Sta-Rite Max-E-Glas replacement

[Neal]

I have 3 Sta-Rite Max-E-Glas pumps on my pool and one has gone bad. The bad pump was my main circulation pump (the other two are for jets in a seating area and a fountain). Since all 3 pumps are the same I switched out the bad one so I have main pump circulation again. So, now I have to replace or repair the bad pump. My first question is, "what is a direct replacement for the Sta-Rite Max-E-Glas U27-880 1HP pump?". My second question is, "should I upgrade at this time and get a variable speed pump? If so, recommendations?". Finally, yes I thought about repair. The problem with the pump was very low water flow and significant squeeling. I took the bad pump apart and the diffuser was cracked/broken. I thought that this would be an easy repair, so I removed it, reassembled the unit just to see if that was the noise problem. Nope, still squeeling, so I think the motor is bad and that is the most expensive replacement. Any help and input would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Neal E.

 

[jblizzle]

Since you have separate pumps for the jets, you need very little flow for the circulation and filtration. I would certainly consider going with a small 2-speed to be run almost exclusively on low for circulation. Unless you power is very expensive, you may not save enough $ on power to justify the cost increase from a 2-speed to a VS.