My pool contractor has installed 3 century pool motors in the last 6 years. My original motor lasted 15 years. The failure each time has been bearing failure. The first time the contractor admitted to incorrectly installing the shaft seals. The last two he has shrugged and said it must be pool chemistry. I have a continuous monitor that shows the pH and free chlorine levels very stable. The only difference between the original pump/motor and the current pump/motor combo is the the current pump is bolted directly to a concrete floor with no vibration isolation. The original motor/pump sat on two 3/4-1" thick vibration isolators. Could this lead to premature seal failure that would cause bearing failure? Any ideas are appreciated.
Fifteen years of service from a motor is terrific, but 2 years is pathetic. We are sorry to hear about that!
Your water chemistry has nothing at all to do with the pump motor’s life span since the motor never touches the water (other than the business end of the motor shaft on the impeller).
The most likely culprit for failed bearings is an improperly installed shaft seal or reusing an old shaft seal. A properly installed shaft seal and, to a lesser extent, the “water slinger” that is included with most replacement motors will keep the bearings from seeing any pool water. A heavier-duty (higher quality) shaft seal might be in order if they keep failing.
Do you keep the motor installed all year or remove it for the winter? Leaving the motor installed and unprotected over the winter can cause issues if snow or moisture accumulates around the bearings. Removing the pump and/or motor for the winter is a great idea, but replace the seals when you reinstall it to keep leaks away.
Did anything change around or above the pump motor? Is there any protection from the elements (rain, snow)? Something like a motor cover can be helpful to keep rain or roof runoff away from the motor and can extend the life of the motor.
I highly doubt the vibration dampers (or the lack of them) had any effect on the bearings. Though they are probably a good idea, I don’t think I’ve ever seen them installed on any pool pumps.
Lastly, it can be worthwhile to replace the bearings on a newer motor. Take it to a local motor repair shop if you don’t have the tools to do it.
I hope I’ve given you a few tips to get more life out of your pump motor. Spending a few hundred dollars every 2 years on a new motor should not be necessary.