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Thanks for the advice. Turns out it is indeed black algae. I got one of the clumps that broke loose after brushing, and it left a dark green smear. Boy, this stuff is a nightmare. As for SLAMing, I ran out of reagents recently and am waiting for refills to come in, so cannot confirm as yet...

I've had a difficult spring with the pool after it turned green during an unanticipated 4-week trip out of town, and again for a week when the motor broke down while I was SLAMing my way out of the situation. While in the past I've mainly had algae growth on the walls, this time the pool floor...

This thread inspired me to look at other options after paying Home Depot a small fortune over the years for chlorine ($4.72 a gallon). Turns out Lowe's, which is even closer to home, charges $3.79 a gallon, and is better packaged (sealed jug, and in linear packs of 3 (versus cube-shaped 4 packs...

Haha, thanks for indulging me. And for the tip on Drill Out! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Resolved the bonding post issue by drilling into stuck shank and tapping threads so I could use the bonding post screw from my failed pump. Worked a charm, and the pump is up and running now. I'm calling it my Screwshank Redemption [emoji28]The only issue I have now is that I turned on the pool...

I ran into another issue. I was trying to unscrew the bonding post (in preparation to test the motor) and the head of the screw broke off leaving the stem inside the motor end cap. The broken stem appears bonded to the threads via corrosion, so removing it is likely impossible. Is there any fix...

Thanks for the heads up. That's kind of what happened on the impeller center screw, the head just gave in, and I was extremely lucky that the mallet routine saved the day. [emoji26] Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thank you so much for the pointers. It's the spring part that that I'm struggling with at the moment. I tried prying it out with my hands but no dice. I'm hesitant to use pliers as the outside of the seal doesn't look solid. Some kind of tool that allows pulling the seal element out would be...

Ok, success getting the impeller center screw out, but not before stripping the screw head, drilling into it, and finally tapping on it with a screwdriver using a rubber mallet. I think WD-40 followed by knocks with a mallet was the most effective maneuver. As for the bearings, I think I might...

Thanks for the advice! How easy (or hard) is it to replace the bearings? Any do's and don'ts that I should keep in mind? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

So I acquired a used Magnetek 2HP B985 dual speed motor to replace a failed B855 on my 2HP Challenger pump. Some pics attached. The motor came attached to a pump and filter as shown in the pics. I'm having trouble removing the center screw on the impeller, which seems to be locked up by...

I have a neighbor that has a used Magnetek B985 2HP dual speed that he's willing to let go for under $100. It's attached to a pump with a similar bracket as mine but different line sizes (2" inlet and 1.5" outlet, compared to 2.5" inlet and 2" outlet on mine). I'm thinking I can salvage and...

That is extremely helpful, thanks a ton! Could I continue to use the existing Challenger pump and impeller that are rated for 2HP with a full-rated 1.5 HP motor? I'm almost thinking if I can switch to a 1.5 HP full-rated, I could consider even a pump+motor set, either dual-speed or variable...

You were right, line voltage was 245, and pump when running is at 230. So no issues with the voltage. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Looks like I have a Pentair Challenger 2HP pump. Any idea which motor would suit that? Would it make sense to swap out the pump as well with a new pump + motor bundle? I was hoping to keep my expense under $300 by replacing the motor myself. Am guessing I will need to factor in install costs if...

That is good to know. I do have a spa. Will 1.5 HP be enough for that? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thank you, that seems to be the consensus. So I went to Leslie's and they tried to sell me a variable speed Jacuzzi-brand pump for $1500. Is there a cheaper alternative for upgrading from the single speed B855 to save on electricity costs? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Great, thank you for the advice! Might as well check if it's a voltage issue, I'd hate to find that out after installing a new motor. What's the recourse if it's not getting the correct voltage? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

The capacitor has a date of Jan 2010, so I'm thinking at least 7 years old. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

OK, so I didn't get around to checking the voltage yet (don't have a multimeter), but did open up the pump and can confirm that the shaft is turning (based on the impeller) before it trips off after 5-10 seconds. After a while, there is a clicking sound, after which the motor can be started up...

Thanks for that advice, will give it a whirl tomorrow. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have an AO Smith Centurion B855 2HP motor driving my Pentair pump. A couple of days ago, the pump stopped working. When I switch it on, there is a straining sound for 5-10 seconds after which it trips out. I am able to turn the shaft. I tried replacing the 30 mfd run capacitor to no avail, and...

Thanks! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Came home this evening and noticed my pump wasn't running while it was supposed to. I reset the breaker in our main circuit breaker box, and went back and started the pump. It began to strain for a few seconds and went quiet again, giving out a very slight burning smell. Any idea what might be...

Thanks! The damage is $140. $80 for labor, and $60 for the part. Stings a bit, but that's the cost of learning [emoji28] Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ok, finally caved in and called a pool guy. Turns out the impeller had come loose from the shaft. The central part of the impeller that screws on to the shaft was cracked. Apparently this is a rare occurrence, and more likely due to a power surge than the recent freeze, although could imagine...

Thanks for the insights. I've run the pump with the Valve in recirc, but nothing changes. I don't know how to check the valves, but they all worked until this incident. One possibility is the filter gauge went faulty after the hard freeze. Any sense in backwashing the filter or taking it apart...

Okay. Does it have be a major leak to stall flow? I relubed the o-ring on the basket and in the pump. The only other place I can think is the valve seals on the return lines. Could this be because of a collapse of a return line(a) due to freezing? Although the lack of suction remains even when...

Yes, there is a sound, but not as loud as when it is pumping. It doesn't sound strained, more like there's no resistance. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Filter pressure is zero at all times, doesn't budge. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk