Booster Pump Died - What would you do?

[Thurston]

Hi guys. The booster pump for my polaris cleaner died and I'm trying to figure out my options. SWG 40K+ inground gallon pool with a sand filter. The main pump is working fine and the booster is only used for the polaris. I've confirmed the pump is getting power, and replaced the capacitor. Should I:

1. Replace the pump with a Polaris PB4-60, which I *think* is an equivalent pump. $250 shipped:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IYSVX2Y/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A2LLS7SYKCBWI8&psc=1

2. Try to repair the pump, or maybe try to replace just the motor. I'm handy but don't yet know what goes into doing this. I found what I think is the correct replacement motor (Century A.O. Smith B625 Pool Cleaner 3/4 HP Replacement Motor, 6.4/12.8A 115/230V) for $162:
http://www.poolsupplyworld.com/Cent...g_1095&xzm2=&utm_source=nextag&utm_medium=cse

3. Or should I think about replacing my main pump with a mulit speed pump that can also handle the polaris cleaner?

Obviously I can get by without a polaris cleaner, but it really is nice to have and I'd like to get it up and running again before the short season is over. What should I do?

 

[kcindc]

3. Isn't a viable option from a cost perspective for a polaris. The added costs of the regular pump isn't a wise financial choice. Also, the polaris it is designed to be used with the booster pump to give it the pressure it needs to run effectively.

I'll throw out a 4th option, buy a robot. No need to have a booster pump, so lower electricity costs. You have a robot that will climb walls and scrub them which will reduce the need to brush your pool. It uses less electricity than a polaris.

I had a polaris and there was always something needing to be fixed or replaced. I love my robot!

 

[Thurston]

I've looked into the robots a little bit, seems like they all have reliability problems and the polaris is just so easy to throw in and leave it in if I'm not using the pool for a few days. Mostly, I can't shell out $1000 or so right not, but glad to hear it's working for you and I'll definitely revisit in the future.

 

[Pool Tool]

Hello, a fourth option is to look into a robot cleaner. Search for threads by Geebot for his reviews of robots. This is a more expensive option, but the reviews are good and the ability to clean the pool without running any pumps can save a lot of money.

Sorry - please ignore. I got sidetracked while posting

 

[Thurston]

No problem appreciate the advice.

Robots are probably out for now but I'll search for Geebots reviews anyway, thanks!

 

[kcindc]

If money is tight, you can use a manual vacuum for the rest of the season.

There are lots of folks here with robots and the highly recommended ones don't have any issues as far as I can tell. They are expensive. You are not supposed to leave them in pool but a lot of us do leave them in.

I'm not a pump/motor expert, but I have read a few threads If you replace the just the motor, make sure you also replace the shaft seal.