Pool motor replacement

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undrwater

undrwater

Well-known member
Sep 20, 2018
74
Cerritos, California (SoCal)
Hi all!

I'm in need of a pump motor replacement (current one is whining), and I just want to get some help on an appropriate choice.
Pool size: ~15000 - attached jacuzzi with 4 jets
Run Time: ~8 hours
Variable speed required (here in California)

Current motor is the VS-Green 270 - 2.7 max HP: Info

Based on my understanding of pool school, I'll need 1.3~ HP to run the 4 jacuzzi jets. I assume the pool jets don't require that much HP.

I'm currently looking at the following motor as a replacement: Century 1.65 HP motor <-- (not available in California, but consider the specs)

ETA: I had just changed the seals and gaskets because the pump was leaking. Motor was relatively quiet before change, but getting a bit louder. Not sure having the pump out and in the dry could have sped up its failure.
 
Last edited:
Just a follow-up. Today the pump is MUCH quieter than it was yesterday. That seems outside of typical bearing failure modes. I wonder if maybe there was some rust buildup inside the motor while it was sitting during the seal change. That took a few days while parts were being delivered.

Anyone with an idea?
 
undrwater said:
Just a follow-up. Today the pump is MUCH quieter than it was yesterday. That seems outside of typical bearing failure modes. I wonder if maybe there was some rust buildup inside the motor while it was sitting during the seal change. That took a few days while parts were being delivered.

Anyone with an idea?
Click to expand...
The bearings in your pump's motor are factory sealed with grease inside the seals. If that's where the noise was coming from, running a bit may have redistributed the grease or just warmed it up. In either case, the bearings are starting to show their age. The bearings may be needing replacement. That would be FAR cheaper than a new motor. If you are not able to do that yourself, call some pool suppliers and ask who can do that in your area. (I came to this web sight today seeking advice on how to do it my self. It wasn't a hard job, just time consuming.)
 
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undrwater said:
Hi all!

I'm in need of a pump motor replacement (current one is whining), and I just want to get some help on an appropriate choice.
Pool size: ~15000 - attached jacuzzi with 4 jets
Run Time: ~8 hours
Variable speed required (here in California)

Current motor is the VS-Green 270 - 2.7 max HP: Info

Based on my understanding of pool school, I'll need 1.3~ HP to run the 4 jacuzzi jets. I assume the pool jets don't require that much HP.

I'm currently looking at the following motor as a replacement: Century 1.65 HP motor <-- (not available in California, but consider the specs)

ETA: I had just changed the seals and gaskets because the pump was leaking. Motor was relatively quiet before change, but getting a bit louder. Not sure having the pump out and in the dry could have sped up its failure.
Click to expand...
What is the horsepower rating of the impeller you have in your pump? You need to know that before installing a motor. The V-Green 2.7 was the first widely available variable-speed motor and could be used on any impeller up to 2.7 total horsepower.
Variable-speed pumps and motors are actually variable horsepower. At the lower speeds they are not using their full rated power. If you decide to change motors, you must match the motor to the impeller or the motor can be overloaded and die a quick death.

If you need that 2.7 THP, the Nidec Neptune motor is a good replacement. Which pump you have will determine the actual style; square flange or C-frame threaded shaft.
 
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undrwater said:
I'm going to attempt replacing the bearings myself.

If, however, that is a bust, I have determined the v-green 1.65 motor will be sufficient. I think I'd have to change the impeller for that too, am I right?
Click to expand...
What impeller do you have now? If you go to a smaller impeller, the motor will have to run at a higher speed to move the proper amount of water for your needs. That somewhat defeats the whole idea for a VSP. Its the impeller that determines how much water will flow (work will be done), regardless the horsepower-rating of the motor. If the motor is too small for the impeller it will burn out.
 
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1poolman1 said:
What impeller do you have now? If you go to a smaller impeller, the motor will have to run at a higher speed to move the proper amount of water for your needs. That somewhat defeats the whole idea for a VSP. Its the impeller that determines how much water will flow (work will be done), regardless the horsepower-rating of the motor. If the motor is too small for the impeller it will burn out.
Click to expand...
The current impeller was sized for the pump by inyo pools.
I can pull the details later.
 

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Next question:

When the pump and motor are mounted, the motor doesn't sit on the saddle. I think this is what caused the leak and motor failure (weight of the motor pulling down on the sealing plate, and putting pressure on the front bearings).

I've attached a pic of the saddle, and the middle piece can be raised, lowered, or pulled out. When raised, it won't stay; it'll just fall back to the lowest point.

I've been working in the sun on this thing and my brain is getting mushy.

What can I do to support the motor in the saddle?

PXL_20240623_171222241.jpg
 
Next issue. I believe the ends of the through bolts have snapped off inside the motor housing. Only one of the 4 bolts can thread.

I only have access to the back side of the motor. The bell is not removable.

Only other option is maybe removing the wiring / magnet thingy? Is this possible?

Here's a pic.
PXL_20240623_215452311.jpg
 

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