New motor needed, looking for thoughts

Jump to latest Follow Reply
K

Kjhoffman

Gold Supporter
Jul 4, 2017
88
Bradenton
My old pump motor died. Looking to replace and am considering VS. It is a bit pricey for me but I understand electic bills will come down. Are there any thoughts on this direction ? Good brand motor or brands to stay away from ? My old motor was AST165/56J. Any gotchas to watch out for for a DIYer ?
 
Take a look at the following thread where the basic choices were as follows.
  • Get a replacement Pentair pump like Intelliflo or Whisperflo VST
  • Get a replacement VS motor like the Nidec Neptune
  • Get a dual speed motor and a 2-speed pump relay

Impeller question

I have a Pentair WhisperFlo pump w/1.5 HP single speed motor. The motor crapped out on me and I'm ordering a replacement. I'd like to move up to a 2 HP. I realize that I also need to get a different impeller that matches the new HP rating. My question is: Is the Impeller for the 2 HP a...
www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com

Feel free to ask further questions after reading so we can go into more detail.
 
Thanks. I read over some of the other posts. I looked online at some options, and seems like I can buy VS motor and tuneup/conversion kit for roughly 600.00. Thought Id see how much Pinch A Penny would charge for motor and install possibly. Was told I can not convert pump and instead must purchase complete (Pump/Motor) assembly to do this. The are charging 1500+ 200 for install.

My question is..can I just convert motor and do the upgrade/conversion or do I need to replace everything ?
 
Kjhoffman said:
Thanks. I read over some of the other posts. I looked online at some options, and seems like I can buy VS motor and tuneup/conversion kit for roughly 600.00. Thought Id see how much Pinch A Penny would charge for motor and install possibly. Was told I can not convert pump and instead must purchase complete (Pump/Motor) assembly to do this. The are charging 1500+ 200 for install.

My question is..can I just convert motor and do the upgrade/conversion or do I need to replace everything ?
Click to expand...
You can put a new motor on the pump, yes. A 2-speed will require a 2-speed relay for the EZTouch to operate both speeds.
For the EZ Touch to operate the Neptune, you would need open relays in addition to the #1 pump relay, at least one more to get a second speed.
 
In my searching I came across this at Inyopools..

Pureline Prime VS - Variable Speed Pool Pump 1.65 HP​

Wondering if anyone has any thoughts regarding this product. In your opinion would this pump make more sense than the motor replacement ?

​

 
As poolman already alluded, how would you interface that to your EasyTouch system? Secondly it seems underpowered if you intend to use it with your existing spa. You need to consider both issues before deciding on the replacement.
 
thanks. I guess I misunderstood...I thought Id use existing interface which just powers on the pump, and I could use the pump/motor control panel to program it to run at a different speed for non pool use hours (overnight). I would look to add eztouch automation in the future.

As far as power, would I not add a 1.65 VS motor to replace a 1.65 single speed ?

Sorry, this is my first venture into replacing motor. It is frustrating to pay 600.00 for a single speed motor with install every 2 or 3 years. I've decided I need to add this to my DIY profile :)
 
We're all learning as we go along :) For a single speed or 2-speed motor you would power that from a relay in the EasyTouch. But for a VS motor they are typically powered directly from the breaker and controlled by a separate communication cable or digital inputs. Therefore you can't rely on using any VS pump with your ET.

If budget is not an issue we would recommend an Intelliflo or Whisperflo VST replacement pump. If however you just want a replacement motor you will have to make some compromises which poolman already outlined. We can go into more detail if necessary, but it relates to controlling pump speeds from the ET like when in pool or spa mode.

As for pump size selection there are a few considerations. For an attached spa most people want strong spa jets, but everybody has their own preference. By getting a larger VS pump you can always dial power down, but on a smaller VS pump you can't dial it up. In addition a VS pump is more energy efficient at lower speeds which is more achievable with a larger VS pump than a smaller one. On your last point are you saying that you've had to replace your motors every 2 or 3 years?
 
Thanks, this helps... As far as motors, I bought this house in 2010, but dont know how old that motor was when it burnt out, which was about 4 or 5 years ago. Pinch A Penny replaced it, but the replacement motor lasted about a year. They then replaced that one under warranty, so I guess I got 3 years out of it maybe. So it seems like every 2 or 3 years but again I dont know age of the first one that went on me.
 

Enjoying this content?

Support TFP with a donation.

Give Support
OK, I believe in 2015/2016 they replaced pump (and motor). Then within a year or 2 under warranty they replaced motor which had burned up and now that motor has burned out. im wired for 240. Not home now but will take pic of eztouch panel when i return
 
guinness said:
@1poolman1 Do you have any ideas as to why two motors would fail after after only a few years?
Click to expand...
Is the impeller the SPX3010C (up-rated 1.5hp) or SPX3015C (full rated 1.5hp)? If it is the second, that would be overloading that replacement motor.
Kjhoffman said:
In my searching I came across this at Inyopools..

Pureline Prime VS - Variable Speed Pool Pump 1.65 HP​

Wondering if anyone has any thoughts regarding this product. In your opinion would this pump make more sense than the motor replacement ?

​

Click to expand...
That is a "clone" or re-branded Hayward Super 2 with a Century V-Green 165 motor on it. At least that is what pictures show. If so, you could have your EZ Touch control it very similarly to the way your existing pump is now controlled, using one relay and the speed changes are in the pump drive.

If your existing pump is satisfactory as far as spa performance goes, it would be a good choice. Ultimately, you would not save as much in energy costs as using a larger Pentair Intellflow would, but the difference in cost, about $1000.00 would take quite a while to make up. (The Whisperflo VST may not communicate with your EZ Touch). It would also require very little, if any, replumbing.
 
  • Like
Reactions: guinness
So, I decided to bite the bullet before my pool turns green. I went with the whisperflo vst 2.6HP. I felt that was the right approach, eliminating the potential issue i have with motors burning out, as well as the better system and energy savings. Due to the cost I did not want to diy and leave myself without warranty, so i am using pinch a penny. 1800 +/- for equipment, install, automation cable and setup and 3year warranty. Would have liked to have gone intelliflo but getting too much $ for me :)

I appreciate all of the input, advice and time you all have put in. I will provide update after install. Let me know if there is anything i need to be aware of before my scheduled install (Thursday or Friday).

Thanks again
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1poolman1 and guinness
Ok, new whisperflo VST is in. A little excitement after install as I noticed no comms cable to automation. When I questioned that I was told that the pump is not compatible with automation. But the pump will turn on/off per my automation jut like the old one :( . A call to store owner clarified that they have no cables in store and when they arrive I will be scheduled for cable install.

Only other thing bothering be is the offset connector into pump (was told that had to be done). Should I be concerned with this (see pic). Also told "keep speed below 3K otherwise may blow pipes".
 

Attachments

  • 20221117_102729[1].jpg
    20221117_102729[1].jpg
    515 KB · Views: 16
  • 20221117_102736[1].jpg
    20221117_102736[1].jpg
    309.9 KB · Views: 17

Enjoying this content?

Support TFP with a donation.

Give Support
You must log in or register to reply here.
Thread Status
Hello , This thread has been inactive for over 60 days. New postings here are unlikely to be seen or responded to by other members. For better visibility, consider Starting A New Thread.
Top Bottom
Back
Jump to latest Follow Reply