Replacing single speed Whisperflo motor with 2-speed motor

[El_Jefe]

My 2-year old Whisperflo motor is shot. Found the breaker tripped. When I reset it there was an arc from the windings (I discovered later, evidenced by observed soot), toward the back underneath the connection terminals. Breaker tripped again. Tightened up the connections. Reset the breaker. Humming only. Changed the capacitor. No change. Impeller is freely spinning by hand. So, new motor, right?

So, the question:

I was researching a replacement motor and had a thought about replacing with a 2-speed motor. I had originally considered a completely new VS, but I see a lot of complaints about the electronics frying. Don't want to mess with that for the cost.
I searched and found where someone else did the same thing I am now considering...upgrading from a single speed to a dual speed, but the post is 3 years old and wanted to see if I can get any other updated advice.

The dead pump is for the filter and the spa-jets when in spa mode. I have a separate pump for a water feature plus a booster pump for the cleaner.

Here are the specs of the current and straight replacement motor I believe POOL360 - 2HP 208-230V 56Y THRD SQFL EE ODP MOTOR

The replacement motor would be POOL360 - 2HP 2SP 230V 56Y THRD SQFL EE ODP MOTOR, I assume.

Reviewing the wiring instructions I can find for the EasyTouch controller, it's my understanding I'll need to add the two-speed relay to my control box and run an extra cable from the control box to the pump itself.

If you can all help guide me with respect to the following I would be very appreciative:
1. Is replacing the single-speed motor with the dual-speed motor the right way to go?
2. Have I identified the correct dual-speed motor for my pump?
3. Can anyone share a wiring diagram?

Lastly, assuming I get the dual-speed pump wired up correctly, can someone help me with the programming I'll need to do on the EasyTouch to take advantage of it? I basically want to run it on low speed for general filter use and on high speed for spa operations.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Jeff

 

[ctrav]

Welcome to TFP Jeff...

Im no expert on pumps but I do have a 2 speed and for our pool it was a much better choice over a single speed. If it were me or I was doing it again I would opt for a 2 speed pump!

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

Please Read This BEFORE You Post and put details of your pool in your signature. Knowing what you have will help us answer your questions.

For example, do you have a SWG or water features? Will the low speed of a 2 speed pump be sufficient for your setup?

 

[El_Jefe]

Signature updated.

 

[cowboycasey]

I love having a 2 speed pump and have been very happy with this one..

Amazon.com : Pentair 340042 SuperFlo High Performance Energy Efficient Two Speed Pool Pump, 1 Horsepower, 230 Volt, 1 Phase - Energy Star Certified : Swimming Pool Water Pumps : Garden Outdoor

As far as connecting to the easytouch I am not sure...

 

[El_Jefe]

I’ve now successfully changed the Whisperflo motor 2 a two-speed, Century/AO Smith (https://www.grainger.com/product/CENTURY-2-16U435). BTW, Grainger sells pool pump motors for over $200 less than Leslie’s.
Added the Pentair two-speed relay.
Wired as indicated on back of Intellitouch 8 panel door and pump connection diagrams (A=Low, L1=High, L2=Com).

Can only control (turn on/off) low speed by switching the pump circuit breaker. Filter circuit indicator LED stays dark even though pump is running in low speed. Still, programmed the Intellitouch to switch to high speed when in spa mode or when cleaner comes on.

- When cleaner circuit is engaged, Whisperflo motor immediately switches to high and filter circuit indicator LED turns on. This is during the delay (blinking cleaner circuit LED), which makes perfect sense to me. The cleaner circuit LED goes solid and the booster pump comes on after the delay.
- When I turn off cleaner, the Whisperflo switches back to low speed as expected, and filter indicator LED turns off (as well as cleaner Indicator LED) and the booster pump turns off.
- When I turn on spa mode, Whisperflo motor immediately switches to high and filter circuit indicator LED turns on. Actuators turn and heater comes on. All normal funtion, I believe.
- When I turn off cleaner, the Whisperflo stays in high while the valve actuators return to pool mode and the heater turns off. After a couple of minutes the Whisperflow reverts to low speed and the filer circuit LED indicator turns off.

So, no circuits show to be on, but the pump runs in low speed continuously. I know the intent of the two-speed pump is to run longer, but is it intended to be constant? I’d like to give it and my energy usage a break for at least a couple of hours a day.