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Thread: I think my pump might be dead......

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  1. #1
    farmgirl is offline Registered+ Thread Analyst farmgirl 0
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    Default I think my pump might be dead......

    Need some advice here please. DH started pump up today, and it just "buzzes". He is going to take it apart to be sure nothing is in the impeller. If not, i will be buying a new pump. Right now we have a 2 HP 2 speed pump, which i have been told is way oversized for our 24 ft ag pool. I LIKE the two speed feature, as I usually leave it on low, but need the higher speed when I am cleaning the pool with my automatic suction cleaner.
    i need to know what brands are best, how much horsepower is necessary, and DH says to ask how many rpms are needed. suction cleaner currently will not work at all when pump is on low.....so higher speed is needed. (it seems to provide much more suction for the cleaner to work with.) Hope this makes sense. DH just called me to tell me the pump is now working...but i feel it might be on "borrowed time"....any advice?
    Hertford, NC
    (about an hour west of the Outer Banks)
    24 foot round above ground

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    PopcornGirl is offline ** No working email address ** Thread Analyst PopcornGirl 0
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    Default Re: I think my pump might be dead......

    Hey Farmgirl,

    This may seem like a dumb question, but did you remember to prime the pump before starting it (add water to the pump basket so you are not starting with a dry pump)? That was my first thought from your description...

    As for size, I have an inground, 12,000 gallon pool and we use a 1 HP pump (only one speed, though), which I have been told is oversized for my pool.
    However, I will say that I use an automatic pool cleaner and it works GREAT with the suction provided by the 1 HP.
    I hope that helps!

  3. #3
    farmgirl is offline Registered+ Thread Analyst farmgirl 0
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    Default Re: I think my pump might be dead......

    no, it was primed and all, DH said it was seized but he disconnected it, turned it by hand, reconnected the power, and she fired right up! I remember it doing the same thing after being stored last winter, which makes me think it might be ready to go at any time. I am shopping for a replacement so i will know what to get in the event of the pump's demise.
    Hertford, NC
    (about an hour west of the Outer Banks)
    24 foot round above ground

  4. #4
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    Default Re: I think my pump might be dead......

    Quote Originally Posted by farmgirl View Post
    no, it was primed and all, DH said it was seized but he disconnected it, turned it by hand, reconnected the power, and she fired right up! I remember it doing the same thing after being stored last winter, which makes me think it might be ready to go at any time. I am shopping for a replacement so i will know what to get in the event of the pump's demise.

    From what I've seen/been told here, find a 3/4 or 1 HP 2 speed pump. You need to check the pump's output and make sure it doesn't exceed the capabilities of your filter, but if you haven't had problems with your current pump, I doubt downsizing is going to present new filtration issues.

    Tell us more about your filter so you can get some better advice.


    (FYI, I'm a total noob with NO practical knowledge. I'm just regurgitating what I've read over and over on this board.)

  5. #5
    Poconos is offline SuperMod Emeritus Whizbang Spinner Poconos 4 stars Poconos 4 stars Poconos 4 stars Poconos 4 stars Poconos 4 stars Poconos 4 stars
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    Default Re: I think my pump might be dead......

    Since the pump started again it sure sounds like just dirty contacts for the starter winding. If the contacts are dirty and not making a good contact the motor will hum/buzz and won't start. When the motor is up to speed the contacts open. They are usually located insode the back cover where the power goes in. If you find them just take a little piece of fine sandpaper to them. Another trick, when it won't start, while power is applied and it's buzzing try rapping the case with a short 2x4. Sometimes the shock will cause the contacts to make momentarily.

    Check this thread. All pumps are similar. Oh...the speed is going to be either 3450 or 1725 for the 2-speeds. That's fixed by the line frequency and motor design.

    http://www.poolforum.com/pf2/showthread.php?t=4800

    Al
    Last edited by Poconos; 03-24-2007 at 10:31 AM.

  6. #6
    farmgirl is offline Registered+ Thread Analyst farmgirl 0
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    Default Re: I think my pump might be dead......

    HAHAHA! Thank you Poconos....Yes, we have used the "rap" method before. I do not know if the pump will need to be replaced this year or not. It is only 4 years old, i think. How long do they usually last? Where can i get another 2 speed pump? They do not seem to be easy to find. Or am i just looking in the wrong places?
    Hertford, NC
    (about an hour west of the Outer Banks)
    24 foot round above ground

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