Need advice about ongoing pump issues

[duckduckflamingo]

I have an AutoPilot digital and it has been giving the "purifier off check flow" message repeatedly along with no flow coming from the jets since June 29th. I have a guy that comes out weekly to clean and test the pool so he's been dealing with it as he also does repairs. He says that the pump is taking in a lot of air (he said water shoots out from under the lid when the pump isn't running).

I’ve attached a photo of the label on my current pump. Edit: It’s a Hayward UST1152 pump

So far he has replaced the pump lid and o-ring and the plumbing fittings that go into the pump. However within a day or less of these repairs the pump would be giving that same message with no flow coming from the jets.

He just contacted me to tell me that he's done all he knows to do and is recommending either replacing the pump because it's an "older model" or testing the underground pipes for a leak. He suggest replacing the pump as the first option. I've tried contacting the previous owners to find out the age of the current pump but have not heard back from them. I do not know if there's a way to tell how old the pump is. Edit: The pump was installed in 2019. Could it already need to be replaced?

He told me he wants to install a Waterway SMF-110 1 HP pump which would be $950 installed. I tried to look up info on that pump and places say it's discontinued and I can't find really very many reviews or anything about it good or bad.

I'm sorry this is so long but I'm really in over my head with this and I'm more than a little uncertain about the pump he wants to use.

So I guess my question is - does it sound like the pump needs replacing? And if so is that model a better choice than a Hayward? I would prefer to go with better quality over better value/cheaper.

Thank you all so much for reading this!

 

[Texas Splash]

he said water shoots out from under the lid when the pump isn't running

That right there is a red flag - suction side air leak causing loss of prime to the pump. The only thing you didn't confirm in your notes above was if the new O-ring was lubed really well with pool silicone. I would assume pool tech should know to do that, but you might confirm. If not, lube it well to seal air from getting in. If it was lubed, then perhaps that pump got hot at some point over the years and the pump pot (wet end) warped a bit which is preventing a good seal. If that's the case, you either replace the wet end or just get a new pump altogether. If your current pump is old, that might just be best.

As for potentially replacing the current pump with the Waterway SMF-110 1 HP pump, I'm not familiar with that model. Perhaps we can ask @Poolbreh to help us out on that answer. Standby for more replies.

Thanks for posting and welcome to TFP!

Pool Care Basics

 

[Poolbreh]

They are cheaper brand, I have one smf that’s still running after 10 years. It’s never a good idea to install something that is obsolete. Waterways makes some great filters imo but I was never really drawn to their pumps. I stick with Pentair for pumps and automation.

 

[1poolman1]

I have an AutoPilot digital and it has been giving the "purifier off check flow" message repeatedly along with no flow coming from the jets since June 29th. I have a guy that comes out weekly to clean and test the pool so he's been dealing with it as he also does repairs. He says that the pump is taking in a lot of air (he said water shoots out from under the lid when the pump isn't running).

So far he has replaced the pump lid and o-ring and the plumbing fittings that go into the pump. However within a day or less of these repairs the pump would be giving that same message with no flow coming from the jets.

He just contacted me to tell me that he's done all he knows to do and is recommending either replacing the pump because it's an "older model" or testing the underground pipes for a leak. He suggest replacing the pump as the first option. I've tried contacting the previous owners to find out the age of the current pump but have not heard back from them. I do not know if there's a way to tell how old the pump is.

He told me he does not recommend the autopilot system and instead said he wants to install a Waterway SMF-110 1 HP pump which would be $950 installed. I tried to look up info on that pump and places say it's discontinued and I can't find really very many reviews or anything about it good or bad.

I'm sorry this is so long but I'm really in over my head with this and I'm more than a little uncertain about the pump he wants to use rather than the autopilot (I like the features and how easy it is to use).

So I guess my question is - does it sound like the pump needs replacing? And if so is that model a better choice than an autopilot? I would prefer to go with better quality over better value/cheaper.

Thank you all so much for reading this!

What pump do you have now? Some pumps "spit" from the lid when turned off and that is just normal for them. The SMF-110 is a discontinued pump that does not meet current DOE regulations. Probably old stock that can be sold.

 

[duckduckflamingo]

What pump do you have now? Some pumps "spit" from the lid when turned off and that is just normal for them. The SMF-110 is a discontinued pump that does not meet current DOE regulations. Probably old stock that can be sold.

I have a Hayward. I’m including a photo of the label to give you more specific info. I’m not sure how old it is. The guy that’s been working on the system says it and my autopilot digital are “older models.”

I’ve only lived in this house for 2 years and unfortunately have been unable to reach the previous owner to find out more.