Pump Motor Replacement HP Recommendation

[TK-421]

Our motor bearings just gave out. I am currently looking for a replacement 230V Variable speed motor. I had replaced the original single speed with a Nidec Ecotech EZ when we first moved in. The Ecotech was a 1.5hp SF 1.60 230V variable speed motor which has now failed.

Pool Specs:
25-28K Gal
2" In/Out. Whisperflo pump.
Pentair Quad DE 100 filter.
No heater (Add in future)
Want to convert to salt in future.
Suction side Vac.
I do not have any automation. (Previous motor was programable)

*Pool refresh in 2-3 years, including increasing suction/discharge size.

I'm looking at Nidec Neptune motors and am wondering if I should go with the 2.7 THP or the 3.45 THP since it shows a higher efficiency.

Any advise or alternatives would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

[PoolStored]

What is the model # of the whisperflo pump?

 

[TK-421]

What is the model # of the whisperflo pump?

I've attached all that's left of the label.

Looks like 1.5 hp, 1.47 service factor.

 

[PoolStored]

You have a WFE-6 pump.
You need to match the impellor and diffuser to the HP of the motor.
You cannot put a larger impeller on the smaller motor, but you can put a smaller impellor on a larger motor.
The 2hp impeller is #073130, making it a WFE-8
The 3hp impeller is #073131, making it a WFE-12
You need to change the diffuser to #5074 for 2 HP or #5072 for 3 HP

I'm looking at Nidec Neptune motors and am wondering if I should go with the 2.7 THP or the 3.45 THP since it shows a higher efficiency.

The likely best solution is to use the Nidec Neptune 2.25 with the 2hp impeller (#073130) and diffuser (#5074).
@1poolman1 can confirm.

 

[TK-421]

You have a WFE-6 pump.
You need to match the impellor and diffuser to the HP of the motor.
You cannot put a larger impeller on the smaller motor, but you can put a smaller impellor on a larger motor.
The 2hp impeller is #073130, making it a WFE-8
The 3hp impeller is #073131, making it a WFE-12
You need to change the diffuser to #5074 for 2 HP or #5072 for 3 HP


The likely best solution is to use the Nidec Neptune 2.25 with the 2hp impeller (#073130) and diffuser (#5074).
@1poolman1 can confirm.

Just checked the current impeller is a 073129.

So in your opinion for my pool size and future use there is no need to go to the 3hp? Even if we wanted water features in the future?

 

[PoolStored]

I would go big. Get the 3.45, and 3hp diffuser and impeller. Wait for @1poolman1 to confirm.

 

[TK-421]

I would go big. Get the 3.45, and 3hp diffuser and impeller. Wait for @1poolman1 to confirm.

Thank you for your help! I'll wait for 1poolman1 to confirm as you suggested.

Are there any other variable speed motors or full pump/motors that I should be considering? Price isn't necessarily a concern if there is a real advantage with a complete replacement.

 

[PoolStored]

Are you contemplating automation in the future?
Fill out your signature with all your equipment make/model#s.

Create Your Signature - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[TK-421]

Are you contemplating automation in the future?
Fill out your signature with all your equipment make/model#s.

Create Your Signature - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Yes I will be automating in the future (2-5 yrs?) which is why I was looking at the Neptune as it says it is compatible with automation.

I've completed my signature as you've suggested. Thank you!

 

[PoolStored]

You really want to choose your automation first, even if you don't buy it yet.
Then as you add components, you want to stay in the family. Pentair auto = Pentair pump and cell etc.

"compatible" means that there is a dc 5v outputs and 4 inputs. You route the 5v to 4 relays in the automation, you use the automation to choose a relay associated with the speed settings on the drive. Poor man's automation.

If you get a pentair automantion, then Pentair Intelliflo3 (and some other models), it has RS-485 communication that allows more control of the pump.

 

[TK-421]

You really want to choose your automation first, even if you don't buy it yet.
Then as you add components, you want to stay in the family. Pentair auto = Pentair pump and cell etc.

"compatible" means that there is a dc 5v outputs and 4 inputs. You route the 5v to 4 relays in the automation, you use the automation to choose a relay associated with the speed settings on the drive. Poor man's automation.

If you get a pentair automantion, then Pentair Intelliflo3 (and some other models), it has RS-485 communication that allows more control of the pump.

Ok. I might just have to eat the cost in the future when we do automate.

I need to get the water moving soon. Since the pump is completely down now. Thinking of just going with the 3.45 since 1poolman1 hasn't replied to this thread yet and that's what you are suggesting.