Recent content by COBrien

I'm wondering if this is a leaf trap to catch anything your suction-side cleaner picks up before it reached the pump basket(s). I'm also assuming the "outlet" for this contraption is on the bottom, going back into the ground.

There appear to be wires going to and/or coming from that unit (in the orange square) and maybe some sort of electronic box connected between it and the valve handle. Do you know that those are for? Does the unit in the orange square have any sort of trap/basket/strainer in it?

Once again, keeping this thread updated for posterity... I spoke with a gentleman at StaRite in Wisconsin (not Karl, but another very knowledgeable guy who commended me on keeping a 24-year-old pump running), and he confirmed that the copper heat shield / heat sink cone is designed to fit...

My guess would be either an internal short in the windings or the bearings are on the verge of locking up. Unfortunately, I suspect it's time for a new motor.

Have you noticed any change in the sound the motor makes over the last few weeks? Even the same noise it usually makes, only louder, can be a sign something is wrong. Often you will hear a moan or slight screech from a failing motor. In my experience (and based on what I've read around here)...

You may already know this, but save the boric acid for after your SLAM is complete. Pre-SLAM, you adjust your pH with muriatic acid, then during the SLAM the only thing you should be putting in your water is chlorine. Good luck, we'll be looking for a SLAM thread in the Balancing section! Take...

Just to keep this thread updated... My copper heat sink and shaft seal set arrived today. As per the recommendation of Karl at StaRite, I checked the fit of the heat sink to the seal plate. It did not press in by hand -- it's a good, tight interference fit. A 7/8" socket fit into the shoulder...

I just went through this myself with a 4-5 year old pump motor. The noise you're hearing is the bearings giving up. As mentioned above, this is due to water getting past the shaft seal(s) and water slinger (which is intended to keep water out even after a shaft seal failure). Replacing the seal...

I'm really not sure how to respond to this, as it goes against everything I've ever read and/or heard.

Wow, that's quite a kink! Imagine how much more efficiently your pump will be running now that you've got a wide-open return line...

Have you been able to collect any of this material in socks, etc. on the returns? The only thing I can think of that might be black is a degrading seal in the pump, multiport valve, or something similar. But that would be somewhat "greasy" and probably smear when brushed. Pics may be helpful here.

Agree with tim5055. You have to maintain shock level as best you can. When I SLAMed my pool, I was testing and adding morning, noon, and evening, as well as once or twice in the middle of the night. In my experience, nighttime is the best time to test and add, as your FC is able to fight algae...