Repair or replace

[Grifter]

I have a 1HP Hayward super pump. It's only my second year in the house and I don't know exactly how old this pump is, but it gave me some problems last year and this year, well, I just tried to start the pump for the first time this season and I get nothing. The motor hums, but the impeller doesn't turn.

I'm fairly handy, but I have no experience repairing pumps. I can follow the heck out of a YouTube video though.

Is it worth it to get the pump repaired or should I just replace it?

I see the same pump for sale online for about 350. Seems like an easy swap.

Thoughts?

 

[mas985]

I would compare the price of fixing vs replacing. But keep in mind you need to deal with plumbing when replacing.

Also, you might want to consider a two speed while you are at it.

 

[SoCalGuy]

My 2 cents: If (1) you can find the same pump for a reasonable price AND (2) your old pump has threaded, o-ringed unions that will allow you to just remove it and put a new one in without cutting and gluing any new PVC, go for a whole new pump. Much less hassle than replacing the motor.

 

[Richard320]

A new capacitor is a cheap gamble. There are plenty of videos on youtube.

 

[Grifter]

I think I'll give the capacitor a try. Where do you think I can buy a capacitor locally?

 

[Mike1162]

Pool store or motor repair shop should have the capacitor. Make sure you can spin the motor shaft by hand before getting the cap.

 

[gtty]

My hawyard hummed once and I opened the pump and broke the shaft free. For some reason it was somewhat seized. It lasted the rest of the season.

 

[Grifter]

I'll try that too. Would you use WD 40 or something?

 

[Grifter]

Ok. Pulled the capicitor but in the process all the rusty screw heads that held the cover and capacitor in sheared off. Also the guts of the pump are full of white corrosion. I think the filter had been dripping onto the pump.

Opinions?

 

[Richard320]

Ok. Pulled the capicitor but in the process all the rusty screw heads that held the cover and capacitor in sheared off. Also the guts of the pump are full of white corrosion. I think the filter had been dripping onto the pump.

Opinions?

Sounds like motor time. You already have the electrical disconnected, pulling the motor off the wet end is a matter of a few bolts more and you won't have to mess with the plumbing at all. You could even upgrade to a 2 speed.

 

[Grifter]

Yea I think so too. I was trying to figure out how old this thing is based on the serial number. Any idea how that works?

 

[Richard320]

Yea I think so too. I was trying to figure out how old this thing is based on the serial number. Any idea how that works?

No. But consider that the wet end isn't much more than a casting. It has no moving parts inside it. You'll be replacing all the seals when you swap the impeller and plate. What else is left?

 

[gtty]

Ok. Pulled the capicitor but in the process all the rusty screw heads that held the cover and capacitor in sheared off. Also the guts of the pump are full of white corrosion. I think the filter had been dripping onto the pump.

Opinions?

Sounds like its time for a new unit. Although I would probably see what I could do to fix it, I'm notoriously cheap and try to fix just about everything. With that said, I usually end up with a new item in most cases.

 

[Grifter]

Oh I'm with you. Already looking at replacement motors. Inyopool suggests an AO smith motor. Trying to find a matching Hayward motor for a good price.

 

[Grifter]

Upon further inspection Hayward uses an AO Smith motor which is apparently now rebranded century. Carry on.

 

[Grifter]

Found the right pump, but what about upgrading to a 1.5 hp? It's not much more, is it worth it?

 

[mas985]

It is worth downsizing but not up sizing. No benefit and lots of reasons not too such as higher energy costs and poorer filtering.

 

[SoCalGuy]

Upgrade would be to a 2-speed or variable speed pump. More horsepower by itself will only cost more to operate.