expected lifespan and ease of maintenance for vs pump

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Sarahdeakins

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Aug 12, 2016
56
Houston TX
I'm doing a cost benefit analysis of replacing my pool pump. I have a Hayward 1.5 hp single speed super ll at the moment that has a small leak. My father in law has rebuilt a few pumps and is confident he can help me repair it, so we would only be out by the cost of the parts. He could also install a new vs pump. I ran the math and can see that based on what we pay for power, the vs pump I have in mind (Hayward Maxflo 230 volt 1.5 hp pump) would pay for itself in a year and a half.

So the unknown variables for me are

what is the typical life expectancy is for the vs pumps (I'm sure the answer could vary a lot but just would like to attempt to factor in how often I would need to replace it if possible)

how often does it require maintenance? Is it any more difficult to maintain than a single speed pump?

Any insights would be appreciated
 
Sarahdeakins said:
what is the typical life expectancy is for the vs pumps (I'm sure the answer could vary a lot but just would like to attempt to factor in how often I would need to replace it if possible)
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We have folks here with VS pumps that are approaching 10 years. My pump is over 4 years old and, knock-on-wood, has had zero issues.

Sarahdeakins said:
how often does it require maintenance? Is it any more difficult to maintain than a single speed pump?
Click to expand...

No maintenance needed so far and I wouldn't expect any maintenance different from any other style pump. VS pumps almost always run at lower speed than single-speed pumps and so the wear & tear is much lower...
 
Sarah,

I'll let you know in about 10 years... :p

I have three of them running at low RPMs 24/7... One is about three years old, the other two are about two years old. Everyone here will be the first to know if any of them go south..

From a maintenance standpoint, nothing different from an single speed pump. I just try to keep the pump basket cleaned out.

From an installation standpoint, I believe it very important to have a surge protector in the pad's electrical panel. To be honest, this is more like an insurance policy, it does little good until it is needed, but it makes me feel better..

Thanks for posting,

Jim R.
 
With more sensitive electronics onboard, the VS pumps do have more points of failure. I feel they are also more prone to power problems and lighting hits in the area compared to my old single speed pump.

A VS pump is always connected to main power. When my old 240V pump was off, it was physically disconnected from the mains so it was less likely to be "connected" during a lighting storm since the pump was only active 6-7 hours a day. My new VS pump is always connected to power and actively running between 14-18 hours a day. Because of this, I worry more about power surges taking out the electronics. Only time will tell I guess. I do have whole house surge protection at the main power meter and I also use a small surge arrestor right at the pump connections.
 
Feeling much more persuaded to make this purchase. Even if it failed in 3 years (unlikely) it would have paid for itself at least twice, and likely more due to the likelihood of power costs to creep upwards. Thank you for responding and the HEPD80 recommendation!
 
I actually installed two "whole house" type surge protectors. I put a larger one (Eaton Ultra) at my main service panel. https://www.amazon.com/Eaton-109420-Ultra-Surge-Protection/dp/B01AQAKRSS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486787847&sr=8-1&keywords=eaton+whole+house+surge+protector

Installed a smaller Square D unit directly on my pump panel. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0052DMIUK/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I happened to have an open breaker in my main panel, so there was no additional cost for that. My total cost for both was less than $125 and a couple hours of my time for the install.
 

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