Pump went up in flames

[dunnma]

I had turned the pump off a few weeks ago in preparation for closing the pool. I didn't get a chance to do it before I went out of town for a work trip. I asked my wife to turn it back on to backwash as we have had almost 8 inches of rain in the last 2 days. She said it started up and was working but then started smoking with a burning smell. She turned it off and then turned it back on and flames came out of it.

Suffice it to say, I think it is done (after only 2 years). Not sure what could have gone wrong with it...

That being said I guess now I have about 7 months to figure out what pump I should replace it with. You can see the one I already had in my signature. The only other thing to know is that I have a timer that basically turns the power to the entire system on/off throughout the day. So I am not sure if this means I should not go with a variable speed, etc.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Catanzaro]

Dunnma:

The ironic part with pumps is that it is either hit or miss. Some members have experienced only 2 years, while others up to 10 years. Pumps are not built like they were in the past. My pump, installed in 2013 (Late November and never used in 2013), went through working fine until the spring of 2018.

When I tried to open the pool this year, one of the bearings was loud. But before I found this out, I had purchased the start and run capacitor for $35. Well, the pump ran for about one week, loud before it was starting to smoke. Shut it down and called it a day. Ordered a new pump and housing. Tried to install and it leaked (Amazon). I have unions, so it was not too bad. Was so frustrated, that I called a friend in the business and paid him to do this. Yes, it cost an additional $150, but I was done with it. I took the old unit (without the motor) and created new fittings and union (an exact match). Now, when I close the pool in 2 weeks, the pump is coming inside. My neighbor is taking the ground (green wire) and using a disconnect (very easy) and I am removing 2 wires from the Intermatic Timer and brining indoors. Not leaving outside through the rain, snow that takes months to melt, etc. As an FYI, there is no warranty if the homeowner installs the pump. I will connect my pump about one week early to see if it starts to make sure, or out of warranty next year. One would think that pumps should be made a little better. I have B&G pumps (made in the USA) for my hot water system, and in 18 years never a problem. First 10 years, I never oiled them either.

My pump was so bad, that we could not get to the bearing. The rebuilding part on line is easier said than done. What one can do is every few years (2-3) years just replace the seal and gasket, but then again, you never know. When I take the new pump out, I will fill with fresh water and blow out and flush the pump several times. Maybe this will remove some of the salt that is stuck in the unit. The pump was normal at closing, only at the opening it went bad. I even took my shop vac and blew into the line and the hose fit perfectly (old one). If one can disconnect prior to the suction side on the pump, a good shop vac may be successful in clear the main drain.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Matt,

Since you have a SWCG, I would suggest that you step up to a VS pump. At low speed they use very little electricity and are so quiet, that you almost have to touch them to make sure they are still running...

The downside to a VS pump is that they cost more and are not normally controlled by an external timer. They are connected to constant AC power and the pump has an internal timer that you set to run the pump at the times you want, and at the speeds you want.

You would still use your current timer to tell the SWCG when to come on, as you do not want the SWCG getting power when the pump is off.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Tony_zzz]

If you install a VS pump. No major wiring changes will be required. Simply move you pump motor leads to the line side of the timer and keep your SWG on the load side. The pump will then have power all the time and the timer working your SWG.