Pentair Intelliflow Pump seems seized

[db1234]

When starting my pool after winter, I turned on the pump and there was a clunk and an over current light. I ended up disassembling the motor and found that I cannot even turn the fan end. The impeller itself seems ok. Can you advise my of my next steps?

As an aside, I checked the water temperature that day, it was only 54 degrees. How do I keep the currently clear water to stay that way? I have a small submergible pump I could use to circulate the water if necessary or should I wait till the water warms? When should I start adding chemicals? I assume I should keep the pool uncovered to prevent it from heating up too fast as well.

Lastly, if I can't fix it or have it fixed, does anyone have any recommendations on replacement? Do I need a pump this large and expensive 3 HP or are there others out there that will do the job (quietly as it is near a sitting area) and be fairly economical? I also wonder about the pump sizing because it's feeding a large filter and heater. This pump has lasted about 8 years.

Thank you so much for any info at all.
Doug

 

[Jimrahbe]

Doug,

The bigger the pump, the slower you can run it and still move a lot of water. The slower you run it, the quieter it will be. And, the slower you run it the less electricity it uses.

You just can't go too big when installing a VS pump.

I'd take the pump to motor repair shop in your area and see if it can be repaired.

There is also no mechanical reason that you can't install a smaller VS pump other than you will have to run it faster to accomplish the same goals.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[db1234]

Thanks for your reply. You made an important point, I keep my pump set at 2 which is 400 rpm if memory serves which is pretty quiet.

I'm waiting on a response from a repair shop, I hope that they can fix it and parts are easy to get (an issue I've run into in Canada).

Any recommendations on replacement pumps if it's not salvagable?

Also in the meantime, what should I be doing regarding sanitization. Can I wait till the water is over 60 degrees?

Thanks

 

[Flying Tivo]

Hopefully is just the bearings. If you are handy DIY you can disassemble the motor from the pump housing and see if the motor spins freely.
Does the pump have any leaks?

 

[Jimrahbe]

db,

I'd make sure to add liquid chlorine to keep the FC up while the SWCG is not working.

I have no useful input on a replacement pump. Not even sure what is available with all the logistical issues going on.

I agree with Felipe above.. If just the bearings, it should be an easy fix,

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Flying Tivo]

This is an old video but applies.

 

[db1234]

Thanks for your answers. I have already disassembled as far as the seal plate and found the impeller not spinning as it should, nor is the cooling fan end. I'll dig a little deeper.
Thanks

 

[db1234]

Thank you everyone, I just wanted to let you know I took this to a local shop. They said it was pretty seized up but it's successfully rebuilt / painted and running now. That was a sigh of relief vs the cost of a complete pump. They also said that about 50% of the ones that are brought in have drive issues - yikes!