Intelliflo 2 VST (2016/2017 model) Leak and Corrosion

[BenTaylor]

We built our pool in very early 2017, it was filled on Valentine's Day. In the summer of 2020, I noticed dampness under the pump which was attributed to a leaking shaft seal. By the time the new shaft seal arrived, the leak had stopped and I didn't think it was worth tearing into the pump to replace the seal since the leak had stopped. Fast forward to this morning when I noticed a wetness under the pump and saw a healthy level of corrosion about the motor where it mounts to the pump body. In hindsight, I should have replaced the shaft seal back in 2020. I can do that now. Is it worth trying to replace the motor, or just bite the bullet and get a whole new pump? If the new pump is the recommended direction, stick with the 3HP model or could I go down to the 1.5 HP model? We are currently run the pump at 1600 rpm, every when we turn on the water fall and bubblers. Thanks in advance!

 

[Jimrahbe]

Ben,

The reason you can run at 1600 RPM and still move a lot of water is because you have a 3 HP pump..

I never recommend the smaller VS pumps as you have to run them faster to get the same results.

At this point I'd buy a new pump, but then it is easy for me to spend your money. But, since you did not change the shaft seal back in 2020, I assume you have plenty..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[BenTaylor]

Ben,

The reason you can run at 1600 RPM and still move a lot of water is because you have a 3 HP pump..

I never recommend the smaller VS pumps as you have to run them faster to get the same results.

At this point I'd buy a new pump, but then it is easy for me to spend your money. But, since you did not change the shaft seal back in 2020, I assume you have plenty..

Thanks,

Jim R.

Thanks Jim for the poke. Being my first pool, I didn't realize the implications of a shaft seal leak. Live and learn.

 

[BenTaylor]

I pulled the pump out tonight and disassembled it. The pump end of motor housing is severely corroded, so much so it pulled at least one insert from the seal plate. With a new pump costing more $2500, does it make sense to just replace the motor and seal plate? Is there a life limit the motor drive unit?

 

[Jimrahbe]

Ben,

You obviously know the corrosion came from the leaking shaft seal...

A new pump should be in the $1,600 range...

Pentair IntelliFlo3 VSF 3.0HP

The control heads do not fail all that often, but... They are the number one item to fail on VS pumps..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[BenTaylor]

Ben,

You obviously know the corrosion came from the leaking shaft seal...

A new pump should be in the $1,600 range...

Pentair IntelliFlo3 VSF 3.0HP

The control heads do not fail all that often, but... They are the number one item to fail on VS pumps..

Thanks,

Jim

Thanks for the link. I will check it out.

The leak must have been very small, but constant, since I haven’t seen water below the pump except for on Sunday.