New pool, noisy pump

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spec2023

Member
Jan 17, 2023
6
South Texas
Pool Size
14000
Surface
Plaster
Hi everyone, I have a brand new pool (in-ground, gunite) which has just been started up. The pump is running for the second day now since its initial start-up after the pool was first filled up. Unfortunately the excitement of finally having the pool completed has been marred by the pump being so much louder than we expected. In particular, there is an annoying constant high-pitched whine. You can hear this noise from more than 50 feet away, even with the equipment located around a house corner. The pump is a Hayward Tristar XE, currently running at full speed.

Initially I thought this may be due to debris from the start up, but yesterday the PB sent a pool cleaner who cleaned everything, backwashed the DE filter, but the noise is still the same. I attach photos of the setup, and would appreciate any ideas regarding what this could be, and how it could be fixed. The PB promised to send someone over to check it out, but I'd like to have some ideas myself as well.

Thank you!
 

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Spec,

Why in the world are you running a VS pump at full speed??? May as well just have a single speed pump.

I suggest that your set your pump to run at whatever is the lowest speed it has and see if that does not fix your noise issue.

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
What is the model number?

What is the filter pressure at different speeds?

Can you post a video showing the pump in action with the sound?

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TriStar® XE | Pumps | In Ground Pool Pumps - Hayward Pool Products

TriStar® XE Ultra-High Efficiency Pumps deliver maximum energy savings while cutting equipment costs by up to a third. With adjustable speeds options, pool owners can customize their pump settings without having to pay for more options than they need.
www.hayward-pool.com www.hayward-pool.com
 
Could be dirt or cement or plaster in the return lines that got in there during construction. I had some in the spa that was blocking the jets and causing the booster pump to cavitate and strain with little flow.
 
Listening to the Hayward video, the motor sounds excessively loud.

Maybe the motors are just loud motors at higher speeds.

My observation is that variable speed motors are excessively loud above about 2,450 RPM.

At 3,450 RPM, most VS motors are too loud.
 
Thanks everyone for the responses. Let me try posting a link to a video with the noise: Video

@Jimrahbe The PB set the pump at 100%, and apparently it's supposed to run like this 24/7 for the first 3 days to get debris out of the lines.

@JamesW This is the 1.25 HP model. At full speed, the pressure at the filter is 7 psi, at medium it's down to 3, and at low, it's barely registering and water is barely moving. To set the speeds I'm only using the manual override for now which cycles over these speeds. The PB hasn't put in chlorine yet.

@ShallowWater The pump basket is full of water, no air bubbles.
 
That's really loud and annoying.

The problem with the smaller variable speed pumps is that you have to run them much faster than the larger pumps for the same flow and the sound gets to be whiny and annoying.
 
Assuming the suction line is OK, the system curve is estimated at the three red lines, which puts the flow at full speed at about 87 to 100 GPM.

At half speed (50% or 1,725 RPM) the flow should be about 43 to 50 GPM, which should look pretty good.

How many skimmers do you have?

1674063369493.png
 

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@JamesW Thanks. The pool has 2 skimmers, and it's about 14000 gallons. At a lower speed it's of course quieter, but that high-pitched noise is still there to some extent. I'm wondering if something simple to reduce vibration, like putting a pad under the pump or bolting it down to the concrete could help? Given the local climate, the pool will be used year-round, so permanently attaching something is not an issue.
 
It seems to me that that motor is just noisy and annoying.

Mitigation attempts will probably make little difference.

I would get a different pump like a 2.7 HP TriStar VS or IntelliFlo.

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TriStar VS | Pumps | In Ground Pool Pumps - Hayward Pool Products

TriStar® VS variable speed pool pumps are the most energy efficient on the market, according to EPA ENERGY STAR 3rd party testing data. Saving pool owners up to 90% on energy costs, they are specifically designed to replace most single speed pool pumps.
www.hayward-pool.com www.hayward-pool.com
 
If you got the TriStar VS 950, you could run at about 1,350 RPM and get plenty of flow for two skimmers at about 200 watts.

The low speed and the better motor should result in a very quiet operation.


1674066787637.png
 
Are you putting tabs in this feeder?

If yes, then the pump needs to run 24/7.

There is also supposed to be a corrosion resistant check valve after the pump and before the feeder to prevent backflow of chlorine into the pump.

Chlorine can destroy a seal in minutes at high concentration.

Once the seal is damaged, it can and will leak and water will get into the motor and ruin the motor and especially the bearings.

I would eliminate the feeder and just get a salt system.

You should put blocks under the waste pipe because if anyone accidently steps on or leans on that pipe, the slide valve is going to get ripped off of the filter or shatter.

That pipe is basically a long lever arm and it would take only a few pounds of force to cause serious damage.

Why are there 4 suction lines?

1674067112289.png
 
Last edited:
Thank you for the feedback! Yes, eventually I am planning to get a salt generator. There will also be a natural gas heater.

The suction lines are for the two skimmers, the vacuum port, and the main drain.
 
The vacuum port should be closed when not in use and I would close the Main Drain about 90% closed.

That should improve the flow at the skimmers.

Make sure that the skimmer weirs (Doors) are good.
 
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