Replace old Hayward NorthStar pump

[Mimi Pool]

I don't know how old the pump is, but the motor was replaced about 15 years ago so I think it logical to replace the whole pump at this time. 1.5HP 230V model SP4010X152NS. In shopping online I see mention of "drop-in replacement" options but have my doubts and expect the replacement will have to be replumbed. I've had little luck getting info from Hayward, only a boilerplate message in response to a detailed form that required model and serial numbers. The company that opens and closes sent a quote for a Pentair unit for an installed price of over $3700 since we told them at closing the pump seemed to be failing. Any insights will be appreciated.

 

[1poolman1]

I don't know how old the pump is, but the motor was replaced about 15 years ago so I think it logical to replace the whole pump at this time. 1.5HP 230V model SP4010X152NS. In shopping online I see mention of "drop-in replacement" options but have my doubts and expect the replacement will have to be replumbed. I've had little luck getting info from Hayward, only a boilerplate message in response to a detailed form that required model and serial numbers. The company that opens and closes sent a quote for a Pentair unit for an installed price of over $3700 since we told them at closing the pump seemed to be failing. Any insights will be appreciated.

Do you have automation? If so, it is likely Hayward/Goldline and you would need to get a Hayward VSP to be completely compatible. If not, look into the Waterway PD-270. Its a great pump and costs less than most Pentair units.
Another plus is that when/if the motor dies (they all do eventually) it can be replaced with another Nidec Neptune NPTQ270 that Waterway uses, or whatever 2.7 THP motor is available at the time.

 

[Mimi Pool]

There is no automation. Historically it has run all the time on low speed except for 4-6 hours overnight on high, except when we choose to run on high like to run the vacuum. This is controlled by a mechanical timer or manually. I figured the new pump would have a keypad on the unit and we'd be happy with that. I looked up the Waterway on Amazon - reviews not good.

 

[1poolman1]

There is no automation. Historically it has run all the time on low speed except for 4-6 hours overnight on high, except when we choose to run on high like to run the vacuum. This is controlled by a mechanical timer or manually. I figured the new pump would have a keypad on the unit and we'd be happy with that. I looked up the Waterway on Amazon - reviews not good.

Not sure what the Amazon reviews say, but I have installed about 30 of those pumps over the years and have not had a single customer call for an issue. I wouldn't sell a product that caused me to have to return for free to do a warranty service/replacement on a regular basis. Yes, some products fail, but my experience with these is very good.
I lose nothing if you don't get one. I receive nothing if you do get one. Your pool, your money, your choice.
You can't go wrong with Hayward, Pentair, Jandy either, except for the cost.

 

[Mimi Pool]

That's a more credible review than random Amazon, I didn't know your depth of experience with installs. Do you have any thoughts on the installed quote for the Pentair?

 

[1poolman1]

That's a more credible review than random Amazon, I didn't know your depth of experience with installs. Do you have any thoughts on the installed quote for the Pentair?

I don't know what the pricing is on the East coast. It also depends a lot on which Pentair pump will be installed, but that would seem a bit high for my area, even if it was an IntelliFlo 3, 3hp.
Regardless of the change in pump, there will be some, perhaps extensive, re-plumbing involved that could add to the cost. Also, is it being installed to automation that needs programming?

 

[Mimi Pool]

Upon further review I noticed that the quote includes providing and installing a safety vacuum release unit. Is this required by updated regulations? Based on the price of such devices this would increase cost significantly, so we can leave the cost issue aside.

Quote is for a Pentair WhisperFlo VST 2.5. Extensive re-plumbing should not be needed, just that which is necessary to fit the new pump vs old. Automation is not a priority, we'd be happy using a keypad on the unit.

Thanks for all your help.

 

[1poolman1]

Upon further review I noticed that the quote includes providing and installing a safety vacuum release unit. Is this required by updated regulations? Based on the price of such devices this would increase cost significantly, so we can leave the cost issue aside.

Quote is for a Pentair WhisperFlo VST 2.5. Extensive re-plumbing should not be needed, just that which is necessary to fit the new pump vs old. Automation is not a priority, we'd be happy using a keypad on the unit.

Thanks for all your help.

Federally, SVRS units are required on some commercial/public pools only and there are local requirements. Much depends on the in-pool suction ports. On a residential pool, your state or county may require them.
If so it really shouldn't add more than $500 -$600 to the installation, especially if the Vac-Less device is used. In my opinion the best for safety and convenience. Once installed, a simple screw-in process, they need virtually no maintenance and just work.

 

[Mimi Pool]

Very insightful. Though it was like pulling teeth, I got a recommendation from Hayward - TriStar VSP 900 1.85HP. Keypad controller on the unit, gives me all the flexibility I need. I was told that 2.7HP units would only be needed for pools >40,000 gallons. On to finding someone to install it.

 

[Newdude]

Though it was like pulling teeth

I feel ya. The large company i asked for a quote said SVRS was code. I had one for 8.5 years and suffered with 175 nuisance trips when it hiccuped while vacuuming, or sometimes, maybe the neighbor farted and i just didn't know why. I sent the large builder the code, and highlighted the part that my dual VGBA compliant drains removed the SVRS requirement. He still argued for a while longer and only relented if I signed a waiver. For that and a dozen other reasons, I went with the other guy.

was told that 2.7HP units would only be needed for pools >40,000 gallons

A 1HP single speed pump would work for most pools. But the builder isn't the one paying the electric bill for the generation the pump lasts.

 

[1poolman1]

Very insightful. Though it was like pulling teeth, I got a recommendation from Hayward - TriStar VSP 900 1.85HP. Keypad controller on the unit, gives me all the flexibility I need. I was told that 2.7HP units would only be needed for pools >40,000 gallons. On to finding someone to install it.

Get the 2.7, run the rpm even slower than the 1.85 to get the most energy savings. The phone techs at Hayward still work off the "turnover" standard of old, but A VSP doesn't need to work like that.
I have the original Hayward VSP, an EcoStar 2.7 for my 22K gallon pool. It runs 15 hours/day starting at 2:00AM, mostly at 1250 rpm, and could probably run less rpm but I set it that way when I first installed it about 15 years ago and am too lazy to change. Cost is about $20.00/month. My pool is trashed from recent storms, and we're getting a bigger one tonight, but the water still sparkles.
When the motor finally dies, usually it is the electronics in a VSP that goes bad not the motor itself unless it is damaged by water, I will replace it with the Nidec NPTQ270, the one used on the Waterway PD-270. They operate virtually the same way, just minor differences in the way the programming is done.