Is it the pump or the motor?

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Kelly Gordon

Kelly Gordon

0
May 8, 2016
76
St Paul, MN
Pool Size
40000
Surface
Vinyl
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
Hi all:

Our pool is open as of this week; this will be my second year completely handling the pool care, thanks to TFP.

This year's spring question: the pump/motor is REALLY loud. It's right outside our bedroom window, and even with all the windows shut, it sounds like a F16 plane is trying to land. I found paperwork that says we put in a Howard 1HP Super Pump (SP2607X10) in 2011. Maybe this is a stupid question, but does that include a motor? I see references on this site to replacing one or the other. I'm trying to figure out what to ask when I call the pool store. Do we need a new motor, a new pump, or should I ask them to replace the bearings?

FWIW: I'm also wondering if we should look into a 2-speed or variable speed pump. Our pool is large, so usually the pump is on 24/7, which means the cost is high. But man. We've sunk a LOT of money into this pool since 2011 - thousands every year. It would really need to be worth it.

Possibly related: When I did a backwash tonight, water came spraying out of the backwash line, up by the multiport gauge. And the pressure gauge is so cloudy I can hardly read it. I suspect these are simple fixes but I don't know what to do.

Thanks for your help.

Kelly
 
If you're running 24/7 you will likely recoup your expense quickly with a two speed. (Why are you running 24/7?) You can likely just replace the motor (and change the timer if you get a two speed.) Check with Inyopools.com
 
That Hayward part number you wrote is for a complete unit-- pump and motor. You can buy just the motor. If there is some other problem causing the noise, it should be obvious when someone takes things apart to change the motor because all the moving parts come out as a unit, leaving the basket and plumbing in place. If there's a broken impeller or something, it'll be discovered then.

A 2-speed would be my choice. The wiring is not terribly complicated and it would likely repay its cost in a season, as many hours as you run the pump. Check out this article or just call these people. How To Choose The Right Replacement Pool Pump Motor - INYOPools.com

Pressure gauges are easy to change. Barely more complicated than changing a lightbulb. You'll probably need a wrench instead of just turning it by hand, and you'll have to wrap teflon tape around the threads before you install it, but that's all really easy. Typing this paragraph probably took me longer than it would take to replace a gauge. TFTestkits.net sells some nice gauges. All you need to know is it the threads stick out the back of the gauge or the bottom to get the right one.
 
OK. A few follow-up questions.

I'm still confused about the dual-speed/variable-speed options. Our pump (as I understand it) is single speed, as is our motor. Can I replace the motor with a dual speed, even though the pump is single speed? (I'm not even sure if that makes sense.) I'd like to tap into the energy savings of a dual-speed system, but I'm unclear if we can do that without replacing the pump.

As far as pumping 24/7: we've been told by numerous pool stores that the size of our pool, coupled with the size of our pump, requires us to run it 24/7. So that's what we've done. We do have timer boxes near the pool equipment, but I've never used them. Adding to the complication: Because our pump is around the house and a full story above our pool, we lose prime if the pump shuts off while the valves are open. And regaining prime with this pool is a PITA. That's why the dual-speed is attractive to me. It isn't cheap to run the motor at full speed for four months straight.

Last question: No one in our family is particularly mechanically inclined. How hard is it to replace the motor? I don't particularly trust the pool stores around us; they all seem to overcharge and underperform. But I also don't want to be penny wise and dollar foolish, to use the old phrase, especially when it comes to such a critical piece of pool hardware.

And thanks for the tip, AftonJeeper. I'll definitely keep that in mind. Hudson isn't that far from us.
 
Kelly Gordon said:
I'm still confused about the dual-speed/variable-speed options. Our pump (as I understand it) is single speed, as is our motor. Can I replace the motor with a dual speed, even though the pump is single speed?


As far as pumping 24/7: we've been told by numerous pool stores that the size of our pool, coupled with the size of our pump, requires us to run it 24/7. So that's what we've done. We do have timer boxes near the pool equipment, but I've never used them. Adding to the complication: Because our pump is around the house and a full story above our pool, we lose prime if the pump shuts off while the valves are open. And regaining prime with this pool is a PITA. That's why the dual-speed is attractive to me. It isn't cheap to run the motor at full speed for four months straight.
Click to expand...

Q1--------Yes you just have to switch the motor to a dual speed.

Q2--------No way do you need to run your pump 24/7. Losing prime is another issue that shouldn't occur even with your setup. Can you post a picture of your equipment pad? Installing a checkvalve on the suction side might solve your issue.
 
I'm new to pools so I'll let Richard and the rest of the experts answer most of your questions, but the motor is only 4 bolts and a couple wires. I would say easier than Ikea furniture.

If your current motor is 230 volt it looks like they make 2 speed replacements for your pump. Below is from the parts diagram for your pump assembly.

SPX1607Z2MS Motor, 1 H.P., Threaded Shaft, 2-Speed (Single Phase, 60 Cycle 230V)
SPX1610Z2MS Motor, 1 1/2 H.P., Threaded Shaft, 2-Speed (Single Phase, 60 Cycle 230V)
SPX1615Z2MS Motor, 2 H.P., Threaded Shaft, 2-Speed (Single Phase, 60 Cycle 230V)
 
I wanted to come back and update, because I search these threads relentlessly, and I always appreciate knowing how the story ends.

After a week where I couldn't even get prime with our dying motor, we decided to replace our entire pump system with an Intellflow variable speed system. I still don't know if our pump was shot or it was just the motor, but the energy savings of a variable speed (and the quiet; our pump is right next to our bedroom) lured us in. Pool company also fixed a few other quirks to our previous system, such as the SWG being installed before the heater. So far, I'm very pleased.

I realize cost is incredibly regional, but if it helps future searches: we were quoted about $500 to replace the motor on our single speed pump (all costs include labor; this is above either my or my husband's pay grade), $750 to replace the single-speed pump system or $1600 to install the new VS pump.
 
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