Variable speed vs 2 speed pool motor for AZ pool

[drmroth]

I have a 25'x10' spool (approx 6,000 gallons) and I need a new motor. I live in Arizona and there's a law out here stating that residential pool owners must replace single speed motors with either 2-speed or variable speed motors, but there's an exception for any motor under 1hp which I believe mine is. This exception allows for me to still install a single speed motor for my pump.

Questions:
1. How do I decide what to do? Should I spend the money and get the variable speed motor?
2. Is a 2-speed just as good as a variable speed motor?
3. Or should I just get another single speed motor?

Thank you for your help.

[PoolDoc]

"spool"?? what's that?

1. VS motors are expensive and have reliability problems. 2-speed pumps are somewhat less efficient, and harder to install correctly, but are MUCH more reliable.

2. See above.

3. Depends on your pump. Post *EXACT* pump *AND* motor models. Numbers/data on electric motor are usually for the motor only; pump models are usually on the wet-end or pump body.

[drmroth]

"spool" = small pool.

I don't know anything about pools except that I like to swim in them. Please forgive me for having no idea about what any of the following means;
Magnatek
Self Priming Pump
Model - 347881 UR Hiflo
service factor 1.0
serial # 0999-605 ap
HP - 1.0
Volts - 230
Amps - 10

I've called pool people/places and everyone has a different opinion. Mostly they're all opting for a reconditioned single speed motor which I would be fine with but now the question is what size motor do I get. I was told that the motor I have on there now is a 1.5hp motor but I think that's a mistake because my pump clearly says 1.0hp.

1. If I choose a re-conditioned motor, which brand and model should I get?
2. Would it behoove me to forgo the single speed and spend the extra money for a 2-speed?

Thank you

[PoolDoc]

Is this the pump you have?



If it is, then these motors will work:

2 speed:
http://www.a1poolparts.com/-strse-16...eed/Detail.bok

1 speed:
http://www.a1poolparts.com/-strse-87...are/Detail.bok

I'm not necessarily recommending A1, though I have purchased from them myself -- I'm just using their listings as an example.

Meanwhile, there's some long-time marketing gaming with pool motor HP ratings (uprate vs. full rate), so that a 3/4 HP 2 speed probably is equivalent to your 1HP single speed.

Verify that that's the right pump, and I'll take it to the next step.

[drmroth]

Hi.

I don't believe the picture below is the motor that I have. I went outside and looked around. I found a sticker on the basket part of the pump that says "ultra flow". When I look at a picture of the pentair ultra flow pump, it looks the most similar to mine.

[PoolDoc]

This?



That's an old pump. If you're gonna rebuild it, I'd get started. Parts may be a problem . . . and there's a good chance you'll find you need to replace more than the motor and pump seal.

This site seems to list parts -- but I'd call and make sure they are actually in stock:
http://www.poolplaza.com/C-Ultra-Flow-Parts.html

[Watermom]

spool = small pool ................... I like that!

[drmroth]

I'm not rebuilding anything… I was thinking of buying a rebuilt motor from a reputable store in my area (perrys pool).

1. What would be a newer version of this motor is I were going to buy a new one instead of rebuilt?

Let me share my past experience with you and a little background on me. Due to a brain injury I am on disability. I don't have the energy to do things myself but I also don't make any money and need to watch the dollar. That being said, I know that my pool maintenance people need to make a living but I can't afford for them to mark up the product 100-200%. Buying a rebuilt motor (like mine) is under $200. Then you have to add on rings and a few other things that are under $50. Then there are labor costs… They're charging me between $500-$600.

2. How can I keep the cost down when I don't have the energy to do it myself? Maybe if I buy the motor and then just pay for labor. How much would labor cost to replace a motor?