How Do You Install A Pool Pump
To install a pool pump, professionals will do the following:
Remove The Rear Bearing First
Setup the bearing puller on the rear bearing. The “teeth” of the puller should be positioned on the outside ring of the bearing to clear the retainer clip on the back. It goes without saying that the center post of the bearing puller should be aligned with the motor shaft. Turn the nut on the bearing puller to work the bearing off of the shaft. Once the bearing is off, check the id/model number stamped into the back side of the bearing. make sure that this matches the new bearing that you have bought.
When To Replace Your Pool Pump
The pool pump is an essential piece of equipment that will keep your pool clean, hygienic and warm. If the pool pump malfunctions then there should be alternatives that should be done. There are a set of new generation pool pumps with automatic controls, safety features and these pumps could be self-repaired by owners.
But you should know that not all pool pump problems can be self-repaired. These are complicated problems and troubles that only experts could be trusted on these matters and especially with electrical aspects.
If there any sign of wear and tear, it should given notice before things get worse. Additionally piping system, electrical wiring and other accessories which should be checked regularly for mechanical and electrical troubles.
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Dehydrated Pump During Start
Pool pumps should be run with enough water on the suction side. While some models are self-priming, there are others are primed manually. In case the motor is run without water on the system, this may over speed the motor shaft because it has no medium that will slow down the speed. The motor should be shut-off immediately to stop it from getting damaged further.
The Flow Rate Of The Pool Pump Is Low
If the flow rate of the pump has dropped, you will want to make sure there is nothing blocking the flow of the pump or filter. Check your filter gauge first. If you are above 10psi over the clean reading specified by the manufacturer, youll want to clean the filter to reduce the pressure and reset the flow back to the pool pump.
Next, check your pump basket and impeller for debris that would be blocking water flow. To remove the impeller, turn the power off to the pump and remove the screws in the middle of the pump body. Once the screws have been removed, pull the assembly out of the housing and remove the gasket away from the impeller, remove any debris and re-assemble.
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S To Replacing Noisy Pump Motor Bearings
1. Shut off power at the breaker. Remove motor from pump housing. Remove wiring harness from rear of motor.
2. Remove pump diffuser. Hold shaft at rear of motor with pliers/wrench, and spin impeller off shaft, counter-clockwise.
3. Lubricate 4 through-bolts with WD-40. Gently loosen and remove through-bolts. Mark or make a scratch across end bell and body of motor to line up later.
4. Use a flathead screw driver and small hammer to loosen and pry off the front end bell .
5. If entire rotor does not come out, pry off the rear end bell.
6. Clean the bearings and look closely at the bearing number. Look for 202, 203, 303 or 304. Buy these at a motor shop, or online pool motor parts.
7. Using bearing pullers, pull off the old bearings. Clean the shaft and use a tamping tool, or a piece of pvc pipe to help set the bearing in place on the shaft.
8. Reassemble the rotor into the stator, secure the end bells in the marked or scored positions made earlier, and tighten down the through-bolts.
9. Reassemble the impeller, wear ring , reverse threaded impeller screw , diffuser and wiring to rear of motor.
10. Test motor wiring by turning motor on briefly. Reinstall the motor into the pump, fill with water, and enjoy the new silence!
Removingthe Diffuser Impeller And Motor Plates
Youcan pull the diffuser off the bottom of the motor to see the impeller ringbelow. Twist off the impeller ring and unscrew the capacitor to reach the motorshaft underneath. Youâll need to remove the bolts at the bottom of the motorplate to remove the shaft. Disconnect the motor plate from the shaft.
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Common Issues That Make A Replacement Necessary
Replacing the motor in your pool pump is common for pool owners. It can break down after some time. Some of the usual issues that lead to motor replacement are corrosion on the outside or inside of the motor, failed bearings, the motors age, and failed capacitors.
Certain factors can speed up your motors decline. If it is not properly ventilated, the motor may be more prone to overheating, which can damage the motor and the pump. Harsh weather, like hurricanes and floods, can damage your motor, in the event of a natural disaster, store your motor inside on a flat surface.
Depending on its quality, pool pumps often last between 8 to 15 years. If the motor has been running for about ten years or more, it may be time to replace it. Though it may work well for another few months or a year, learning early on how to replace the motor can make the transition smooth and quick. Before you start this process, make sure you know its an issue with the motor and not the whole pump. If its the whole pump, head over to my recommendations for the best pool pump to replace it.
How To Wire A Pool Pump
After putting the new pump in place, you may want to wire the pool pump before attaching the plumbing, as the installed plumbing may limit your access to the pump motor.
- Turn off power at the home circuit breaker.
- Confirm the voltage requirements. Above-ground pool pumps usually come with a cord to plug into a grounded outlet and are 115 volts. In-ground pool pump motors are shipped at 230 volts but can be switched to 115 volts.
- Use a screwdriver to unscrew the cover of the back end of the motor. For safety, use insulated tools for wiring.
- Feed the three wires through a conduit fitting and into the back of the motor.
- Connect the power wires to the power terminal and connect the ground wire according to manufacturers instructions.
- Replace the motor cover with a screwdriver and restore power at circuit breaker.
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Should I Repair Or Replace My Pool Pump Motor Or The Whole Pump
This ultimate question depends on how the damage occurred and if you caught the issue in time.
Mechanical wear and tear can be complicated, especially for swimming pool pumps that operate outdoors and have very essential moving parts. It takes a qualified technician to check your pool pump for issues and to properly diagnose the problem.
Thats why Select Home Warranty offers home warranties on swimming pools and spas, including the pumping system, filtration system and heating system. When you experience a mechanical breakdown, you can place a claim which covers repairs and replacements covered under your terms of service.
Dont spend your summer wishing your pool was operating and get ahead of pool pump breakdowns with a home warranty instead.
Sign up today for your free quote on optional pool coverage to keep your pool open all season long! Select is here to shield your home and your wallet from costly breakdowns.
Common Pool Pump Issues
When theres a problem with your pool pump, youll notice many immediate issues. Once your pool pump is down for a few days, youll quickly notice algae scum building up.
Take care of these problems right away before your pool requires serious maintenance to re-open. The difference could amount to hundreds of dollars when deciding to replace the whole pool pump or just the motor mechanism.
Call us today to learn more about optional pool and spa coverage and recieve a free quote to begin comparing your options: 860-288-4791
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Pool Pump Replacement Cost
Owning a swimming pool involves keeping up with regular maintenance, including repairing the liner, repairing the heater and replacing the pool pump. Pool pumps are an important part of a pool’s filtration system, and they wear out over time. On average, a high-quality pool pump needs to be replaced every eight to 12 years. DIY pool pump replacement involves the cost of the replacement pool pump, which can run from $150 to $800 or more depending on the type. When hiring a professional, the cost includes the price of labor, which is an additional $80 to $200.
Disconnect And Remove The Old Pump
Remove the motor cover and disconnect the electrical wiring, and then disconnect all plumbing connections to the old pump. You may need to use an adjustable wrench to disconnect the plumbing, but be careful not to damage the connections because they will be needed for the new pump. Once the plumbing and electrical connections have been disconnected, the old pump can be removed.
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Removing The Motor Shell
At the rear of the motor, you should see 4 through bolts that hold everything in place. Remove these bolts and set them aside. The length of the bolt should be almost as long as your motor.
Once the long bolts are out, gently tap out the front end of the motor to ease out the shaft assembly to separate it from the motor shell
Pool Water Pump System Cost
A new pool water pump system with a timer costs between $750 and $1,550. Timers ensure that your pool doesnt run constantly and you wont have to manually turn the pump on and off. If youre adding a new filter as well, this could bump the total project costs up to $700 to $5,550. Get a project quote from a pool service near you.
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Remove The Motor Governor
No, were not talking about elections, were talking about a part of your pool pump. The image above should be a good representation of what youre looking at. As you can see, the governor is located under your pumps V-switch. Youll need to unscrew the V-switch and turn it to the side. No need to disconnect it.
Once the V-switch is out of the way, carefully unhook the springs on your governor with a small pair of needle nose pliers. Set aside the springs and remove the weights on the governor. You may need to spread apart the governor bracket to allow the weights to drop. Once the weights have dropped, you can use a flathead screwdriver to remove the screw holding the bracket into place and remove the bracket. Once the bracket is out, mark the frame of your body where the end bell connects with it. This is to make it easier to align it properly once everything is done.
How Much Does A Pool Pump Replacement Cost
The average cost for a pool pump replacement is $440, with prices ranging all the way from $80 to $800. These average costs do include the price of labor, as well.
Pool ownership will always require general maintenance throughout the year, including repairs to the pool liner and heater. Of course, occasionally you may have to replace the pump, as well. The pump is a vital component of the pools filtration system, making a replacement necessary when the time comes. When hiring a professional to replace the pump, one can expect to pay between $80-$200 for manual labor.
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Strange Soundscoming From The Motor
Ifeverything looks like itâs in good shape with the overall pump, itâs time tomove onto the motor. Motors are fairly straightforward. Theyâre either runningor theyâre not. The best way to make sure your motor is in good shape is to useyour ears. Keep the pump housing open, so you can listen closely to whatâshappening with the motor. You might want to wait until some of the other soundsin your neighborhood settle down for the evening. When itâs quiet, listen forthe following sounds:
Grinding
Ifyou hear a loud grinding sound, itâs usually a sign that the bearings aregetting worn down. The bearings are the part of the machine that keep the motorrunning. Your pump could be leaking water, or the bearings might need to bereplaced instead of the entire motor.
Screeching
Screechingis also a sign that your motor bearings need to be replaced. These loud, oftenpainful sounds could also be a sign of rust or oxidation, making it moredifficult for the bearings to do their job.
Humming
Whenyour motor is accompanied by a strange humming sound, it usually means thecapacitor has failed. This component provides a charge so the motor will runconsistently. The most likely reason your capacitor has failed is a surchargeof electricity that causes the capacitor to overheat. You can replace thecapacitor instead of replacing the entire motor.
Pops and Clicks
No Sound at All
Ifyour motor is completely silent, it probably means the motor is dead and itneeds to be replaced.
Flow Rate Of The Pool Pump Is Low
If the flow rate of the pump has dropped, you might want to make sure there is nothing blocking the flow of the pump or filter. This can be done by checking your filter gauge first. If you are above 10 psi over the clean reading specified by the manufacturer, you should clean the filter to reduce the pressure and reset the flow back to the pool pump.Next, check your pump basket and impeller for debris that would be blocking water flow. To remove the impeller, turn the power off to the pump and remove the screws in the middle of the pump body. Once the screws have been removed, pull the assembly out of the housing and remove the gasket away from the impeller, remove any debris and re-assemble.
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The Pool Pump Is Making A Humming Noise And Will Not Start
If your pool pump will not start and you hear a humming noise, check you impeller for any debris. If debris starts to build, it can block the impeller and disable the pool pump. To check the impeller, turn the power off to the pump and remove the screws in the middle of the pump body. Once the screws have been removed, pull the assembly out of the housing and remove the gasket away from the impeller, remove any debris and re-assemble.
How To Replace The Bearings In A Pool Pump
Pool pumps filter water with the use of a bladed impeller, which sucks the pool water in and passes it through a mesh filter or pump basket before sending it back into the pool. If the filter isn’t emptied regularly, over time the weight from built up debris cracks the filter. As water continues to flow through the pump, debris passes through the cracked filter and catches on the impeller blades, which clogs it. This forces the pump motor to work harder in an effort to move the clogged impeller, which in turn causes the pump motor to overheat. Pump motor bearings become damaged and need to be replaced when the pump overheats.
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Turn off the power to the pool pump at the circuit breaker.
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Disconnect the pump from the filter. Turn the discharge hose’s union collars counterclockwise to loosen them. Unscrew the intake and outflow PVC pipes or hoses to remove them.
3
Remove the rear pump housing that covers the wiring harness of the pump motor. Your pump may have four bolts holding the housing to the pump, or a metal band with a bolt that holds on the housing. Remove the bolts with a wrench. If they will not move easily, spray a little WD-40 or machine oil onto the threads. Wait five minutes to allow the oil to soak into the threaded part of the bolt, then unscrew the bolts and remove the pump motor housing.
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Remove the pump impeller. Twist the diffuser off of the pump motor.
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References
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Does It Make Sense To Repair My Pool Pump Motor
When it comes to a failed pool pump motor, the pool owner is faced with that eternal question, repair or replace?
The first thing to check is if its still under warranty. For a pump that still has the original motor, you would contact the manufacturer of the entire pump. If you have already replaced the motor before, you would contact the manufacturer of the motor. As most pump and motor warranties are only 1 year, you might be out of luck but its worth double checking the purchase date.
Assuming you are out of warranty, you have a decision to make. A replacement motor is generally going to cost you in the neighborhood of $150 $300 depending on the horsepower. Add another $15 $30 for the absolutely necessary, non-negotiable new shaft seal. Can you repair it instead for less? Probably. Is it worth it? Maybe.
Heres the deal with repairing pool motors. You have to figure out the actual problem first. Is it the capacitor, the bearings, an electrical short? If youre mechanical and handy and know your way around a pool pump, then it could be fairly easy for you to diagnose the issue and even repair it yourself.
If you are in the throes of the repair / replace debate and want one of our techs to chime in, please feel free to call us at 877-372-6038.
