Premature Failure... or junk?

[parobk]

Hi all -
I've had my salt water pool for just about 3 years now. Aside from other things, the following pump just seized up this past month... starting whirring real loud, then quit. From the photos, it seems water must've been leaking from somewhere, not visible from the top, nor do I inspect it that often to notice. This pump only runs maybe twice/wk on a schedule when I use my pressure-based cleaner. Most times I rely on my Dolphin. Comments? Is this normal, or just a crappy pump. I already replaced with the other shown, but also please feel free to comment on that since the one they shipped is slightly different, but works all the same.
Thanks

 

[Saturn94]

I’ve been using the Hayward 6060 booster pump since 2015 with no issues.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Your old booster pump was rated at 3/4HP with a 1.67 service factor (SF) while the replacement is a 1HP pump with a 1.25 SF. So they they have the same total horsepower (THP = HP X S.F.). Though I would think the impellar would need to be different. @JamesW or @mas985 are the pump experts.

definitely looks like a seal is leaking though and water is making it out of the wet end and onto the motor.

 

[JamesW]

The MaxFlo XL is not a booster pump.

The performance curves are completely different.

 

[JamesW]

when I use my pressure-based cleaner.

What make and model?

Also, the new pump is not bonded.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

@JamesW - If I understand the OP correctly then I think the only thing that was changed was the motor, wet end is the same. I could be wrong.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

@parobk

If you have a Dolphin robot then there is almost no need to run a pressure cleaner. Pressure cleaners use (waste) huge amounts of energy for very sub-par cleaning. You should just get rid of the cleaner and booster pump all together. The plumbing for the wall connection can simple be added to the return lines or it can be sealed up.

 

[JamesW]

@JamesW - If I understand the OP correctly then I think the only thing that was changed was the motor, wet end is the same. I could be wrong.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

View attachment 376393

I get that the old motor was a PB4-60 and the new one is MaxFlo. But if you look at the pictures I believe they just put the MaxFlo motor in place of the dead PB4-60 motor. They did not change any of the plumbing or wet end of the pressure booster pump.

Maybe the OP can post some wide angle shots of the entire setup before and after the pump change.

 

[Saturn94]

I get that the old motor was a PB4-60 and the new one is MaxFlo. But if you look at the pictures I believe they just put the MaxFlo motor in place of the dead PB4-60 motor. They did not change any of the plumbing or wet end of the pressure booster pump.

Maybe the OP can post some wide angle shots of the entire setup before and after the pump change.

The pics show the old motor to be a Hayward 6060 (I have the same one).

PB4-60 is a Polaris booster pump model.

 

[JamesW]

The motor is the same.

However, if you get just the motor, it usually does not have the Pump label.

So, maybe they took a motor off of a pump?

Hayward Century Max-Flo II or Booster Pump Motor 1 HP (1.25 SF) Square Flange, 48Y Frame, - SPX2707Z1M - INYOPools.com

MOTOR (3/4 HP/ 1 HP, HAYWARD BOOSTER PUMP 6060)

www.inyopools.com

 

[JoyfulNoise]

I was asking the question because I was wondering if the old motor that is 3/4HP with a 1.67 s.f. is swappable with a motor that is 1HP and an s.f. of 1.25. Same total HP.

 

[JamesW]

The same total hp is fine.

It just seems odd that they pulled a motor from a brand new pump.

It can be done, but it is not really a good idea unless you need to do it.

 

[parobk]

What make and model?

Also, the new pump is not bonded.

View attachment 376385

Should have added pressure cleaner/model. It's a Hayward Phantom - nightmare of a cleaner that constantly breaks down, but only one (that I know of) that switches between "BOT", "TOP" and "AUTO". I leave it on "TOP" and old use it periodically after weedwacking close to the pool or in (Sping/Fall), when leaves from nearby trees are my nemesis! It's skimming performance is great. But others are right, the Dolphin does a much better job at cleaning overall, with less hassle and no pumps necessary. The pool is just under 1000ft2 or 40,000 gal. Also, I did see the ground connector - same way the original PB left it. I obviously fixed it (after I took the photos)

 

[parobk]

I get that the old motor was a PB4-60 and the new one is MaxFlo. But if you look at the pictures I believe they just put the MaxFlo motor in place of the dead PB4-60 motor. They did not change any of the plumbing or wet end of the pressure booster pump.

Maybe the OP can post some wide angle shots of the entire setup before and after the pump change.

This is correct - there was no reason to touch the wet end. I bought a replacement motor only (which did involve tranferring the impeller). Although I specified the model (6060) that I had, they sent a MaxFlow as the replacement. Lined right up and pressure at the cleaner is exactly the same at about 20-23 psi.

 

[JamesW]

You probably had a seal leak.

Check for leaks periodically and replace the seal as needed.