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The day has come at last!!! My pump died. I looked for my other post that had your recommendations on a less powerful pump on it, but I can't find it. Could you tell me what pump I should go and buy? I'm not sure what info you need. I have a 24' round, 13,000 gallon. I have a Hayward C900 cartridge filter.
Thank you!
Jennifer
First question is what happened to the pump? Failed to start, hums, nothing, leaks, smoke? Watermom has the same size pool and the pump is a Hayward Superpump, SP2600X5, 1/2 HP 120Volt. It's an inground model but so what. Baskets are easier to open and clean and they're probably built better that those sold as AG pumps. She's been using it for several years now and the suction and flow are quite sufficient for vacuuming and running her cleaners. She can give you more details on those if needed. The flow rate on that would be a good match for your C900 filter which is rated at 90 GPM. There are a lot of pump problems that are simple fixes and yours may be simple, or not.
Al
I'm getting a faint hum or sometimes nothing at all. Does that tell you anything?
The faint, or low level hum is a common problem. Totally quiet and dead is something else and won't get into that now. I don't know how gutsy you are to dive into this problem but here it goes. What I describe is applicable to most pump motors but not all. In simple terms there are two windings in these motors. One is powered as long as the pump power is on and the other is used to get it started and disconnects when the rotor comes up to speed. This starter winding is in series with a capacitor and a centrifugal switch. When the rotor is stopped the switch is closed to power this circuit. Two things can go wrong. The capacitor can short or open and in either case the motor won't start. Soluion is to replace the capacitor for $10 or less. The second problem, which is more common and indicative of your problem, is the switch contacts get dirty over time and won't make contact. When power is applied the starter circuit is open and all you get is a low level hum. The solution is to clean the contacts. Something to try is to apply power and shock the motor by smacking it with the flat side of a 2x4 or some flat piece of wood but don't dent the motor housing. If it starts, great. If not, smack it a few more times. Many times the jolt will cause the contacts to close and start the motor. This isn't a permanent fix but WILL identify the problem. the permanent fix is to clean the contacts. Before going any further be sure the power if off and cannot come on unexpectedly. The switch contacts are usually located at the back end of the motor where the wires enter. Remove that cover and you'll see the contacts and the centrifugal switch mechanism. The contacts can be dressed ideally with a fine flat metal file but is you can't get in there you can use 600 grit sandpaper (auto store, Home Depot, etc). The contacts are usually silver and soft so you don't have to grind away. Fold a strip of sandpaper to make it double sided and run it between the contacts a few times. That should fix the problem.
I have no idea how many motors have been fixed like this over the years saving people many $$$. Hope yours is as simple. If you decide to pursue this and have more questions please don't hesitate to ask. At this point you have nothing to lose.
Al
(ajs-1)
I used Al's advice & our pump has lived all this extra time - so thank you, but now it is not working at all. Won't even start. Several questions. I am trying to price the Hayward Superpump he mentioned - can you tell me a good place to order this from? Also - my local pump repairman has recommended a Hayward "Max Flo" pump. It's prices are a little lower than the Superpumps that I am seeing, but so far, we can only find 3/4hp in stock. He's willing to install anything that I can find/order. Am I better off with the more expensive 1/2 hp Superpump? I hate trying to price shop for something I don't really understand all that well. Any advice, info is welcome.
Thank you,
Jennifer