Motor recommendation

Thanks for this! I’ve seen a lot of threads on here about motors with potentially too much HP for the filter or plumbing. How would I know what is too much or just right? Given what I have read, I figured a 2.7THP motor would be way too powerful for my simple setup. The filter is a Hayward S244S that holds 300lbs of sand if that matters. I attached some more photos of the motor and pump.

Also, I think there is an issue as the breaker just tripped a little while ago. I’m assuming it overheated from constantly running on high but I’m not sure. It is also baking in direct sunlight although it is only 84F right now but supposed to climb to around 90F. Presumably I should let it cool down for a while before attempting to run it again? Should I leave it on low for the time being? I’m in the middle of a SLAM so that’s why I’ve been keeping it on high. There is some dead algae on the floor of the deep end I need to vacuum out, otherwise the water is very clear now. I haven’t met all three criteria for a successful SLAM yet though and assume I won’t until I vacuum out the remaining dead algae and another day or two of holding the chlorine at shock levels, at a minimum.

Ah okay, stupid question, could I replace the impeller on this pump with a 2hp rated one and install that Neptune motor or would I just need to replace the whole thing with something like this?


Or this?


My current combo at high speed seemed like more than enough given the flow out of the return jets. It didn’t seem to perform very well on low though.

Thank you! I will probably go this route. Hoping I can install it myself since I won’t have to mess with the plumbing.

Oh awesome, thanks again!

Howdy, I am revisiting this thread as I just bought that recommended Nidec motor and impeller. In an effort to make swapping out the old motor with this new one as quick and seamless as possible, I decided to build the motor end completely, from the impeller to the seal plate and all of the gaskets in between. That way it is only 6 bolts to swap them out and I'll know that everything on that side is brand new. I even bought the salt rated go kit hoping it would be slightly more heavy duty and potentially last longer, especially since I plan to install a SWCG in the next few seasons.

I have a question about the diffuser part. I have noticed there are different hp-rated versions available. Val-pak has one that says 1.5-2hp and one that says 3hp. Is there any benefit or problem using the 3hp one? I ordered the 1.5-2hp one, which is supposed to be cream colored, but I was sent a black one which appears to be the 3hp version.

Also, I have seen some posts on previous threads about new motors being too powerful on high speeds. How do I figure out how fast I can run the new motor? I don't want to start it on its highest speed and screw something up in my filter or with the piping, especially underground as it is all under brick patio and concrete pool decking. I have a very simple pool though with no water features or spa, only two return jets and one skimmer, no main drain. All of my piping underground is 1.5" if that matters, mostly 2" on the equipment pad.

Just thought about this, if I keep the higher rated diffuser, should I get the higher rated impeller also? I got the 2hp version but there is a 3hp one also.

I reached out to Mike at Val Pak and he said to return the 3hp diffuser and order the lower rated one. He didn't elaborate as to why.