2.5HP UST1252 pump - repair, replace, or upgrade?

[MaxSmart]

I have a 2.5hp pump that *seems* to be turning, but sounds weird, and almost immediately trips the breaker. Noticed a burning smell the first time it happened. I think it might be toast, though it's odd that I saw it moving still when I tried starting up with the skimmer lid open. Any suggestions on how to proceed -
Is there any chance the motor is repairable? (I am guessing not)
Should I replace it with the same motor keeping the same assemble, which seems like I could do myself easily since I wouldn't have to do PVC work, for about $260?
Is there a newer, more efficient replacement for the motor part, maybe a variable-speed one?
Or should I have the whole thing replaced with a new, variable-speed model, which seems like it would be expensive (and involve PVC work, which I am a little scared of for high-pressure applications like this)?

 

[ajw22]

I doubt your motor is repairable. If you want one more run with a single speed motor then buy it now. In the United States, variable speed (VS) motors will be required for all pumps over 1.1 total HP as of July 18, 2021.

Depending on how long you run your pump daily a VS pump can payback over a 2.5 HP in short time with its electrical savings.

 

[MaxSmart]

I doubt your motor is repairable. If you want one more run with a single speed motor then buy it now. In the United States, variable speed (VS) motors will be required for all pumps over 1.1 total HP as of July 18, 2021.

Depending on how long you run your pump daily a VS pump can payback over a 2.5 HP in short time with its electrical savings.

Would VS require a whole new assembly? Or can I get a variable motor only? Are the VS adjustable top speed - I have a 2.5hp and my pipes route through a rooftop solar heater, which I know from experience can burst if there is backpressure due to the pipes being too small to accomodate the flow.

 

[ajw22]

See if inyopools has a V-Green VS motor for your Hayward pump.

You can adjust speeds to fit your system.

 

[MaxSmart]

See if inyopools has a V-Green VS motor for your Hayward pump.

You can adjust speeds to fit your system.

Would you not recommend taking the bolts out to see if the impeller is broken or something? (could that be happening/would it cause circuit breaker to blow, ie if the pump was encountering resistance or complete lack thereof?) I'm always afraid of unbolting things with gaskets in fear the gasket will disintegrate and leave me with a mad panic trying to find a replacement.
Update: I took out the bolts and the impeller seems to be in great condition. Underside of the motor was even rustier than the top - which is saying a lot - I think this motor was just at the end of its days.

 

[MaxSmart]

I doubt your motor is repairable. If you want one more run with a single speed motor then buy it now. In the United States, variable speed (VS) motors will be required for all pumps over 1.1 total HP as of July 18, 2021.

Depending on how long you run your pump daily a VS pump can payback over a 2.5 HP in short time with its electrical savings.

Side question regarding the variable speed - how does that work with the cleaner etc? Right now, as long as the filter is clean, there's enough suction to keep the pool cleaner moving with the diverter set to about 70% cleaner, 30% skimmer/drain. (the main drain is closed, so the 30% is all skimmer) Will the flow reduce (and hence the cleaner stop moving) part of the day? Do I need to do a JVA to shut off the cleaner during that part of the day, to make the skimmer suck sufficiently to draw in debris?

 

[ajw22]

You will need to set a schedule for the speeds to meet the needs of your cleaner and skimmers.