IntelliFlo VSP - leak at bottom

[berniedp]

Hi all,

Noticed yesterday that my Intelliflo VSP is leaking from the bottom of the main body - here's a video:

I searched around and see most leaks are either to the left or right from where I see mine, so I guess it's a crack of some sort of that main body?
If so, probably not something I can repair with some resin putty and I'll have to call out the pool guys...
Thanks,
B.

 

[PoolStored]

The pump housing is a pressure vessel. It would be safer to replace the volute than to use resin/epoxy/putty...

Given the video, it does look like a crack in the volute...but without more inspection, I can't be sure.

Twer it I, (I have above average mechanical abilities), I would tear the pump apart and confirm the source of the leak. Typical leaks in that location are:

1. The pump drain plugs. Replace the o-rings and lube with a silicone LUBRICANT.
2. The motor to pump seal, #25 below.
3. The shaft seal #26 below.
4. The volute in fact has a crack. The volute can be replaced, part #5 below. If this is the issue, in addition to the volute, get a "go kit" for your pump make/model that gives you all the seals, including the shaft seal. Don't put on a new volute and old seals.

 

[reggiehammond]

Hi all,

Noticed yesterday that my Intelliflo VSP is leaking from the bottom of the main body - here's a video:

I searched around and see most leaks are either to the left or right from where I see mine, so I guess it's a crack of some sort of that main body?
If so, probably not something I can repair with some resin putty and I'll have to call out the pool guys...
Thanks,
B.

Video doesn't show behind the seal plate where motor / seal interface is... that's a much more likely source of leak than the volute having a crack. Cracked volute would be more likely up near lid area.

Intelliflo pumps are very easy to disassemble and replace parts - definitely something you can handle.

 

[berniedp]

Hi all - don't shout at me but I found the issue

I always looked at the one side of the pump and, based on above suggestions I was going to take an all-round-video of the pump and then, once I was placed on the opposite side, I noticed the water leaking from the top screwed on pipe (the pump outlet) - I tightened it a bit and tadaa - no mor leaking.
I will replace the seal of that one anyway since it looks like there's some calcium buildup around it.
I guess this would also explain the steady increase in PH I've been experiencing - possibly it's sucking air in once the pump is running at lower rpm.

I'm still hitting myself in the head for not looking at the entire pump...

Thanks for the swift support & helpful suggestions, as always truly appreciated!

 

[PoolStored]

I guess this would also explain the steady increase in PH I've been experiencing - possibly it's sucking air in once the pump is running at lower rpm.

Congrats. Water leaking on the pressure side of the pump will not cause pH rise. High TA, water features/aeration cause pH rise.

PH TA Relationship - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[berniedp]

Congrats. Water leaking on the pressure side of the pump will not cause pH rise. High TA, water features/aeration cause pH rise.

PH TA Relationship - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

I was hoping that this was the case as my pH goes up from 7.8 to 8.1 in a matter of about 3 days. My TA is at 70 (it was higher in the past but with frequent acid additions over time it dropped)
I do have a solar water heater on the roof and when the valve to that opens up it does pump quite a bit of air into my pool because it empties out at the end of the day (there's an air valve on the roof that allows the water to drain back into the pool) - so perhaps that's just something I'll need to accept