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pool pump motor

4.2K views 13 replies 8 participants last post by  MDShunk  
#1 ·
i have not done much motor work but a buddy of mine has a pool pump motor that has recently started tripping the breaker. The motor nameplate says it draws 15 amps and it has been working fine all of a sudden on start up it drawing about 67 amps and tripping the breaker. Im sure its a problem with the motor but i was curious if anyone could tell me the problem? Thanks
 
#6 ·
That's a pretty typical presentation for a failing pool or spa motor. These things are pretty cheap (a one horse pump and motor assembly is roughly 250 bucks) Normally, I just replace the motor and pump as an assembly. It's nearly as cheap that way, and you have A LOT LESS problems in the future. I get a couple nice catalogs that have the major brands, Heyward, Mears, AO Smith, etc. Darned if I can remember any of those catalog's names. Maybe something like In The Swim.
 
#10 ·
Yes. Many years of working on this stuff you just know you are better off replacing the complete motor and pump. Install a couple unions too. The next guy will thank you.

Think about how many things can go wrong if you disassemble the motor from the pump. Maybe you bust the impeller, loose the mech. seal and cannot find a replacement, bearings anyone. To many things to make a 1 hour job into a possible two, three day downtime waiting for parts or trying to figure out how to get the thing back together.
Don't forget the unions!