Variable Speed Pool Pump Motor Recall – Due to Electrical Shock Risk

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a voluntary recall for the Nidec Motor Corporation – Variable Speed Pool Pump Motor. According to the variable speed pool pump recall issued on October 11th, 2011, the product called Ecotech EZ Variable Speed Pool Motors has a high risk of electrical shock because it is not grounded or covered properly.

Please be advised that it is illegal to attempt to resell this product and all consumers should cease use of this product immediately. For further product information, consumers should contact Nidec Motor Corporation directly at toll free (866) 278-6920. Due to the inherent safety risks involved with electrical home appliances, always make sure that the pool products you buy are certified through a reliable source such as U.L. Listed products for product quality assurance.

Related Blogs

New Product | Hayward EcoStar Variable Speed Pool Pump

ENERGY EFFICIENT | Hayward EcoStar Variable Speed Pool Pump

Hayward Pool Products proudly introduces the latest in swimming energy savings with its new Hayward EcoStar Variable Speed Pool Pump. This pool pump was first introduced in January 2011 and is strictly design to save pool owners money on wasted energy cost. Engineered and tested, this pool pump is proven to save you up to 90% on energy cost compared to the single speed pool pump. Reliable Pool Solutions believes this will replace the previously marketed Hayward TriStar Energy  Solution Variable Speed Pool Pump because of its revolutionary design and drastic improvements. The Hayward EcoStar Variable Speed Pool Pump is in direct competition with the Pentair IntelliFlo Variable Speed Pool Pump that entered the market in early 2007. Like the Pentair IntelliFlo, the Hayward EcoStar matches the pool pump flow needs, versus running at full power 100% of the time like the Single Speed Pool Pumps will.

Now with the Hayward EcoStar, you can save significant time and money by installing the EcoStar, without having to buy additional equipment or accessories. The EcoStar comes complete with a variable speed motor that is the power house for this pump. It is designed with a super efficient permanent magnetic motor that has a built in totally enclosed fan cooled, not air cooled. The EcoStar is also fully programmable with a self-contained 24 hour time clock, has up to 8 fully programmable customized speeds and timer functions that allow this pump to manage water flow throughout the day. EcoStar also has the SVRS (suction vacuum release system) feature available that helps prevent suction entrapment without additional devices, plumbing or wiring. The Hayward EcoStar can be controlled by the ProLogic, OnCommand or third party controllers. For a new construction or after market upgrade this pool pump is a top rated choice for true energy savings!

New Product | Pentair WhisperFloXF High Performance Pool Pump

Pentair WhisperFloXF In-ground Pool Pump

Introducing the next generation of Pentair WhisperFlo, the Pentair WhisperFloXF High Performance Pool Pump. This pool pump design has taken the original WhisperFlo concept and made it even better. With the most advanced engineering tools available, Pentair has redesigned a proprietary impeller to deliver a higher level of precision concentricity for increased efficiency. The improved hydraulic design increases water flow smoothness within the volute making it more efficient and smoother water flow. The WhisperFloXF now has the pumping capacity to flow as much as 200 gpm (gallons per minute).  A revolutionary improvement for residential and commercial applications, especially those pools requiring a larger volume of water output like the negative edge pools. Unlike other pool pumps, this is sure to make a huge stir in the swimming pool industry!

Features:

• Will be available in a wide variety of horse power sizes including 3hp.
• Dual compartment motor for easier wiring.
• New hydraulic isolator separates priming water from pumping water for a quicker prime.
• Turbulence free volute increasing water flow and efficiency.
• 2 1/2″ and 3″ suction and discharge union ports.
• Diamond seals made of oxidation-resistant, self-retaining rubber increased durability and tight seal.
• Extra large pump basket.

Why Are There Air Bubbles In My Swimming Pool?!

Why is my Pool Pump So Loud?!

The pool pump that makes loud noises is usually caused from the bearings starting to fail. This is most frequently noticed shortly after a down pour of rainy weather. The most common reason for bearing failure is due to poor drainage around your pool equipment; causing water to pool up around the pool pump and the electrical components. When this occurs, water seeps into the pool pump motor vent hole which are designed to cool the motor and expel excessive heat from the motor. This water soaks the bearings and strips the bearings from any grease or other lubricated substance and over time will start to show symptoms of rust and corrosion. These symptoms are often noticed by a gradual increase in a high pitch noise when the motor is running.

Is this bad for my pool pump? Yes because it is now creating an ever increasing load on the electrical motor due to the added friction from the failing bearings. At worst case scenario the motor could catch fire. More often then not, the loud high pitch noise will be enough to get you to replace the pool pump motor.

Reliable Solutions:
The best course of action to prevent this in the future is to always maintain clean and clear drainage around your pool equipment. Always ensure water never collects around the pool pump. Placing the pool pump on a hard concrete slab with a proper drain is the best!  Also if you ever consider replacing your older style pool pump, look into the newer variable speed pool pumps. Many pool product manufacturers are developing them. These variable speed pool pumps like the Pentair IntelliTouch VS3050 has a fully encapsulated, fully sealed motor that operates with a permanent magnetic motor. This means it has no vent holes for water to seep into and corrode the bearings. These vent holes on the standard single speed pool pumps are designed to allow heat build up to properly vent and help cool the motor. It is not the best design to prevent moisture from seeping inside the motor.

Why does my pool pump turn off and/or run hot?

The good news is it’s probably not a failed pump motor. Of course if the problem persist, contact a qualified swimming pool professional to properly diagnose the problem for you.

5 Reasons why my pool pump motor doesn’t work?

5 Pool Pump Motor Trouble Shooting Problems:

How Does My Pool Pump Work?

Helpful Hints for Clogged Suction Lines

If you are vacuuming your pool during the windy season, you may have a lot of debris in your pool with all of the excess leaves and dirt. Remember that the suction line at the mouth is only 1 ½”, so try to not have the vacuum suck up debris that is too large. It’s always best to use a net as much as possible, and then leave it up to your vacuum to take care of the rest.  However, if you do end up getting something clogged in your suction line, immediately turn your pump off. Remember that if your PSI guage goes down in pressure, then it usually means there is something restricting the flow in front of the pump. So after you have turned off the pump, feel inside the skimmer to see if you can simply dislodge whatever is stuck. If you can’t see it, there are a few alternatives to try to dislodge debris.

First, take off the pump basket lid and put a hose down the pipe towards the skimmer. Turn the water on. Remember to always try to push the debris back from the hole that it came from. So turn the water on and go to the skimmer and see if any debris floats to the top at the skimmer mouth. If so, clean it out and prime the system back up. It should start flowing normal again. However, if the clog is a little more stubborn than that, you can keep trying the hose a few more times to see if the debris comes loose. If not, and if there is a suction valve, sucking from pool or spa, the debris might just be caught in the valve. Take the cap off the valve and see if there is anything caught in there. A little trick I use to loosed debris is I will sometimes stick ice in the pipe by the pump and then put the hose in to use the ice as a mechanism to push the debris out.  In the worst case scenario, if the ice doesn’t work, it will melt. No harm.

You can also pick up a “Drain Flusher” via http://www.reliablepoolsolutions.com/drain-flusher-1-5-2-5-fabric.html for the hose that expands so the water is only pushed one way. It hooks right up to your hose. You can place it in the pipe and turn the water on. It will expand and push the debris back where it came from. This device is great for stubborn debris.



If these tricks do not work, or if you have a consistent problem with clogged suction lines, call a pool professional. Remember, it is always best to call a pool professional to help you if any problems arise.

Pool Pump Problems

Pool owners encounter many potential pool pump problems that can certainly create unneeded grief. For those in the snow-belt areas, who close down their pools during the colder seasons, your swimming pool equipment has been laying dormant and needs to be put together and restarted. For others, you may encounter heavy rain fall throughout the winter months, which leads to a potential for more problems and headaches. Regardless of the climate you live in, this is often a time when you might encounter a pool pump problems at the equipment pad. Reliable Pool Solutions always recommends having a pool service technician examine any pool equipment or electrical problem if you are not qualified to work on this type of equipment. Electricity and water do not mix, so make sure you make the right choice when it comes to service. We will discuss the top five issues that arise concerning your pool pump to give you a better understanding of the operational aspects associated with pool equipment…the heart of the filtration system.  These top 5 are also applicable to pools that run year round.

#1) Pool Pump Will Not Start

Several possible explanations as to why your pool pump will not start. Always begin your search for the problem at the power source. Remember; the problem will lie where the power dies. The First step is to ensure power is making it to the pump. Start by checking that all the breakers from the house to any subpanel for the pool equipment are receiving power. Check your time-clocks and automated controls to ensure they are correctly set in the on position. Listen to hear if you are tripping any breakers as you turn on power or if the motor is humming. If you are comfortable with using a voltage / amp meter, you can access the terminals by removing end cap of motor. At that time ensure circuit boards and wiring is in good condition. As soon as you have confirmed that the power is being delivered to the motor we can conclude that the issue lies internally within the pump. At this point the pump motor could be seized; the capacitor in the pump motor could be bad or a wire in the rear of the motor could be disconnected or otherwise shorted.

If the issue is a bad capacitor the shaft on the pump motor should spins freely. It could be safe to assume that the pump motor capacitor is not storing enough energy to start pump. If the shaft does not spin the motor bearings have seized internally or it is being restricted by a pump component. You can pull the motor from the pump to see if this frees up shaft. If it does, the issue lies within the pump housing. Pull the pump housing apart and check for warping or deformed or cracked impeller, diffuser or volute. The pump motor capacitor is essentially a boost of power to jump start the motor quickly up to 3450 rpm. Any time the pool motor is called to be turned on from a dead stop, it will require 2 times the amount of amps for a split second in order to get the revolutions of the pool pump motor up to speed. A capacitor can be tested with an Ohm meter to determine their operational capacity.

If the motor is removed from the pump and is receiving power, but not “turning over”, the pump motor may be seized. Bearings and windings can seize and rust, this is especially true when there is an accumulation of water around the pool equipment from poor water drainage. Usually this is common after heavy rain fall or during long periods of inactivity. A seized motor will try to start, making a humming or buzzing noise, and hopefully tripping the breaker. This would be considered a good thing because we know the breaker is doing its job (preventing an overloaded electrical system and burning down your house). The solution is to get a wrench on the back of the shaft, under the centrifugal switch, and repeatedly move the shaft back and forth, to break the rust bond. It sometimes takes 5-10 minutes to free it up. If it still won’t start, with the shaft turning freely, and the capacitor is good, then you may have shorting across internal windings, which usually means a new pool pump motor is in order. However if you are attempting to break free a rusted bonded shaft or bearing, replacing your pool pump motor is always going to be your best bet. Otherwise you are prolonging the inevitable until the next rain fall.

#2) Pump Will Not Stay Primed

Priming problems are always on the suction side of the pump. Whenever we are trouble shooting a problem with pool equipment it is always going to be a process of elimination. Check to be sure that the pool water level is mid-skimmer level and no vortex is being created. If the water level is too low, it will create what is called an eddie inside the skimmer. This will allow air to be drafted into the suction line. Any time you have air in the suction line a pool pump will not maintain a prime. Check the skimmer weir, sometimes skimmer weirs get stuck in an up position, blocking the entrance to the skimmer. Now check the suction lines and pool valves to the pool pump. Make sure valve lids are all tight, and pump drain plugs have the proper o-ring and a good water tight seal. Now that you are at the pool pump, check the pump lid for a proper seal. Make sure all pool pump lid o-rings and pump gaskets are in good working condition. Any sign of dry-rot is not acceptable.

Check the suction port on the pump - another area that is prone to vibration, heat and therefore makes it an ideal area for air to enter into the pool pump. Use all your senses to locate any bad connection. Listen for air sucking in or spraying of water out as you start and stop the pump. If you suspect a suction leak on the suction side of the pool pump you can try using a small bead of silicone around the inlet pipe while the pool pump is running. If there is a suction leak located here, it will suck in the silicone filling the leaks. Do not attempt this solution with the pool pump in the off position. It will not work and it leads to nothing less than a mess.

#3) Pump is Leaking

Often times a pump will leak or spray water on the discharge side of the pump or around the valute. This is because once the water leaves the impeller it is under pressure. Any time water is under pressure it always finds the path of least resistance. If there is cracks in the pool pump housing or a bad seal, water will leak from these areas. When water is pouring out behind seal plate where the shaft enters the housing it indicates that there is a worn out mechanical pump seal and it needs to be replaced. A common leak on a pool pump is the connection on the pressure side. Such leaks on the pressure side of the pump are usually caused by a schedule 40 pvc pool fitting shrinking due to excessive heat buildup in this area. Using a schedule 80 or CPVC fitting will prevent this. Reliable Pool Solutions recommends always using a 6 inch schedule 80 fitting for both the suction side and pressure side of the pool pump.

#4) Pump Not Moving Water

If your pool pump is moving water through the pump pot, but it will not fill completely double check you have the pool pump fully primed and there are no air leaks. The pump basket strainer will either slowly fills with air or does not show sign of water movement at all. Here are two possible explanations. One common problem may be an issue with the pool pump impeller. Either the impellor is clogged or is broken. It is not uncommon to find foreign debris like blades of grass, tree berries, dog hair or broken plastic pieces within the impeller itself. Address this situation and rectify cause. The second possibility is that the pump has created cavitations or is starved for water. There is either a suction line obstruction within the suction line or the line has collapsed. Collapsed lines need to be re-plumbed and are usually associated with poly piping or flex line. If you suspect that there may be an obstruction you may need to pressure in the line and attempt to dislodge any obstructions.

#5) Pump Costs Too Much to Run

A high energy bill may mean your pump motor is drawing an excessive amount of amperage or power. The pump design may be causing this excess workload which leads to a higher amp draw and will be reflected on your electric or utility bill. Pool motor and pump design have drastically improved over the past few years. With a huge economic push for energy conservation your pump may be outdated and due for an upgrade to a more energy efficient pump.  Running your pool pump for fewer hours per day is not going to be a back door solution to this problem. You still need to make sure you are running the pump the time required to keep water clean and not running in excess. Of course a simple timing mechanism should be utilized to avoid running your pool manually or 24/7. However, these days most swimming pools are equipped with this basic feature like a time clock mechanism. Pump design and efficiency are among pool product manufacturer’s top priorities. When your pump has seen better days you have several options to increase efficiency and lower your energy bill drastically. I know the term energy efficiency has been used very loosely over the past 20 years, but time have seriously changed. The pool pump design has improved across the board; the Variable Speed Pumps are hands down the best investment a swimming pool owner could do. The variable speed pool pumps are certainly the hot topic today as they consume only the energy needed to complete the task at hand and utilize state of the art internal components. Rest assured, pool owners alike are always glad when they make the switch to a variable speed pool pump.

For any question regarding pool pump problems, be sure to visit our website; www.ReliablePoolSolutions.com for the highest quality swimming pool pumps and swimming pool service providers within your area.