Pump Motor Smoking. Best to just replace it all with a 2 speed?

[madams135]

Hey all, new guy on the block. I have an AGP that came with my house that I've been maintaining trouble free for 3 years. Well, that ended when I noticed my pump wasn't running. When I powered it on it was smoking intensely from the motor and humming, then shutting itself off. I did notice a bit of water under the pump as well. Assuming that a seal may have leaked and burned out the motor? I did check the shaft via screwdriver and it spins freely.

This is a Hayward Power Flo Matrix with 1HP motor and sand filter. I have no clue how old it is, but I'd guess atleast 5-10 years old and original to the pool. I'm seeking advice in what is the best course of action here. Am I better off to just replace the pump, or attempt a motor replacement to see if it resolves the issue? If a new pump is the answer, it seems the consensus is to get a 2 speed. Does that stand true today? Any brand recommendations? I would like something reliable that isn't going to break the bank and that i can self install and will work with my current setup. Thank you for any opinions!!!

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome to TFP! Smoking is never good, so something definitely overheated. Based on the age, it's probably best to send that motor out to pasture. You probably could go with a new 2-speed if you can find one at a decent price. I am currently using a Power Flo Matrix (2-speed) as well, but when mine goes I'm going to replace it with a variable speed pump (VSP). There are many more of those to choose from nowadays and they are extremely energy efficient. You might want to check them out online.

Hope that helps.

 

[Texas Splash]

If you go the VPS route, you can look at the big brand names like Hayward, Pentair, etc, (pricey) but there are many new competitors on the market like Calimar and Black & Decker just to name a couple.

 

[madams135]

If you go the VPS route, you can look at the big brand names like Hayward, Pentair, etc, (pricey) but there are many new competitors on the market like Calimar and Black & Decker just to name a couple.

Thanks for your response! The cost of the vsp turned me off and the brands were a bit overwhelming, but it sounds like I may need to look into this a bit further. Thanks again.

 

[wcharon]

I changed mine and went with the Black & Decker 1HP for AGP. Very happy with mine with little noise from it.

Saw it at recently at $699.00. Hope that helps.

 

[madams135]

I changed mine and went with the Black & Decker 1HP for AGP. Very happy with mine with little noise from it.

Saw it at recently at $699.00. Hope that helps.

Thanks! I saw another post with someone praising the B&D pump. Hopefully it has a long life for you.

 

[wcharon]

Thanks! I saw another post with someone praising the B&D pump. Hopefully it has a long life for you.

Thanks. It's the second year with it. Let's see.

 

[madams135]

Hey all. New guy again. I've been digesting this site for the past day, fascinating info. I made a post yesterday detailing how my old 1HP Hayward Power Flo Matrix has failed. Smoking from the motor area when powering on with no signs of life. I've determined I'll need to replace atleast the motor or the entire pump. I'd like to supply some more info and get verification if I'm thinking this through properly. I'm a tad ocd and get paralysis by analysis, so bear with me.

I have an AGP w/ sand filter. Not certain of size, but likely between 25-30' and 15k-20k gallon? 1.5" hard plumbing. 120v outlet on a timer to utilize. NY, so the season is at most 3.5 months. Using tablets/liquid Cl. I run the pump at night to avoid peak power costs. Typical is ~.14c kwh. Im a busy dad and need minimal maintenance. I vacuum once a week due to time constraints and want to keep things simple. I should probably get a solar blanket to make it even easier. Pool is barely used, which angers me haha.

It seems the typical answer is to get a VSP. I understand the cost savings. I realize I am limited a bit in choice by my 120v setup. It seems the more you run the pool, the more you actualize the cost savings. NY summers are a blink as noted. I only run the pump at night via timer to skim and clean.

It seems I may be a good candidate for single speed pump if I'm only running a few hours a night with the 1hp 3450 rpm Hayward Power Flo Matrix? Also with the pvc plumbing, a one to one swap would be easiest with the same pump dimensions. I see some are similar with the offset vertical mount, but many are lesser trusted brands it seems (Harris, Doheny. Etc). I would assume there is no cost savings if one of these pumps dies in 2 years, so that must be factored in.

Given my simple setup and needs, Im assuming my 1hp pump was sufficient. Going forward in my situation would you:
1) Attempt motor and seal replacement ($250?)
2) Dual speed motor and seal replacement ($350?)
3) New Power Flo Matrix pump ($350)
4) New Power Flo Matrix dual speed 1.5 hp ($550)
5) Go with another single, dual, or vsp that opefully won't need a drastic replumb.

 

[ajw22]

3) New Power Flo Matrix pump ($350)

Just get a new pump, drop it in and go swim. The season is too short for you to mess around with other options.

 

[Texas Splash]

I have almost the same set up as you with same pump right now. I ended-up getting a new Power Flo Matrix last year as it was about the same cost as just a 2-speed motor. 110V by the way as well. But when this one bites the bust, I'm going the VSP route. I know that means converting my circuit from 110V to 1120V, but I'm okay with that. Do what works well for you right now based on budget and options, but definitely avoid ANY single speed pump/motor.