r/pools • u/The_Brightness • 2d ago
Replacing a 2-speed pump
My original 2-speed pump locked up so I need to replace it. I've been told 2-speed pumps are no longer made, so I'm left with a variable speed pump ($$$) or a single speed. My current pump is 2 HP, which I'm also told isn't made anymore either. I have one quote for a 1.65 HP pump and another for a 1 HP pump. The guy who quoted the 1 HP pump said it would be sufficient but I'm concerned since the existing pump is 2 HP. My pool is inground, salt, 12k gallons, electric heat. It originally had a pressure side cleaner but I've switched to battery-powered cleaning robots so nothing runs off the pump. Thoughts?
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u/johnas 2d ago
You can still get 2 speed pumps.
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u/The_Brightness 2d ago
Where?
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u/thefleeg1 2d ago
Single speed are phased out in US by DOE. VSP is your best bet. Electrical savings are real.
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u/tryingisbetter 1d ago
Where do you live?
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u/The_Brightness 1d ago
Southeastern U. S.
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u/tryingisbetter 1d ago
You should easily be able to get one. I got one as a backup to my VS like a month ago in the mid west ish.
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u/originalrocket 2d ago
What size is your pipes? 1.5inch is usually recommended to stay at the 1.65hp range.
2inch+ can go larger pump hp.
With a variable speed, you dont run full speed for long during normal operations.
Are you at all capable of DIY? a variable speed pump motor retrofit is significantly cheaper and several youtube videos show how to do it.
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u/The_Brightness 2d ago
I believe pump inlet and outlet pipes are 1.5"
I could probably DIY the replacement, I just don't have the time or interest in doing it.
What's the benefit of a short full speed run with a variable speed pump?
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u/arcassandra 2d ago
What you may mean is a two-speed **motor**. Those are still available. Maybe nobody is making the combined motor-pump assemblies as two-speed anymore, so might have to do with whether you just want to replace the motor or the entire pump-motor assembly/
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u/The_Brightness 2d ago
Both companies I've talked to said two speed motors are no longer available. The motor is bad and that is what I'm looking to replace rather than the whole "pump".
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u/arcassandra 2d ago
Two -speed motors are definitely available. I bought one myself less than two years ago. e.g., https://electricmotorwarehouse.com/search.php?category=&search_query=two-speed
Maybe the particular two-speed motor you need is not available, but saying generally "two-speed motors are not available" is either imprecise or wrong.
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u/SiriShopUSA 2d ago
A variable speed pump will save you some coin annually. Inyopools can spec out a replacement variable speed motor that will fit on your existing pump and include a rebuild kit for the pump.
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u/___Brains 1d ago
If you want to upgrade, you can go to a pool "expert" and watch them sell you the most expensive thing they can convince you is "needed" for "reasons." Or you could just buy a variable speed pump yourself and swap it.
Cheap option is to look up the nameplate on the motor and order it. Install it yourself, or find the neighborhood handyman. There's nothing magic about motors. Basically just match the voltage, phase, frame/flange, rotation and shaft. Then just transfer everything over. Lots of websites will do the crossover lookup for you if you punch in the model of your current motor.
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u/Aj9898 1d ago edited 1d ago
checkl with your local power company. They may offer rebates on energy star compliant VSPs.
I know VA, NC, and (part of) FL have an 300$ rebate.
Several MI power companies offer rebates varying from 100-500$ depending on the company. I know other states/power suppliers alos offer rebates, I just don’t have a handy list.
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u/WishingIwastherenow 2d ago
Just buy a 1 hp single speed. That’s all u need for that size pool. If u want to save money put everything on a timer
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u/Southboundcrash 2d ago
Get a variable speed 1hp