anything there. Pool company hasn't yet inspected and is already quoting for a new pump, but I'm pretty sure this should last 10 years. It runs 4-6 hours per day year round with salt water, so I assume it will see issues earlier than usual. Can the bearings be replaced on this model, if that is the problem?

Note: bubbles do clear from the filter basket - I had just started it

Additional video with pump at 32% speed. Lower speed seems to isolate the noise.

 

[mas985]

I did check for debris beyond the filter around the impeller but didn't find anything there.

Did you separate the motor from the pump wet end? That is the only way to tell if there in interference in the impeller.

Could be bearings but is sounds more like some sort of interference.

 

[1poolman1]

I've got a 3 year old Hayward HL32900VSP variable pump that just started making this noise 48 hours ago. Does this sound like something obvious? I did check for debris beyond the filter around the impeller but didn't find anything there. Pool company hasn't yet inspected and is already quoting for a new pump, but I'm pretty sure this should last 10 years. It runs 4-6 hours per day year round with salt water, so I assume it will see issues earlier than usual. Can the bearings be replaced on this model, if that is the problem?

Note: bubbles do clear from the filter basket - I had just started it

Additional video with pump at 32% speed. Lower speed seems to isolate the noise.

You may have something in the fan, located at the back of the motor. I would also suspect bearings based on the corrosion on the bottom of the mounting flange. That indicates a seal leak. Your pump lid is on backwards.

 

[pinmode]

You may have something in the fan, located at the back of the motor. I would also suspect bearings based on the corrosion on the bottom of the mounting flange. That indicates a seal leak. Your pump lid is on backwards.

Thanks! I just checked the fan and that wasn't it. Definitely sounds closer to the impeller. If bearings are bad, is it a normal maintenance for a pool tech to replace them? ASP wants $3.7k for a new pump installed, while the pump can be found new for $1470. Of course, I don't want to replace a 3 year old pump in the first place. Thanks for the tip on the lid - that was me doing it wrong.

Did you separate the motor from the pump wet end? That is the only way to tell if there in interference in the impeller.

Could be bearings but is sounds more like some sort of interference.

Thanks! No I didn't separate the motor yet.

 

[tstex]

Typically, bearings make a more screeching sound vs a cluttering sound. As Mark stated, it's possible to be a bearing, but I would focus on the impeller area. If something got wrapped around the impeller area, this is the kind of sound it would make, esp since the fan was ruled out.

Finally, almost $4000.00 to install a pump, unless there are some very unique circumstances, is very exorbitant. As Mark suggested, you have to separate the motor from the pump to see the entire impeller area. Pls keep us posted and good luck.

PS - since this pump is 3 yrs old, is it still in warranty? if so or near it, call Hayward and see if they can take care of their pump? this pump should not be having these problems at that age, unless something physically happened to it.

 

[tstex]

See this video on a pump w a similar issue...this too does not sound like a bearing but a cluttering sound, but less than yours...it was fixed by removing debris from the impeller area. there's also a link on how to separate the wet-end from the motor/controller...good luck

 

[1poolman1]

Thanks! I just checked the fan and that wasn't it. Definitely sounds closer to the impeller. If bearings are bad, is it a normal maintenance for a pool tech to replace them? ASP wants $3.7k for a new pump installed, while the pump can be found new for $1470. Of course, I don't want to replace a 3 year old pump in the first place. Thanks for the tip on the lid - that was me doing it wrong.


Thanks! No I didn't separate the motor yet.

Bearings are not a normal maintenance item. There is no access to them without disassembling the motor and then only to replace, no service is ever done. They do get damaged if the shaft seal leaks for a long enough period.

 

[pinmode]

I appreciate the responses.

The pool tech came out, separated the motor, and put it back together. Their assesment is that there's nothing wrong with it. "Haywards just do that."

 

[mas985]

I have a Hayward pump and it doesn't do that.

If it is bearings or a bent shaft, it will eventually fail and then you will know.

 

[KJB1]

I appreciate the responses.

The pool tech came out, separated the motor, and put it back together. Their assesment is that there's nothing wrong with it. "Haywards just do that."

If it’s under warranty Hayward is very quick and no BS. Mine made a squeak when really cold last winter and they came out and replaced it. No proof or excuses. It was warm and quiet by the time they came out and I even told them I had a video. The Hayward warranty company said “don’t worry, we’ll just change it and call us direct if you have any more problems”

 

[tstex]

Based on the above responses, sounds like maybe you have an inexperienced tech. As stated, I’ve had my issues w Hayward VSP’s, but my area rep was very good…

Keep us posted

 

[1poolman1]

See this video on a pump w a similar issue...this too does not sound like a bearing but a cluttering sound, but less than yours...it was fixed by removing debris from the impeller area. there's also a link on how to separate the wet-end from the motor/controller...good luck

If that noise in the video is similar to yours, it is, most likely, cavitation.

 

[IUsedToSail]

That sounds ALOT like an unbalanced fan blade.

 

[tstex]

If that noise in the video is similar to yours, it is, most likely, cavitation.

Pman, the video I posted, the poster stated debris removed from impeller area fixed prob. A weak or impeded pull of water from pump could definitely lead to or sound like cavitation. When i get an airs pocket in my suction line(s), it’s always a starvation like scenario w a lot of bubbles & on & off humming sound. Good thing is it doesn’t happen often

 

[pinmode]

One day after the motor was separated by the pool tech, the sound went away on its own! It was still making the noise when they left that day. So, not sure what this points to as a root cause but maybe rules out some things?