Looking for replacement suggestions - broken Pentair SuperFlo SF-N1-1A

[o_O]

Our Pentair superflo SF-N1-1A is broken - it makes a jamming sound when trying to turn on and then shuts down due to overheating.

It was installed in 2017 so I’m guessing it’s at the end of its 5-7 year lifespan (per google).

Local pool shop recommended replacing this 1HP unit with a Pentair IntelliFlo i2. Does that sound correct to experts here? It would be going from (what I think) is a single speed pump to variable speed. We have a 13,400 gallon pool.

I’m familiar with all the pool hardware options available, but our current setup is all Pentair, controlled by an easy touch system with an iChlor generator attached.

Would just be replacing one of the pumps at this time (the pool only since spa jet pump is working). Ideally it would be something that we can simply swap with the broken pump onto the existing plumbing lines.. does that sound reasonable or should I just hire someone to do it.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[ajw22]

What voltage, 120V or 240V, and size CB, 15A or 20A, is your existing pump connected to?

IntelliFlo® i1 and i2 Variable Speed and Pool Pump

The IntelliFlo i1 & i2 pumps move water more efficiently at lower speeds. They provide increased energy savings versus conventional pumps. Shop here!

www.pentair.com

The IntelliFlo i2 is specifically designed for setups that are limited to 15A circuit breakers. If you have a 240V 20A setup then other IntelliFlo pumps will give better high end performance.

Pentair IntelliFlo Pumps - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Post pics of your equipment pad.

 

[o_O]

I believe the pool panel is receiving 240V, each of the red and black line feeds read 120V with a multimeter.

The circulating pump is on a double pole 15A breaker on the bottom of the picture.

 

[o_O]

Here’s a video of the sound it makes when I turn the filter pump on:

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[JamesW]

Try a new capacitor.

 

[JamesW]

each of the red and black line feeds read 120V with a multimeter.

What is the voltage reading line to line (red dot to red dot)?

 

[o_O]

What is the voltage reading line to line (red dot to red dot)?

View attachment 467979

240V

 

[JamesW]

Ok, I would try a new capacitor.

Can you show the capacitor and the pump wiring compartment?

 

[JamesW]

SuperFlo® VST Pool Pump

Pentair SuperFlo VST Variable Speed Pool Pump for inground pools is for pools requiring up to a 1.5 HP pump. This pump is a TradeGrade product.

www.pentair.com

 

[o_O]

Ok, I would try a new capacitor.

Can you show the capacitor and the pump wiring compartment?

Yes - let me open it up. Appreciate your help.

 

[JamesW]

If you get a SuperFlo VST, you should replace the breaker with a 20 amp GFCI breaker.

Siemens 20 Amp Double Pole Type QPF2 GFCI Circuit Breaker US2:QF220AP - The Home Depot

Prevent a ground fault in construction applications like spas, hot tubs, kitchens or bathrooms with this Siemens Double Pole Type QPF GFCI Circuit Breaker.

www.homedepot.com

Note that if you change the breaker to 20 amps, the wire size going to the pump needs to be at least #12 AWG or larger.

What is the wire size going to the pump?

The wire size is printed on the wires.

240.4 Protection of Conductors

(D) Small Conductors

Unless specifically permitted in 240.4(E) or (G), the overcurrent protection shall not exceed that required by (D)(1) through (D)(7) after any correction factors for ambient temperature and number of conductors have been applied.

18 AWG Copper. 7 amperes, continuous loads do not exceed 5.6 amperes.

16 AWG Copper. 10 amperes, continuous loads do not exceed 8 amperes.

14 AWG Copper. 15 amperes.

12 AWG Copper. 20 amperes.

10 AWG Copper. 30 amperes.

 

[o_O]

Ok, I would try a new capacitor.

Can you show the capacitor and the pump wiring compartment?

The Phillips screws for the capacitor housing are so rusted that it’s difficult to remove one of them but I’ll keep trying.

The housing is brittle and shows signs of bulging above the screw that has no grip.

The housing makes a cracking sound when I squeeze it.

 

[o_O]

More pictures of the pump

 

[o_O]

Got it open with vice grips on the screw

Capacitor:

 

[JamesW]

If the screws break off, you can tape the cover back on with metal tape.

The corrosion indicates a probable seal leak and the motor is likely to be bad or near end-of-life.

A new capacitor might work for a while, but if you have a seal leak, you should get that fixed.

Probably time to begin considering a new pump.

The SuperFlo VST would be the easiest because the unions will match up for an easy swap.

Nashua Tape 2.83 in. x 50 yd. 330X Extreme Weather HVAC Foil Duct Tape 1906077 - The Home Depot

Designed to work in extreme temperatures, this Nashua Tape Extreme Weather HVAC Foil Tape is suitable for various insulation applications.

www.homedepot.com

 

[ajw22]

That motor has enough corrosion on it that it is time for a replacement.

 

[JamesW]

The capacitor looks ok, but you can't tell for sure without testing.

Does your meter test capacitance?

The reading should be 30 uF (microfarads).

Discharge before testing.

If the capacitor is charged, the motor is probably bad.

Wear eye protection when discharging the capacitor as they can potentially explode when discharged.

 

[o_O]

If you get a SuperFlo VST, you should replace the breaker with a 20 amp GFCI breaker.

Siemens 20 Amp Double Pole Type QPF2 GFCI Circuit Breaker US2:QF220AP - The Home Depot

Prevent a ground fault in construction applications like spas, hot tubs, kitchens or bathrooms with this Siemens Double Pole Type QPF GFCI Circuit Breaker.

www.homedepot.com

Note that if you change the breaker to 20 amps, the wire size going to the pump needs to be at least #12 AWG or larger.

What is the wire size going to the pump?

The wire size is printed on the wires.

240.4 Protection of Conductors

(D) Small Conductors

Unless specifically permitted in 240.4(E) or (G), the overcurrent protection shall not exceed that required by (D)(1) through (D)(7) after any correction factors for ambient temperature and number of conductors have been applied.

18 AWG Copper. 7 amperes, continuous loads do not exceed 5.6 amperes.

16 AWG Copper. 10 amperes, continuous loads do not exceed 8 amperes.

14 AWG Copper. 15 amperes.

12 AWG Copper. 20 amperes.

10 AWG Copper. 30 amperes.

Here’s what the inside of the power area looks like:

 

[JamesW]

Most likely, it's time for a new pump.

The motor has too much corrosion.

Try a new capacitor if you want, but the motor is probably dead or close to end of life.

Always check at least weekly for any signs of a seal leak and replace the seal as fast as possible at the first sign of a leak.

Always keep a spare seal available for a seal change as needed.

 

[o_O]

thanks for your help - going to get a few quotes on the superflo vst, the intelliflo ic2 quote was just under $2000. Yikes.

Here’s a picture of my multimeter - I don’t believe it can test for capacitance since there’s no symbol on the rotary dial (but it does have the capability in the instruction manual for some reason). It says to turn the dial to a symbol that doesn’t exist on my model.