Hayward Pump questions

[rhosk]

I currently have a Hayward Super Pump, 3/4 HP that has been in use for over 15 years. I feel that the pump is on its last legs as it's getting more noisy this year as time goes on. Sometimes it's fine and other times, it's very noticeable.

In any event, a little background: I have a Hayward Micro-Clear DE-3600 Filter (flow rate 72 GPM). The pool is an in-ground 16x32 vinyl, @20K gallons. I installed solar panels on my roof last year and the rise is about 25 feet. The pump has handled this perfectly fine, but I'm wondering if it could stand a bit more horse power (maybe it caused the current pump to work slightly harder and attributed to it slowly failing?).

My questions:

Would it hurt to get a 1 HP pump replacement or should I stick with the 3/4 HP? Or conversely get even more HP?

And the pump description says it "must be hard wired". My current pump simply plugs into a GFCI standard 115VAC receptacle and is controlled by a switch above. Hopefully "must be hard wired" means I have to manually add the power cord? Or does it mean it must be hard wired to the circuit (w/o the receptacle)? Obviously, the receptacle's convenient as I store the pump away for winter.

[Poconos]

Hi Ron,
The pressure gauge will tell if you're taxing the pump. What kind of pressures do you normally run? 15 years? Part of me says if it lasted this long then it's good for another 15. Joking. Really depends on what is causing the noise. One or both of two things. Water pressure seal or bearings. The fact it is at times quiet still doesn't point to one or the other.
If you do replace it and that size has been working fine then stick with the same and save electricity. As for the solar 25' in the air, once it is filled with water it may as well be laying flat on the ground. Takes a little more poop to get the water up there but once filled, gravity helps on the downside.
Tell us the pressure and that may change our thoughts.
Al

[rhosk]

Wow, fast responses here

Pressure runs at about 16-17 PSI without the panels and 18-19 PSI with the panels. When I port the panels, I do have to restrict the flow on the output a tad (I use washers inside the outlet jets to do this) to add more pressure to purge air (I assume at the top of the panels). But this is what sends it from 18 to 19 PSI. I have a ball valve; I just haven't installed it yet.

Not a significant difference as you can see. And I can get the 1 HP pump for the same price as the 3/4 HP at Amazon (The 1 HP being free shipping), so I figured I might as well get the 1 HP - only if it would help. I'd like to save electricity too!

What do you think?

[mas985]

I wouldn't go any higher than a 3/4 HP. In fact, I am running a 1/2 HP (full rate) pump with solar and a 25' roof without any problem. The panels prime fine in less than about a minuite.

Also, I am surprised you need to restrict the returns at all. You shouldn't need to do that with only a 25' rise. Again, I am able to prime my panels with about 15 PSI. Have you tried it without the restriction?

[rhosk]

I wouldn't go any higher than a 3/4 HP. In fact, I am running a 1/2 HP (full rate) pump with solar and a 25' roof without any problem. The panels prime fine in less than about a minuite.

You've convinced me, thanks.

Also, I am surprised you need to restrict the returns at all. You shouldn't need to do that with only a 25' rise. Again, I am able to prime my panels with about 15 PSI. Have you tried it without the restriction?

If I run it without the restriction, it bubble-burps every several seconds or so. Not a major problem, but it does cease when I restrict it

Regarding the electrical... has anyone purchased a new pump recently? Will I just be able to remove my current cord and install/wire it on the new pump? Or have things changed in that arena?

[mas985]

Do you currently have the SP2605X7 pump (uprated 3/4 HP)? If so, that pump actually has a lower head curve than my 1/2 HP pump which might explain why you have having some trouble with priming. What is the filter pressure when you don't have the extra restriction?

[bobjersey]

And the pump description says it "must be hard wired". My current pump simply plugs into a GFCI standard 115VAC receptacle and is controlled by a switch above. Hopefully "must be hard wired" means I have to manually add the power cord? Or does it mean it must be hard wired to the circuit (w/o the receptacle)? Obviously, the receptacle's convenient as I store the pump away for winter.

I also have my Super Pump wired to a standard 3 prong grounded plug. My pump DID NOT come this way, I had to take it to a motor repair shop to have it done when the electric in my yard stopped working. My understanding is that Super Pumps always come WITHOUT the three prong grounded plug, so you may have to go to a shop to have this added.