Replace pool pump motor

[batedhook]

i need to replace my pool pump motor (i think) and was thinking i would try to do the work myself. Doable? Or should i get a professional. I am pretty handy and can manage most home improvement projects.

any advice would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

 

[Bama Rambler]

Replacing the motor is not too bad a job. If you're handy and have the tools, you can easily do it. You'll need a new seal too.

There's a post that outlines changing the seal on a Whisperflo. Even if yours isn't a Whisperflo it'll be close enough to help you along.

 

[batedhook]

thanks for the tip. any idea the cost of new motor?

 

[Bama Rambler]

Without knowing what pump you have or where you're located and if it's a 1-speed or 2-speed I'd say $150 to $250. If it's not a 2-speed you should consider getting one. It'll help on your electric bill.

 

[batedhook]

thanks again for the help. the pump motor is so old cant read the HP detail. i guess i can take apart and take to pool supply store to find out.

do impellers go out very often?

 

[PSW]

It is much more common for a motor to go out than an impeller (but it can happen). Also, you should compare the price of a new motor (and seal) to the price of a new pump. Like Bama said, upgrading to a 2-speed from a single speed will save you money in the long run. If you take some pics of your pump, I am sure someone here can help identify it.

 

[Bama Rambler]

Not very often at all. About the only time you lose an impeller is from mechanical damage.

 

[batedhook]

thanks for all the help guys. could it just be the capacitor? when i flip the switch to turn the motor on it hums for a few seconds and then kicks off. after 5 minutes this happens again until the time between "hums" gets to be significant. could this be the capacitor or is this what a dying motor sounds like.

 

[bobodaclown]

Sounds like the start capacitor. If you search Youtube for replacing start capacitor on pool motor you should find some good info.

 

[batedhook]

Not very often at all. About the only time you lose an impeller is from mechanical damage.

how about capacitor?

 

[Bama Rambler]

It's pretty common to lose a cap. We see it a lot on the forum. Most "my pump is humming" threads wind up being the cap.