Replace complete pump or just motor?

[AndyT86]

My pump motor was getting sluggish starting back in the fall before I closed. When it was time to start, the motor would hum for several seconds before it turned. A couple of times it tripped the breaker without turning. Since it was at the end of the season I would give it a bump (kick) to get the motor off the dead spot before it tripped. Obviously, it's time to replace (or rewind) the motor. I'm leaning toward replace because the difference is is not a lot in dollars, when comparing a 2 year warranty versus 90 days.

My question: Should I just replace the motor, or is it typically better to go ahead with the wet end at the same time? The motor alone appears to be about half the cost of the complete pump, and I'm sure there are seals that will need to be replaced with the motor. The pump is about 8-1/2 years old, so my guess is that the impeller and internal workings of the pump will probably be showing signs of wear, as well.

While I'm thinking about it, I'm wondering if I should up-size if I replace the whole thing. My pool is IG, 18500 gal, and the pump is a Hayward 3/4 HP Super Pump. I use a suction-side cleaner (Kreepy Krawly), and also have a heat pump. Both of these were not part of the original pool plan, and I'm not sure if either would raise my pump requirements.

Thanks,
- Andy -

[CarlD]

Replacing the motor is all you need, I would think. Why upsize the motor if 3/4 worked well? All it will do is use more electric.

But if you really want to splurge, a 2 speed Hayward 1 hp Superpump should drop right in! You'll love it--high speed for the Kreepy, low speed for the rest of the time--quiet, cheap. If you have a sand filter you will find it works better on the low speed.

BTW, what filter do you have.

[Poconos]

Andy,
A few facts about pump motors. Your problem about sluggish starts and at times not starting and tripping the breaker are indicative of a dirty starting switch. Especially with an 8.5 year old motor and if it's outsde in the elements. There are no 'dead spots' in this type of motor. "Dead spots' could occur in a motor with a commutator and brushes, AC/DC motors, but not in pump motors. If a winding was shorted you would get smoke. Open it would not start or run. There is a starting capacitor in the starting circuit but when they fail it's usually shorted or open and not intermittant. So, if you want to give it a shot, pull the back cover and clean the contacts. There is a pic of the back end of a Hayward Superpump in this thread:

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

Something else I'll add, you don't have to be very agressive on the contacts. You just need to sand or file them lightly. Material is usually silver I believe, and soft.
Hope this helps and saves you some $$$.
Al

[CarlD]

I always defer to Al (Poconos) when it comes to pumps. He knows them far better than I do.

IOW, take his advice before mine on pumps.

[AndyT86]

Thanks, guys. I'll take a look at the motor later today. I just ordered a new liner this week, and was not looking forward to paying for a pump, too.

3/4hp seems to be working okay... I wasn't sure how much additional load the Kreepy and heat pump would place on it. (BTW, I have a sand filter.)

- Andy -

[AndyT86]

That did it! A few minutes with a screwdriver, a contact file, and some contact cleaner, and it's running like new!

Once again this forum has saved me much more than the price of admission!

- Andy -

[waste]

Andy, it's GREAT that the motor is fine!! Also glad to hear that you got the new liner ordered - sounds like you are in for going into this swim season with a ~ newish pool

[Poconos]

I love a happy and cheap ending. Hope you have a wonderful summer.
Al

[CarlD]

As I said: When it comes to pumps and motors I ALWAYS defer to Al!

I LOVE solutions that cost less than $5 and save hundreds!

[simsjim]

Cleaning contacts... I MUST remember that one! Last year I actually replaced a Hayward SuperPump with a Pentair Whisperflo because my pump was acting the same way. It was DYI, so it was just the price of the pump and some pvc, joins, hacksaw blades etc.

'Sides, since I moved into the place with the existing config, I had no idea how old the mechanicals were. The PO had the superpump feeding a SandMaster filter (which I think is for AG pools), so when I got the new pump I also installed a Taglius sand filter and my IG Liner pool is actually alot cleaner.

Ah, yes....is there a pool owner's equivalent to the proverbial "Monday Morning Quarterback"? If I knew then what I know now...which still isn’t much...lol...but I learn so much from this forum!

Thanks Al and Carl, and so glad that Andy found a cheap solution!

BTW, anyone need a used 3/4 HP Hayward Superpump with dirty contacts? Reeeeeeal cheap... LOL!

Peace