pool pump noise

Gex

0
Apr 4, 2016
51
Las Vegas, NV
For the past week or so, my pool pump has been making a somewhat loud noise.

I cleaned out the pump impeller, didn't really have much stuff in there... I also replaced the capacitor, but that didn't do anything. If you look at the picture of my pool pump, I would say the noise is likely coming from the middle of the pump, under the capacitor housing, but it's really hard to pinpoint.


I don't know how to describe the sound well, except it is very annoying. I have posted a link to the sound that I recorded. Noise 1 is closer, Noise 2 is a little further. It's difficult to get the actual sound using my phone's recorder. There is also a picture of the pool pump.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B6qhCFaD5oxpb0Q2aTYxMkpJd1k
 
Probably bearings. Probably time for a new motor or pump. I would suggest a two speed motor or pump. You should be able to go to a lower power pump. 1.65 total hp is probably way oversized for your pool.

If you go to a lower hp motor, you will need to replace the impeller.
 
Probably bearings. Probably time for a new motor or pump. I would suggest a two speed motor or pump. You should be able to go to a lower power pump. 1.65 total hp is probably way oversized for your pool.

If you go to a lower hp motor, you will need to replace the impeller.

I'm not sure if it's bearings, as I would expect a much harsher sound. In any event, it does look like replacing the entire pump would be the best choice


I'm also leaning towards changing the entire filter too, since the cartridge is well worn and a new one costs over $200 since they are not made anymore
 
i'm thinking i replace the bearings. not sure how difficult that is, but it sounds easier than replacing a motor

would the bearing puller from harbor freight work? it's under $20 and the name is: Pittsburgh 8in Three Jaw Motor Bearing Puller Tool
 
The motor is about 17 years old. You’re going to have two problem areas:
1) The long bolts that hold the back motor plate on will almost definitely be stuck and will probably shear off.
2) The bolts that hold the motor to the seal plate will probably be stuck as well and will probably not come out without tearing the threaded bolt receiver grommets out of the seal plate.
 
I would suggest just replacing the pump with a two speed pump.

Note: The pump is an ULTRA-FLOW made by PacFab in 1999* (now Pentair). I would suspect that the pump was probably installed in about 2000.

*In May 1997, Pac-Fab acquired American Products, which originally made the pump.
 
pretty much exactly 17 years old, that's when the house was built

can anyone recommend a replacement pool pump, i'm looking at all options (VS too)

is there anything specific i need to get to make sure it works?

current one is 1hp, but max draw seems to be 1.65hp

- - - Updated - - -

I would suggest just replacing the pump with a two speed pump.

Note: The pump is an ULTRA-FLOW made by PacFab in 1999* (now Pentair). I would suspect that the pump was probably installed in about 2000.

*In May 1997, Pac-Fab acquired American Products, which originally made the pump.

yep,2000
 

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It looks like you have 240 volts going to the pump. The two red wires going from the breaker to the timer line terminals 1 and 3 should measure at 240 volts.

The red wires going from timer load terminals 2 and 4 to the pump should measure at 240 volts when the pump is powered.

I would suggest the Pentair SuperFlo model number 340042 or the Jandy ProFlo model number FHPM1.0-2 or the Superpump model number SP2607X102S.

Make sure that the pump comes with the switch for changing speeds.
 
It looks like you have 240 volts going to the pump. The two red wires going from the breaker to the timer line terminals 1 and 3 should measure at 240 volts.

The red wires going from timer load terminals 2 and 4 to the pump should measure at 240 volts when the pump is powered.

I would suggest the Pentair SuperFlo model number 340042 or the Jandy ProFlo model number FHPM1.0-2 or the Superpump model number SP2607X102S.

Make sure that the pump comes with the switch for changing speeds.

yep 240v, I checked 2&4 yesterday and it was 0 with the pump off, so I didn't mess with it further until I read your post :)


also, the electricity savings won't be much since we pay 4.1c/kwh winter and 5.6c/kwh summer off-peak, and unfortunately Clark County Nevada (or whomever is responsible) ended VS and 2-spd Pool Pump rebates in January of this year


now, I'm wanting to go as cheap as possible since I don't think we'll be living at this house for more than say 5 years. So is there something I should necessarily avoid when it comes to pool pumps or is there something I must get in my particular case?

I'm thinking 1hp+, 220v and 2" unions?.... can I use a 115v pump? they seem to be more commonly available
 
Get a 1/2 hp or a 3/4 hp 240 volt pump.

Don't get an above ground pool pump because they are not usually self priming. Get a pump for in ground pools.

One good thing about a two speed pump is how quiet they are on low speed. If that makes a difference, you might want to reconsider going two speed.
 
Yes major difference on sound low vs high of a two speed. High is loud and low is almost silent. Very nice.
 

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