Pump motors and rain

[Vash_151]

Hey guys, home owner/not a professional, have a question.

I installed a new Nidec Neptune 2.7 variable speed motor earlier this week. I was reading through the user manual for setup and one warning it mentioned was to avoid getting the motor and control panel wet. Well with my luck, woke up to it raining fairly heavily this morning (first real steady rain in over 100 days here).

My question is, when they say keep it away from water, do they mean sitting in water? Or will rain water hitting the outside of the motor really cause damage? I was going to be adding a solid roof to my pump area instead of the shade structure that's currently there, but wasn't planning on it raining so soon. I also can't think of a way to always keep it dry without fully enclosing the motor, but in Arizona, the temps inside an enclosed area would cook the motor regardless.

This is the first variable speed motor I've had, I don't want to mess the new motor up, but should I be concerned about it getting wet via rain? It's not sitting in water, the motor is on a stand to keep it elevated and the area is gravel with great drainage and has never pooled water anywhere near the pump.

 

[Jimrahbe]

V,

I know nothing about your specific pump but...

Until recently I had three pools, that all had the same equipment.. My pool's equipment is in a shed, and the two rent house pools had their equipment out in the open..

All three had 3 HP IntelliFlo pumps... As of today, all three pumps work, just like the did when they were new..

I guess my point is that most pool pumps are built to be installed outside, in the rain or shine, it should not matter.

Maybe Neptune, has realized that they have some potential for water to get into the control panel, and have added a warning.. In any case, it won't hurt to keep the water off the pump's control panel if you can.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Vash_151]

V,

I know nothing about your specific pump but...

Until recently I had three pools, that all had the same equipment.. My pool's equipment is in a shed, and the two rent house pools had their equipment out in the open..

All three had 3 HP IntelliFlo pumps... As of today, all three pumps work, just like the did when they were new..

I guess my point is that most pool pumps are built to be installed outside, in the rain or shine, it should not matter.

Maybe Neptune, has realized that they have some potential for water to get into the control panel, and have added a warning.. In any case, it won't hurt to keep the water off the pump's control panel if you can.

Thanks,

Jim R.

Thats what was making me question why they had the warning. My previous motor was a century 2hp single speed, it was in the shade, but not protected from rain and it lasted probably 10-12 years before the bearings went out. I know they're not supposed to be sitting in water, but didn't think rain would be an issue until I read the manual on the motor.

 

[Newdude]

IMO it's either stating the obvious to redirect your nearby sprinklers or gutter downspouts so the pump/controller don't get wet more than their fair share, or it's a free pass for warranty avoidance.

 

[TinFoilHat]

Pumps are designed to be out in the weather, just not submerged in it.