Yesterday, I was on the pool deck for the first time in at least two months. As I approached the deep end, I heard a faint noise coming from the equipment area. As I got closer, I caught a faint burning smell and felt my stomach sink as I realized it was my pump running - and running dry to boot. 
I couldn't believe this pump was running in the middle of winter. I was positive the timer had been set to off when the pool was closed. But, here is it was, running at full speed.
After a few moments of troubleshooting, it became clear I had made a serious error. Last season, the timer module in the pool panel was on the fritz. I obtained a replacement. But, the replacement timer included a freeze protection function! The freeze protection feature did its job, turning on the pump for who knows how many hours over the past several months. It did not matter that I had set the timer to off. With my tail between my legs, I turned off the circuit breaker.
At this point, I have a 2 HP Challenger pump that has been running dry for a considerable length of time. I have no idea what is toast and what might be salvageable. But - and here is the only positive note - I was planning next season to replace the single speed motor with a dual speed motor and reduce the capacity to 1.5 HP by installing a new impeller. I already have the new motor and impeller.
So, should I be looking for a new wet end or is there a silver lining someplace in this disaster?
I couldn't believe this pump was running in the middle of winter. I was positive the timer had been set to off when the pool was closed. But, here is it was, running at full speed.After a few moments of troubleshooting, it became clear I had made a serious error. Last season, the timer module in the pool panel was on the fritz. I obtained a replacement. But, the replacement timer included a freeze protection function! The freeze protection feature did its job, turning on the pump for who knows how many hours over the past several months. It did not matter that I had set the timer to off. With my tail between my legs, I turned off the circuit breaker.
At this point, I have a 2 HP Challenger pump that has been running dry for a considerable length of time. I have no idea what is toast and what might be salvageable. But - and here is the only positive note - I was planning next season to replace the single speed motor with a dual speed motor and reduce the capacity to 1.5 HP by installing a new impeller. I already have the new motor and impeller.
So, should I be looking for a new wet end or is there a silver lining someplace in this disaster?
