need pump motor advice

[dalejanus]

I have a 24ft above ground pool (4ft high). We got a new pump with motor 5 years ago running a hayward s166t sand filter. I think it is Pentair dynamo 1hp, but it's raining out right now so I don't want to try to read the label.

Anyway, when I started up this year, it would not turn, it would just hum. I took the front off and gave it a spin, and it started to work. Unfortunately, it is now very loud. Plus, it tripped the breaker once already and I'm worried it will keep tripping it.

I would like to replace it with a 2 speed motor so I can run it slow when the pool is not being used, and fast when we are using it, or vacuuming, etc.

Do I look for a motor and try to use my existing pump, or must I get a pump/motor combination?

Do I need 3/4 hp, 1hp or 1.5 hp?

Can any motor run two speeds with the correct wiring? OR must the motor be designed that way?

Does anybody have a favorite online pool store that can recommend?


Thanks.

---Dale

[waste]

Dale, I can't help you with where to find a motor, but will answer your other questions.

It sounds like the shaft seal assembly went bad on you and allowed water into the motor/ shaft If you have a small electric motor repair shop in town, you could take it there to clean it out and replace the bearings (only do this if they will warranty their work for 60 - 90 days - sometimes the motor will go bad in ~ a week, even if everything was fixed correctly )

I'd say go with the 3/4 or 1 HP for your pool and filter.

The motors have to come made to do the dual HP, and you'll need an electrician to properly wire a 2 speed pump (make sure they know what a 'single pole, double throw' is!)

I wish you well with this and hope that it is the only obstacle you encounter in maintaining your pool!

[Poconos]

Two summers ago I bought a 1/2 HP single speed from this place. Price was good and delivery in a couple days. They had quite a selection then and probably still do and it's probably a good place to start your search.

http://www.inyopools.com/

Al

[dalejanus]

Thanks for the advice.

There used to be a motor repair shop in town, but no longer.

So it's a new pump for me. According to www.inyopools.com dual speed pumps and motors seem to go for around $400. A new dual speed motor only is around $250. Yet there are many pump motor combinations for around $200.




Do I need to find out the flow rate? I thought I read somewhere that flow rate was more important the horsepower. That I should be turning over the entire 12,000 gallon pool in so many hours/day/etc.


Decisions, decisions.....

[mas985]

Do I need to find out the flow rate? I thought I read somewhere that flow rate was more important the horsepower. That I should be turning over the entire 12,000 gallon pool in so many hours/day/etc.


Decisions, decisions.....

When replacing a motor in a pump, you need to match the braking horsepower of the motor to the existing motor.

Brake horse power= Label horsepower * Service Factor

If your old pump does not have a service factor listed on the motor, then assume it is 1.0.

Picking a motor which is slightly larger than your existing motor is ok but you don't want to undersize the motor as it will quickly burn out. Oversizing the motor too much is a waste of energy so try to get as close as possible. Most pumps today have direct motor replacements so it shouldn't be too hard to find one.

[dalejanus]

The local pool store told me about a local motor repair shop. Sure enough, the seal leaked and ruined the bearing. They replaced both for $100 + tax. I just wanted to report a pool store that was helpful and did not try to sell me a new motor.

[waste]

It is possible to find a decent pool store

VERY GLAD that all is now well!