Can/should Pentair pump be repaired? Replaced??

[dawndenise]

The equipment pad got flooded and most of the pool equipment was under about 2' of water for a period of time overnight this past summer. Everything still worked the next day but both the regular pump and the Polaris booster pump seemed noisier. The pad is - below - the level of the pool, maybe 2' or so.

The booster got quite noisy and also started to leak. We contacted a local PB/repair company who said they only replaced booster pumps and would not repair, so that's what we did.

Now that the booster is quiet again, the noise from the main pump is more noticeable and seems to be getting a bit worse as time has gone on. Seems to work OK, though. It's not really a metallic noise, but rather a loud WAH-WAH-WAH-WAH that kind of ruins one's enjoyment of the backyard.

Any ideas on whether the pump is repairable and where we should start? We're coming up on the pump's 4th season but the pool stays open year 'round with the pump getting a workout on those nights/days when the temps drop below freezing. The pump is also only a single speed, uprated pump that's probably oversized to our pool, so perhaps we could get some energy savings switching it out.

We have a waterfall that's not in my signature. Oh, and the pump's a Pentair Challenger High Pressure 2.0 HP. Any help/thoughts would be most appreciated.

 

[duraleigh]

Hey,

....that kind of ruins one's enjoyment of the backyard.

The pump is also only a single speed, uprated pump that's probably oversized to our pool, so perhaps we could get some energy savings switching it out.

Those thoughts are pretty revealing. It sounds like the noise alone is gonna' drive you nuts this summer. Secondly, spending money to repair a pump that's too big (it is) probably doesn't make economic sense.

In your case, it sure sounds like replacing with a smaller two-speed or variable speed will contribute greatly to your peace of mind and save you some money in the long run.

 

[spishex]

Around here repairing that motor would run you about $100 (not including removal and re-installation), and you might get another 3-5 years out of it.

How big is the waterfall? You definitely don't need 2HP to filter the pool, but the waterfall might need something close to that. A two speed motor would make the situation better, although there are two more efficient setups that are worth thinking about:

1) Repair the old pump AND buy a new 3/4 HP pump, dedicate the old one to the waterfall and filter with the 3/4 HP. That will require a bit of plumbing and electrical, plus a whole new pump.

2) Replace the pump with an Intelliflo. No extra electrical work. Minor plumbing changes. Expensive up front but will pay for itself quickly relative to your 2HP motor. Much more efficient at low speeds vs. a 2 speed pump AND all the power you could want for the waterfall.