Replacing a Pentair Whisperflow pump

[Winger 03]

Hello All:

My pump seemingly bit the dust over the weekend. It is about 11 years old so I guess it is about time. In the interest of getting it done fast I think I want to change it myself.

Some general information / questions.....

• I currently have a Pentair Whisperflow 1.5hp 2 speed pump - I have been happy with its performance so sticking with that one would be ideal.
• I do not have any automation - so this would eliminate a VS pump consideration, correct?
• I have unions at both pump connections - can I unscrew the fittings that go into the input and output of the pump and reuse them?
• I saw on-line that when disconnecting the electric something about shorting the capacitor. I only saw that advice in one video, is that something that needs to be done and if so how?
• My current pump has a toggle switch on the back to change speeds - I am not certain that was a standard part - I am not really seeing a good photo of the back of the pump on-line to know for certain.
• It seems really easy (alomos too easy) - am I missing something important that will make the job much harder? If I get the same pump with the input and output in the same locations, it seems just a matter of connecting the electric and the in/out without modification, and I am on my way.

In the meantime, I am adding bleach daily and running the cleaner to keep the water moving.

Thanks!

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

I do not have any automation - so this would eliminate a VS pump consideration, correct?

You don't need automation for a VS pump. A VS pump would allow you to program timers for different pump speeds without having to manually flip a switch. Since you need to replace your pump anyways, it may be a good time to upgrade.

You should be able to reuse the unions assuming they are not glued into the pump. You might replace the o-rings in the unions for a bit of insurance against leaks. I'm not sure if a Pentair Intelliflo would be a direct fit.

Make sure you read the warranty when shopping for pumps. Self-installs on Pentair pumps cut down the warranty significantly. Leslie's recently had an offer for free installation on pumps. Keep an eye out for that promotion.

 

[magicalyak]

What pump do you have? I'm about to replace the motor on mine. I have a WFE-26 which is a dual-speed 1.5 up rated pump. I really like the whisperflo dual speeds. Mine has been exposed to the elements and I think the bonding connection wasn't secure as there is a little corrosion. I really like Pentair because there always seems to be replacement parts for them. I was honestly just about to post asking what I could swap with the motor (trying not to highjack your thread).

 

[Winger 03]

So some interesting info.

Spoke to my pool installer from 10 years ago or so and their solution was $2300 though a lot of that was because they are several hours away from us.

Local place down the street from my office quoted $1900 installed for an InteliFlo VSF, then I can get a $400 rebate from my power company and $100 from Pentair. I am leaning that direction and am awaiting a formal quote in the email.

Couple of remaining questions - they will program the pump, but if I need to reprogram, is it fairly easy and intuitive? Is this a good replacement for what I currently have (not under-powered even at its maximum relative to the 1.5hp I currently have).

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

That doesn't sound like a bad deal. The vs may not be an exact fit for the plumbing, but it will work well with your pool, or just about any pool. A vs pump can't be oversized. You just run it at lower RPMs. In the long run, it will save you money over a 2-speed. It's not the easiest thing to program, but if you read the manual and play with it a few times, it will get easier.

 

[Winger 03]

Thanks - that is the installed and programmed price. I will be around for the last parts of the install so I will be able to ask a lot of questions. Being able to outsoruce the plumbing issues and programming has some value to me. ) I do everythign else myself so I look at this as a few dollars well spent.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

The main advantage to a professional install is you retain the full Pentair warranty. You can download the user manual on the Pentair website to get a head start. Best wishes!

 

[Winger 03]

That's right, thanks for the reminder. I appreciate all the help this AM.