Help needed diagnosing pump issue

[Travis Pierce]

Hey crew, LONG time listener, first time caller. We bought our house in 2021 with a 30 year old pool and I’ve learned a TON on this forum since and I’m so thankful for all of your contributions!

I’ve been meaning to make a post about my pool testing but a new issue arrived today that’s higher priority and figured I’d start with this.

Issue:
My wife has her three sisters in town and trying to enjoy the pool but the pump is suddenly making a loud noise (maybe whining based on the videos I’ve been watching). When I first came down to investigate, I noticed the pump basket was not full of water and was cavitating (this has happened two other times in the last few months). I’ve used a screwdriver to check for debris in the impeller but don’t see anything and no change to sound. I’ve tried backwashing to see if that fixed, but also no change. Pump basket and skimmer are clear. Pump cycles water while the sound is going.

Video showing issue:
link to YouTube

Equipment:
Pentair 1hp Superflo Pump (manufactured 2016).

What do I need to do? Does it sound like bearings? Bad pump? Something else?

Thank you in advance for any help!!!!!
-Travis

 

[HermanTX]

Video showing issue:
I couldn’t find a way to upload a video so I’m including a link here: Pool pump sound video

Thanks. You can also post to YT and put link in your post to view.
Sounds like bearings. Will need to disassemble or have service tech do it.

If pump basket not filling up - check for any clog in your skimmer. Check the weir door that it is functioning as well.
Remove the pump basket lid and lubricate the oring real well.
Check for any other air leaks on plumbing leading to the suction side of the pump.

 

[Travis Pierce]

Thanks. You can also post to YT and put link in your post to view.
Sounds like bearings. Will need to disassemble or have service tech do it.

If pump basket not filling up - check for any clog in your skimmer. Check the weir door that it is functioning as well.
Remove the pump basket lid and lubricate the oring real well.
Check for any other air leaks on plumbing leading to the suction side of the pump.

Thanks for the reply Herman. I updated my post with a link to YouTube.
I’ve checked for air leaks and not seeing any issues there.

I changed my pool filter sand last Tuesday and re lubed all the fittings at that time.

No weir door, but it’s still always functioned fine. I was going to find a replacement weir door but it looks like one of the plastic tabs broke off so I just left it as is.

 

[TinFoilHat]

You can get a spring-loaded hinge wier door.

 

[Travis Pierce]

You can get a spring-loaded hinge wier door.

@TinFoilHat, thanks for the suggestion! I was not aware of this option and will look into it.

 

[Travis Pierce]

Thanks for the reply @HermanTX . I updated my post with a link to YouTube.
I’ve checked for air leaks and not seeing any issues there.

I changed my pool filter sand last Tuesday and re lubed all the fittings at that time.

No weir door, but it’s still always functioned fine. I was going to find a replacement weir door but it looks like one of the plastic tabs broke off so I just left it as is.

@HermanTX I uploaded the video to YouTube. The pump is ~8 years old, so based on what I'm reading it may be time to replace with a VS pump.

It looks like the SuperFlo VS would be a direct drop-in, but it may not work with some of the Pentair automation systems. I don't have any automation today, but I would like to have basic control of the key systems when not near the pump, and if this should be considered while deciding on a pump, I figured I'd ask for any suggestions.

Automation wishlist:

• turn pump on/off and adjust settings
• Turn heater on/of (ideally adjust settings but not critical)
• SWG turn on only when pump is running

Current Wiring:
Breaker --> Intermatic 24hr timer --> pump, SWG, and heater are all on the same timer and includes a fireman switch for the heater.

Current Equipment:

• 20k gal pool (no spa or water features)
• Pool light is connected to house power and isn't connect to pool equipment area
• SuperFlo 1hp single speed pump (may need to replace)
• Pentair Tagelus 60d sand filter
• PureChlor SWG
• Rheem M406A gas heater
• Polaris Robotic cleaner

Do you have any recommendations on a VS pump? I've been on the Pentair site but was overwhelmed with all the options...

 

[HermanTX]

Automation wishlist:

• turn pump on/off and adjust settings
• Turn heater on/of (ideally adjust settings but not critical)
• SWG turn on only when pump is running

Check out the Pentair IntelliFlo3 pump.

IntelliFlo3® Variable Speed & Flow Pool Pump

The award-winning, energy-efficient IntelliFlo3 VSF Pool Pump has a quiet design with sensorless flow control, app connectivity, and automation capability.

www.pentair.com

It has this optional board which allows control of 2 other devices. See the marketing info below
The Pentair Home app gives seamless WiFi or Bluetooth® wireless technology control, so you can monitor the pump or change the flow rate from anywhere. Add the optional built-in automation to control up to two other pool devices.

 

[Travis Pierce]

Check out the Pentair IntelliFlo3 pump.

IntelliFlo3® Variable Speed & Flow Pool Pump

The award-winning, energy-efficient IntelliFlo3 VSF Pool Pump has a quiet design with sensorless flow control, app connectivity, and automation capability.

www.pentair.com

It has this optional board which allows control of 2 other devices. See the marketing info below
The Pentair Home app gives seamless WiFi or Bluetooth® wireless technology control, so you can monitor the pump or change the flow rate from anywhere. Add the optional built-in automation to control up to two other pool devices.

Thanks for the recommendation @HermanTX !