Pump life expectancy etc

[cj133]

I'm curious which pumps seem to last the longest without help.

I have a Hayward Matrix 2 speed pump that's going on it's 4th season. I run it from April-December 24 hours a day in low speed.

I'll be replacing the O rings etc but other than that I think it's going to be ok unless the pump housing is warped or something weird. As far as why replace anything, during the initial installation in 2019 I broke the little clip that holds the pump locked in position(ultimately, doesn't really matter). This year the pump has been making noise so I did some digging over the weekend to investigate to see what I wanted to do next. Since I pulled the housing apart, the O ring that seals the housing is leaking now, other than that it probably would still be fine. But I disturbed it, so, so be it. No leak from the spring seal, yet....but I was going to change it while I'm in there. I've got mixed feelings on that, actually............


That being said, do the better in ground pool pumps tend hold up better than the cheaper above ground pool pumps long term? I really prefer how the older Powerflo's were built to the Matrix, but no 2 speed options on those. I don't need any extra lift etc, but since I run this pump non-stop most of the year and just ignore it I don't mind spending extra if it means less headaches.


I'm trying to weigh my options for when and if the Matrix dies. I don't need the lift of an inground pump but I don't mind spending more if the pump will likely last longer without attention.


As always, open to all opinions and thoughts.

 

[Texas Splash]

I currently have a Waterway that I'm going to swap out with a Powerflo Matrix. They are almost identical pumps. The only difference is the motor (on some versions) since the Waterway had capacitors that could be replaced if necessary while the new Hayward PF I got doesn't. Still, mine runs on low speed 24/7, 365 days. It's gong on year 8. But pumps/motors go up & down with feedback and reliability. Each brand seems to have its good days and bad. So whether you're a Hayward, Pentair, or some other brand favorite, it's a coin toss IMO. I will say that somewhere in that 5-7 year range is good for a motor. When you go past that you're doing quite good.

Rules are changing in the pool community for pumps as many locations are mandating variable speeds for efficiency. However I got my new 2-speed Hayward PF last year with no problem, so they're out there if you chose to go that route. Hang tight for more replies. They're coming.

WATERWAY SUPREME (or HAYWARD POWERFLO MATRIX) PUMP MOTOR REPLACEMENT

Here is my experience for changing the motor on a Waterway Supreme pump. The Hayward Powerflo Matrix pump is basically the same. In fact, that’s the item used in this InyoPools video example: NOTE: If you are swapping the entire pump assembly from Waterway to Hayward Powerflo or visa-versa...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[cj133]

I currently have a Waterway that I'm going to swap out with a Powerflo Matrix. They are almost identical pumps. The only difference is the motor (on some versions) since the Waterway had capacitors that could be replaced if necessary while the new Hayward PF I got doesn't. Still, mine runs on low speed 24/7, 365 days. It's gong on year 8. But pumps/motors go up & down with feedback and reliability. Each brand seems to have its good days and bad. So whether you're a Hayward, Pentair, or some other brand favorite, it's a coin toss IMO. I will say that somewhere in that 5-7 year range is good for a motor. When you go past that you're doing quite good.

Rules are changing in the pool community for pumps as many locations are mandating variable speeds for efficiency. However I got my new 2-speed Hayward PF last year with no problem, so they're out there if you chose to go that route. Hang tight for more replies. They're coming.

WATERWAY SUPREME (or HAYWARD POWERFLO MATRIX) PUMP MOTOR REPLACEMENT

Here is my experience for changing the motor on a Waterway Supreme pump. The Hayward Powerflo Matrix pump is basically the same. In fact, that’s the item used in this InyoPools video example: NOTE: If you are swapping the entire pump assembly from Waterway to Hayward Powerflo or visa-versa...

www.troublefreepool.com

I had a place quote me $1100 on a Hayward VS-300... It looked like the solution to all of my complaints, until I saw that price.
I have no idea why it's that high, but it seemed a bit steep to me for a powerflo with VS. They actually seem like a good place to deal with, but unfortunately I can't justify that.