Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Rick Chafey buildredrock.com on June 8, 2010 at 10:15am

Before we address the multitude of issues with your current configuration, your 8 year old pump is way less efficient than a new pump especially a Intelliflo pump. You would likely pay yourself back in utility cost within 2 years +/-, so consider that option. As well it will be almost silent when running at 1.25hp output. Search around the innovation lab and there are a multitude of blogs, comments, videos, and testimonials to the benefits of this pump.

Pumps do get louder over time as they wear and start to fail. Bearings do usually make significant noise before failure but not always. You have multiple issues here, so I will try to address them separately

Many times the pump is noisy is because it is running off of its pumps curve, and this also causes premature failure. The first thing to confirm is that there is around 10" if pipe @ the suction port prior to any valve or fitting. That will allow proper flow and turbulence will be at a minimum. Second If you have the ability to close down the output of the pump with a ball or 3way type valve, with the pump running, clamp down slightly until you hear a significant noise reduction, this is a less than scientific way to make sure the pump is running on its performance curve. (It needs a certain amount of head pressure against it or else it will cavitate some and cause wear and noise.) This might not do anything if the pump is already on its curve, but is simple trick to quiet the pump.

You should never place chlorine within the pump basket or the skimmer. You want the chlorine in the pool, not caught in high concentrations within the filter and plumbing systems. Chlorine at high levels is caustic, and using it this fashion makes the concentration extremely high within the plumbing, pumps and filters, and heaters. Never, never inject chlorine before your equipment or heater if there is one. A chlorine tower is a great option, and pentair makes a unit that will work perfect for your pool. Make sure to follow the install instructions correctly.

Your best bet is to consult with your local supplier or pool service professional, and look at your options of replacing your current pump with one of the intelliflo models and either use a chlorine float, or install a chlorine feeder.

Permalink Reply by Matt Schmit on June 8, 2010 at 12:01pm

Wow. Thanks. I have three gate valves that go into the pump but not out so I have no way to restrict the outflow.

If I have a 1hp Whisperflo will the Intelliflo just "bolt up" if I get a new one?

Rick Chafey www.buildredrock.com said:

Before we address the multitude of issues with your current configuration, your 8 year old pump is way less efficient than a new pump especially a Intelliflo pump. You would likely pay yourself back in utility cost within 2 years +/-, so consider that option. As well it will be almost silent when running at 1.25hp output. Search around the innovation lab and there are a multitude of blogs, comments, videos, and testimonials to the benefits of this pump.

Pumps do get louder over time as they wear and start to fail. Bearings do usually make significant noise before failure but not always. You have multiple issues here, so I will try to address them separately

Many times the pump is noisy is because it is running off of its pumps curve, and this also causes premature failure. The first thing to confirm is that there is around 10" if pipe @ the suction port prior to any valve or fitting. That will allow proper flow and turbulence will be at a minimum. Second If you have the ability to close down the output of the pump with a ball or 3way type valve, with the pump running, clamp down slightly until you hear a significant noise reduction, this is a less than scientific way to make sure the pump is running on its performance curve. (It needs a certain amount of head pressure against it or else it will cavitate some and cause wear and noise.) This might not do anything if the pump is already on its curve, but is simple trick to quiet the pump.

You should never place chlorine within the pump basket or the skimmer. You want the chlorine in the pool, not caught in high concentrations within the filter and plumbing systems. Chlorine at high levels is caustic, and using it this fashion makes the concentration extremely high within the plumbing, pumps and filters, and heaters. Never, never inject chlorine before your equipment or heater if there is one. A chlorine tower is a great option, and pentair makes a unit that will work perfect for your pool. Make sure to follow the install instructions correctly.

Your best bet is to consult with your local supplier or pool service professional, and look at your options of replacing your current pump with one of the intelliflo models and either use a chlorine float, or install a chlorine feeder.

Permalink Reply by Rick Chafey buildredrock.com on June 8, 2010 at 1:20pm

You will want to actually replace the pump in its entirety (replumb). You will also need to make sure you have appropriate power since the intelliflo is actually a 3hp pump. There are also multiple models of the intelloflo, depending on your control system, or lack there of. So I recommend that you work with a local, well informed, service professional to get you the appropriate pump and controller configuration as well as properly set up the pump so that you are not flowing too much water (unsafe and inefficient) . Please also watch the online videos or do your own research on the intelliflo either here, or online. You can also check my blog @ www.buildredrock.com for some general intelliflo information. If you do not set up the pump and programming correct, you will not realize the energy savings properly.



Matt Schmit said:

Wow. Thanks. I have three gate valves that go into the pump but not out so I have no way to restrict the outflow.

If I have a 1hp Whisperflo will the Intelliflo just "bolt up" if I get a new one?

Rick Chafey www.buildredrock.com said:

Before we address the multitude of issues with your current configuration, your 8 year old pump is way less efficient than a new pump especially a Intelliflo pump. You would likely pay yourself back in utility cost within 2 years +/-, so consider that option. As well it will be almost silent when running at 1.25hp output. Search around the innovation lab and there are a multitude of blogs, comments, videos, and testimonials to the benefits of this pump.

Pumps do get louder over time as they wear and start to fail. Bearings do usually make significant noise before failure but not always. You have multiple issues here, so I will try to address them separately

Many times the pump is noisy is because it is running off of its pumps curve, and this also causes premature failure. The first thing to confirm is that there is around 10" if pipe @ the suction port prior to any valve or fitting. That will allow proper flow and turbulence will be at a minimum. Second If you have the ability to close down the output of the pump with a ball or 3way type valve, with the pump running, clamp down slightly until you hear a significant noise reduction, this is a less than scientific way to make sure the pump is running on its performance curve. (It needs a certain amount of head pressure against it or else it will cavitate some and cause wear and noise.) This might not do anything if the pump is already on its curve, but is simple trick to quiet the pump.

You should never place chlorine within the pump basket or the skimmer. You want the chlorine in the pool, not caught in high concentrations within the filter and plumbing systems. Chlorine at high levels is caustic, and using it this fashion makes the concentration extremely high within the plumbing, pumps and filters, and heaters. Never, never inject chlorine before your equipment or heater if there is one. A chlorine tower is a great option, and pentair makes a unit that will work perfect for your pool. Make sure to follow the install instructions correctly.

Your best bet is to consult with your local supplier or pool service professional, and look at your options of replacing your current pump with one of the intelliflo models and either use a chlorine float, or install a chlorine feeder.

Permalink Reply by Rod Ogilvie on June 8, 2010 at 1:24pm

Matt,
In my opinion, you are extremely fortunate not to have more fatal problems prior to now because of the trichlor in the skimmer. If you continue, you will eventually have to replace the skimmer due to the caustic nature of concentrated chlorine. As far as your pump being 8 years old, congratulations! Because of the chlorine in concentrate running directly into the pump, I would have bet you would not get more than 5 years.
Everything Rick told you is spot on. Especially the addition of adding an intelliflo pump. As for bolting the intelliflo directly to the wet end of the whisperflo, do yourself a favor and replace the whole pump. If properly installed, you can expect 10 years of great service and you will save + or - 50% to 70% on your electrical cost every year for the life of the pump. This will amount to a net savings over ten years of + or - $ 5,000.00. Of course, this estimate is determined upon your energy costs and how long you run the pump.
I primarily build new pools and install intelliflo pumps on existing pools. When I retrofit an intelliflo, I also re-plumb the equipment pad completely in large plumbing ( primarily 3") and install a cartridge filter. The purpose for the re-plumb is to reduce the total dynamic head or restriction on the system to allow the pump to be turned way down. With this combination, and the fact that we run our pools 12 months out of the year, the customer usually realizes a net savings of over $10,000.00 in ten years versus a standard induction pump.
Good luck!

Matt Schmit said:

Wow. Thanks. I have three gate valves that go into the pump but not out so I have no way to restrict the outflow.

If I have a 1hp Whisperflo will the Intelliflo just "bolt up" if I get a new one?

Rick Chafey www.buildredrock.com said:

Before we address the multitude of issues with your current configuration, your 8 year old pump is way less efficient than a new pump especially a Intelliflo pump. You would likely pay yourself back in utility cost within 2 years +/-, so consider that option. As well it will be almost silent when running at 1.25hp output. Search around the innovation lab and there are a multitude of blogs, comments, videos, and testimonials to the benefits of this pump.

Pumps do get louder over time as they wear and start to fail. Bearings do usually make significant noise before failure but not always. You have multiple issues here, so I will try to address them separately

Many times the pump is noisy is because it is running off of its pumps curve, and this also causes premature failure. The first thing to confirm is that there is around 10" if pipe @ the suction port prior to any valve or fitting. That will allow proper flow and turbulence will be at a minimum. Second If you have the ability to close down the output of the pump with a ball or 3way type valve, with the pump running, clamp down slightly until you hear a significant noise reduction, this is a less than scientific way to make sure the pump is running on its performance curve. (It needs a certain amount of head pressure against it or else it will cavitate some and cause wear and noise.) This might not do anything if the pump is already on its curve, but is simple trick to quiet the pump.

You should never place chlorine within the pump basket or the skimmer. You want the chlorine in the pool, not caught in high concentrations within the filter and plumbing systems. Chlorine at high levels is caustic, and using it this fashion makes the concentration extremely high within the plumbing, pumps and filters, and heaters. Never, never inject chlorine before your equipment or heater if there is one. A chlorine tower is a great option, and pentair makes a unit that will work perfect for your pool. Make sure to follow the install instructions correctly.

Your best bet is to consult with your local supplier or pool service professional, and look at your options of replacing your current pump with one of the intelliflo models and either use a chlorine float, or install a chlorine feeder.

Permalink Reply by Matt Schmit on June 8, 2010 at 2:27pm

Thank you very much for the info. I wish you guys lived in the area. My question is, do you know any good service professionals in the Annopolis Maryland area? Thanks again for the info!

Permalink Reply by James W. Henry CBPools.net on June 8, 2010 at 2:54pm

Matt, both Rick and Rod are right. I will also add that if it's electronic it could work today and not tomorrow, but in most cases the pump will get louder. No tabs in any pump or skimmer, learn your chemistry and your pool and family will love you for it. It is not hard to care for your pool it just takes a little time. As for that 8 year old pump invest in the IntelliFlo. I have customers in San Diego that are saving over $100.00 per month on their electric bill and are running their pump 10 hrs a day at a slower speed and the pool is clearer. Pretty awesome. Your savings may vary.

As for pool service in your area--- Look for a pool association in your area----ask friends or co-workers.


But remember to check that the company that you hire has experience and check out their referrals, in most chases in this industry you get what you pay for. So go with your gut not with the cheapest guy out there.

Good luck!!

Permalink Reply by Matt Schmit on June 15, 2010 at 8:27am

Well I had a service tech (Leslie's Pool) come out and he said he believes the pump shaft has warped a little and that this the noise. He said the Whiperflo's do that as they age. He said it is pumping well and as long as I can tolerate the extra noise (and it's not leaking) to let it go...so I did.

Thanks again.

Permalink Reply by Rick Chafey buildredrock.com on June 15, 2010 at 9:11am

In the short term you will be fine, if the shaft is warped, is will cause accelerated failure of the seals and bearings, so it makes sense to set a little money aside over time so you are prepared to replace the pump when the time comes

Good luck


Matt Schmit said:

Well I had a service tech (Leslie's Pool) come out and he said he believes the pump shaft has warped a little and that this the noise. He said the Whiperflo's do that as they age. He said it is pumping well and as long as I can tolerate the extra noise (and it's not leaking) to let it go...so I did.

Thanks again.