DIY Pool Pump repair

[beowulf]

Our pool pump started whining and getting louder and louder. The last time this happened I took it in and had the bearings replaced. But that guy died and after many calls to 'pool service and repair' businesses, I cannot find anyone who repairs these anymore. I will keep calling but in the meantime, a question: Is this a possible DIY by ordering parts on-line? If not, and if I cannot find anyone who can repair the pump, I will have to replace the pump - not cheap. I may start trying motor repair businesses as well. Just thought I would inquire here while I continue to try to locate someone.

 

[beowulf]

Updated: Ignore above post. I have decided to buy a new variable speed pump (the only kind allowed in Cali) and do a DIY install. The new pump I am looking at is about $1,300. Locals want about $480 to install it, but I installed the last one myself, and have checked out the manual on this one, so I should be able to manage the install.

 

[scott_vt]

Good Evening beowulf,
I usually just change the pump out myself also. I have an inground pool with a Pac Fab Nautilus filter NS-48 DE. I think the last time I did it, I believe it was about $300 plus, of course that was a couple of years ago before inflation hit, Im sure its more now. You should be able to call up any assemblies on line to help you on assembly !

 

[beowulf]

Good Evening beowulf,
I usually just change the pump out myself also. I have an inground pool with a Pac Fab Nautilus filter NS-48 DE. I think the last time I did it, I believe it was about $300 plus, of course that was a couple of years ago before inflation hit, Im sure its more now. You should be able to call up any assemblies on line to help you on assembly !

After reading a number of reviews and talking to a few pool guys, I ordered a Pentair variable speed pump. The variable speed pumps are much more expensive than the single or two speed pumps, but in California, only varialble speep pool pumps are allowed. I installed the last two pumps and don't recall too many anxious moments but I am sure there were some. The reviews advise installation is not too bad, and I have found a youtube video already. DIY much better than paying the $480 the pool supply company wanted.

 

[WinterDeere]

Installation is easy. I have the Pentair SuperMax VS pump, and did the install myself. Pretty simple if you know basic plumbing and electric. Mine is on a 20A GFCI breaker, and I actually used the Fast-On terminals on the pump end, although I'd probably just screw down ring terminals if I were doing it again. Run 1/2" liquid tight from breaker panel to pump housing, inlet is 1/2" NPS.

If you have an arbor press and bearing splitter, the bearing swap shouldn't be too difficult either. I've never had one of these apart, but I've changed bearings on a dozen motors and circulator pumps in the past, never an enormous challenge. Using a 100W lightbulb to warm the bearing and chilling the shaft can help enormously with reassembly, no press needed.

 

[Williy]

To repair the pump you can get a box of o-rings from harbor
freight approx $10 and for the bearings you should be able to
get the bearings on line take the number off the bearing and
search for it

willy

 

[YanmarFever]

I repaired ours, it was easy, U-tube and bought the parts on Ebay !

The local pool stealer wanted 400 bucks to do it, I got it done in a few hours, just installed new bearings and o rings.

Be sure to turn the power OFF at the breaker first....

 

[WinterDeere]

Be sure to turn the power OFF at the breaker first....

LOL... yeah, they're a lot harder to repair when they're spinning 3200 RPM!

 

[jwmorris]

It’s not hard work but it is work. Worst one I ever messed with had an odd size proprietary bearing/seal they wouldn’t sell. I ended up opening up the bore for them .015 to fit an off the shelf part. I guess that’s a diy too but you would have to have more than the usual tools at home.

 

[dstig1]

Although it sounds like you are replacing, as noted all you need is a press. Now you may not have one but some local mechanic sure will. Bring in new bearings and the pump and have him press off the old and press on the new ones. Find a good local guy and he may do it for 10 bucks or something cheap. Something to keep in mind for the future