May have burned up pump!

[mbar]

I feel soooo stupid. I had solar heat installed last week, so I went out last night and thought I just turned off the solar - but I turned off the whole system with the pump running. This morning I went out to the pool being part empty.It blew off the hose that goes to the filter from the pump - and the circut breaker blew. The water level went down about 1/3. My husband thinks that once the pump dries out it may be ok - I think I need a new pump and was wondering since I have the solar panels now should I get a 2 speed pump. If I get a two speed, does it have to be wired differently? Right now I have a 1hp pump with a 200 lb sand filter. The solar panels are on the garage roof right next to the filter and the height is about 10 ft up. Any help will be greatfully appreciated!! I am getting company today for 2 weeks, and need the pool operational! HELP!

[tenax]

i read a post somewhere recently that educated me on pumps and "running them dry". what i have read is running them dry doesn't actually hurt the motor at all as it's actually under less of a load when dry. but the seal is likely gone in which case if it were me, i'd take it to a place that repairs pumps if you don't want to tackle yourself and get an estimate on repair. especially if it's not that old.

on the other hand, if you really need it today in terms of wiring 2 speed bumps, i can't comment on that.

[duraleigh]

Hi, Marie,

I think there's a good chance you'll be fine. I would reconnect the system and fire up the old pump.

If it's toast, you'll know what you need to do....replace it. If it runs, that'll take the pressure off having to decide so hurriedly and you can assess it at your liesure.

[waste]

Marie, why do these things happen when company's comming?? I think Dave's probably right about the pump's prognosis, however check the pump inlet and outlet for new leaks - running them dry sometimes heats the ports up enough to warp the threaded fittings, which can lead to air in the pump housing (or priming problems) or water dripping from the effluent fitting.
As for the 2 speed pump, ask the electrician if he knows how to do a 'single pole, double throw' - if he looks at you like you just asked him something in Manderin Chinese, don't let him wire it up - I don't have any experience with these, but I do know that it's SPDT that enables them to work properly. Good luck with your pump and guests!