Sta Rite Max-E-Pro rebuild or replace with Variable Speed Pump

[kkrause32081]

Greetings.
My single speed pump is not working cycling on and off making a noise that sounds like a electrical surge. I already replaced the capacitor (2 different ones to be sure) with no luck. The pump starts and runs for about 2 minutes then starts the on/off surge noise routine. I shut it down.

My local pool store is booked solid until August 8 so in the mean time I am trying my best to keep the water circulating using a small Harbor Freight pump and a garden hose and running my robotic cleaner daily.. I have the chlorine level on the high end (8-10 PPM) and the CYA is at 60. TA is 100 and pH is 7.6. Hoping to make it until they can either rebuild the existing pump or replace it with a variable speed pump that ties into my pentair automation system.

Here is my issue. I installed a solar electric system on my home a year ago and therefore electrical cost savings from the VSP is not an issue for me. The options I face are 1) rebuild existing pump (new motor, etc) for about 900 dollars all in with a 1 year warranty or 2) replace it with Pentair VSP for about 2,800 all in with a 3 year warranty. Since energy savings is not a big deal for me (I generate much more than I use), I am inclined to take the rebuild alternative.

Based on my circumstances, is there any reason you would not take the single speed rebuild alternative and if so why?

Is there anything else I can do over the next 10 days to keep my pool from getting cruddy?

 

[BoHpool]

You really need to give the particulars about your pool. Size, filter, sanitizer, etc.
Unless you have a giant pool you can get a cheaper pump. Jacuzzi VSP or BLACK+DECKER VSP has some good feedback on TFP.

 

[kkrause32081]

You really need to give the particulars about your pool. Size, filter, sanitizer, etc.
Unless you have a giant pool you can get a cheaper pump. Jacuzzi VSP or BLACK+DECKER VSP has some good feedback on TFP.

 

[kkrause32081]

Thank you for the reply. I have updated my signature which has the specifics of my pool. I considered the Black and Decker and others but the desire for integration with my automation system is a factor as well. The pump the have in stock is a 3 HP Intelliflow which seems like overkill but I am not mechanically inclined so I am limited as to my options

 

[1poolman1]

Thank you for the reply. I have updated my signature which has the specifics of my pool. I considered the Black and Decker and others but the desire for integration with my automation system is a factor as well. The pump the have in stock is a 3 HP Intelliflow which seems like overkill but I am not mechanically inclined so I am limited as to my options

A VSP is not a xxx HP pump, but a maximum xxx HP pump. The horsepower varies with the speed at which the motor runs. Always best to get the higher-rated one and turn it down to get the most benefit from its variable speeds.
Not all pumps with the same HP rating will do the same amount of work as there are different types of pump. The Pentair is a high-performance, and more costly, but very reliable pump that should integrate with your automation, though you don't say which you have.
There is an automation adapter that can be used to integrate the Black & Decker. It uses relay inputs so you would need open relays for that.

 

[kkrause32081]

A VSP is not a xxx HP pump, but a maximum xxx HP pump. The horsepower varies with the speed at which the motor runs. Always best to get the higher-rated one and turn it down to get the most benefit from its variable speeds.
Not all pumps with the same HP rating will do the same amount of work as there are different types of pump. The Pentair is a high-performance, and more costly, but very reliable pump that should integrate with your automation, though you don't say which you have.
There is an automation adapter that can be used to integrate the Black & Decker. It uses relay inputs so you would need open relays for that.

My automation system is the Pentair Intellitouch I 7 +3. I have been looking at the B&D pump as it has a 5 yr warranty and a nice price with some pretty decent reviews on here. My concern is trying to use the automation adapter and trying to figure out 1) how to do it (I sure have have open relays) and what that translates to on the Pentair Screenlogic connect app. If I can come to grips with that issue, I will be able to have a new pump that I can control from my phone app for about 300 bucks more than the rebuild price from the pool store.... I like those economics

 

[1poolman1]

My automation system is the Pentair Intellitouch I 7 +3. I have been looking at the B&D pump as it has a 5 yr warranty and a nice price with some pretty decent reviews on here. My concern is trying to use the automation adapter and trying to figure out 1) how to do it (I sure have have open relays) and what that translates to on the Pentair Screenlogic connect app. If I can come to grips with that issue, I will be able to have a new pump that I can control from my phone app for about 300 bucks more than the rebuild price from the pool store.... I like those economics

Pump won't show up on your phone app. You will name and then program the relays to actuate at a certain time. That will send a signal through the adapter to the pump to run at the speed set on the pump. You will see what circuits are active on the app but won't have control through it other than on and off.