Is this noise normal? Hayward TriStar 950

[Isasate]

Hi there,

I got this Hayward Tristar 950 installed 2 months ago, and since day one is making this rattle noise. I want to check with you here to see if this is how it is supposed to sound like, or if I make use of the warranty.

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Don't worry, it's not malware, I promise you. Turn the volume up so you can hear it clearly. Sounds 10 times worse in person.

Context: I shared this video with the people in the Facebook group "Salt Water Pools", and everyone told me no, it is not normal. Probably the bearings, something in the impeller, etc. When I confronted my PB, the sales rep told me "this is an indication of dirty filters, there's no good flow of water through the pump, the owner needs to clean it regularly". I call it BS, filters where just cleaned by their cleaning guy. So they sent this cleaning guy the next day and he tells us the noise is totally normal. He checked the impeller just in case. Nothing. Same noise. He told us he would send the video to their "tech contact" before actually using the warranty. The next day he tells us the tech guy says there's nothing wrong with it, so if we decide to have someone dispatched from Hayward we would have to assume the cost of their fee in case they don't find anything wrong with it.

Therefore here I am. Should I go ahead and tell them to send someone, or should I let it go and accept how noisy these pumps are?

I'm not saying it should be quiet. My issue is the rattling noise.

 

[willygee]

Do you have pressure gauge reads at low and max rpm's?
My neighbor has a Tristar VS....barely hear it at low rpms.

 

[ajw22]

Edit the subject line and put TriStar 950 in it to get the attention of other TriStar 950 owners.

I hear what you are talking about. I have not heard a TriStar 950 to know how normal that is. I would not call it a rattle. And it does not sound like bad bearings. It sounds like there is a bit of an imbalance in the pump. Maybe from the fan blades in the rear.

There is a range of acceptable tolerance and it is hard to say if Hayward will say this is acceptable.

I would put your PB on notice in writing about the possible warranty issue with your pump. You have the video documenting the way it is now. See if the sound changes over the next 6 months. If the sound stays the same then you just have a noisy pump. If the sound changes then there is something going on and push the warranty claim.

 

[proavia]

I just installed a new Tristar 950 on Monday. It doesn't make that noise at any rpm. As Allen stated, it doesn't sound like a rattle or bearings but more like the rear fan blades ticking against something - possibly the metal fan cover/shroud.

Notify the PB. They may choose to remove the fan cover/shroud to see if the noise stops. If it does, they need to adjust the cover/shroud - and should put it back on the motor. Do not allow them to just leave it off if the noise stops when removed.

 

[Isasate]

Thank you all... The issue is my PB is, well, terrible, and has already stated there is nothing wrong with the way it sounds. They won't send anyone to check it or make adjustments. If it is improper installation, Hayward won't service the pump.

I just installed a new Tristar 950 on Monday. It doesn't make that noise at any rpm.

Would it be too much asking of you could get me a video of a running Tristar 950? Seems like the only way we have to make them (PB) do something about is if we show them hard evidences. They won't accept our word or our videos. They simply say "I don't hear anything" "There's nothing unusual about it"

 

[Isasate]

Do you have pressure gauge reads at low and max rpm's?

At 1750rpm it always reads 2.5psi. PB said if it reach 10, clean the filter.

I can add more readings tomorrow with different rpm's.

My neighbor has a Tristar VS....barely hear it at low rpms.

My neighbors are not happy.

 

[mknauss]

At 1750rpm it always reads 2.5psi. PB said if it reach 10, clean the filter.

At 25% rise of filter pressure over clean, it is time to clean the filter. So at 1750 psi, that is a bit over 3 psi.

I suggest you get a clean filter pressure at a higher rpm. Then use that level to check the filter each week.

 

[proavia]

Reference post #5 - they aren't going to believe some random person on the internet providing a video/sound of his pump running either.

It may be best to call Hayward directly and mention that your PB hasn't done anything to address the issue. Maybe they will offer to have another authorized dealer to come out to troubleshoot the issue.

 

[Isasate]

they aren't going to believe some random person on the internet providing a video/sound of his pump running either.

They would, but thanks. Besides, it would be helpful just for my peace of mind. If a normal running Trist 950 pump sounds just like mine, I will let it go. If not, I will press them to do something.

They did offer to file a warranty claim and send someone from Hayward, but I will have to face the fee if they don't find anything wrong with it. That's why I wanted to make sure...

At 25% rise of filter pressure over clean, it is time to clean the filter. So at 1750 psi, that is a bit over 3 psi.

I suggest you get a clean filter pressure at a higher rpm. Then use that level to check the filter each week.

My bad. I was reading the psi wrong! I went to my pump and got the following:

- 1750rpm - 5psi
- 2300rpm - 10psi
- 2875rpm - 12.5psi

I also tested it at 1150rmp, and got 0?


Are these readings normal?

 

[ajw22]

Yes, those psi readings are normal.

 

[Toxophilite]

For comparison, here's a video of decibel readings for a 900 at 1,700, 3,400, and 1,000 rpms.

 

[Isasate]

For comparison, here's a video of decibel readings for a 900 at 1,700, 3,400, and 1,000 rpms.

Thanks. That's the only video I found before posting here, but I'm not able to tell if I hear that noise in particular that my pump is making.

 

[Toxophilite]

Thanks. That's the only video I found before posting here, but I'm not able to tell if I hear that noise in particular that my pump is making.

In my opinion, your pump has an abnormal sound. One, it's way loud for such low RPM, and two, it's not a normal motor hum.

 

[mas985]

Sounds almost like the fan in the backend is either out of balance or even rubbing on something. Is it louder near the back of the motor vs the wet end side?

You might be able to remove the air shroud and see if the noise goes away.

 

[Isasate]

Took a while but the Hayward tech confirmed the motor needs to be replaced. Waiting to get it in stock. Good thing is the pump works fine so I don't have any problem waiting.