Swimming Pool Pumps - Questions

[MrPlum]

Yesterday one of the pool pumps stopped working. It was buzzing when switched on and on inspection it seems to have blown a capacitor? Or is it some kind of starter? (see bottom end). It may also have shorted and damaged the wiring inside (haven't had this checked yet).



We have a second pump to supply the Jacuzzi, which leaks, so isn't used, which means I can swap it out with the original pump. The Jacuzzi pump is more powerful. 9.7A vs 5.6Amp. I have done the swap anyway but need to check I'm not setting myself up for problems later by using a more powerful pump.

The Q's...

1. If the pump rating is almost double, will the water in the pool turn over twice as fast? If so, do I run the pump for less time. i.e. half the time.

2. Will running costs also double?

3. Will more pressure be put on pipework, seals, etc with the higher rating? Is this still ok? ( I assume 'yes' since it was running the jacuzzi).

4. Is it normal for a main pool pump to be less powerful than a jacuzzi?

5. I've been quoted 700 thb for a new capacitor and approx 4000 for a rewire. Does this sound right?

For anyone in the know, the defective pump is a Waterco Supatuf 150. The replacement is a Supatuf 300

Thanks for any advice.

[PeteC]

The Q's...

1. If the pump rating is almost double, will the water in the pool turn over twice as fast? If so, do I run the pump for less time. i.e. half the time.

2. Will running costs also double?

3. Will more pressure be put on pipework, seals, etc with the higher rating? Is this still ok? ( I assume 'yes' since it was running the jacuzzi).

4. Is it normal for a main pool pump to be less powerful than a jacuzzi?

5. I've been quoted 700 thb for a new capacitor and approx 4000 for a rewire. Does this sound right?

For anyone in the know, the defective pump is a Waterco Supatuf 150. The replacement is a Supatuf 300

Thanks for any advice.

Here's some but not all. 150 means 1.5 horsepower and 300 means 3.0 HP. I don't know where, when you got the 300 as the company doesn't seem to sell or even advertise them any longer.

http://www.026916789.com/download/02691 ... upatuf.pdf

Following is only opinion:

1. Faster but not twice as fast. I would run it 25% less.
2. Not double but increase.
3. Shouldn't be a problem
4. Yes, as with a hot tub you get/want the strong volcanic bubbling action.
5. Don't know. Pete

[PeteC]

Now that I've had a coffee....concerning #2, I would say that as your pool pump has been running 4-6 hours daily probably for years, it's become much less efficient in terms of electrical consumption as it wears and nears the end of life. Your Jacuzzi pump although double in power I would bet has not run more than an few hours per week since installed. That to me means better efficiency and although higher power consumption, not double. If you run the 300 25% less as well, I would think it may be an even trade off in power consumption. Let us know when the bill arrives. Pete

[STEVE G]

5. I've been quoted 700 thb for a new capacitor and approx 4000 for a rewire. Does this sound right?

It's not unreasonable MrP; that capacitor would cost about 10 dollars commercially.
I would just try changing it as I can't think of a reason why a wiring problem would blow a capacitor.

[MrPlum]

Thanks prcscct and steve.

I'll replace the capacitor as a first step and see if that does the trick. Waterco have an agent in Bangkok. I'll give them a call.

[oakdale160]

I have a 6m x3m pool. I chlorinate by putting solid CH blocks in the skimmer,
How many hours a day would you advise that I run the pump??

[NOKYAI]

I hour for every 10C of ambient temp is what I was once told

[oakdale160]

Any other oplnions

[PeteC]

Here's a general guide.

http://www.wikihow.com/Know-How-Many-Ho ... ool-Filter