Pump problems

Pool Equipment
1

Ok here we go again!! 
started with a 1hp 220vac in ground pump it finally kicked the bucket.

replaced it with a 1.5 hp VS pump and it lasted 4 months then it melted down!

replaced it with a 1.5 hp single speed pump it lasted 2 weeks and smoked the windings.

I am thinking that restrictions on the suction line due to wifey not cleaning the external basket causes this one?!? I was out of town when it went down of course!

So my power is good my ground is good I have sufficient surge protection on my panel. 
could it be the crappy 1.5" pvc they used many moons ago and the fact that the basket was full of leafs?

so the question is should I get a 1 hp single speed pump or a 1.5 VS pump and lower the rpms? Or does it matter?

looking for guidance!!

2

There could be a couple of issues. A full basket of leaves could cause a decrease in flow and cause the pump to overheat. Also, the 1.5" pipe could restrict enough flow on a 1.5HP, running on full speed, to cause the pump to cavitate and fail prematurely.

My suggestion would be to go with the 1.5HP VS motor/pump and run it on a lower speed. Make sure the baskets are cleaned frequently and that the pump does not run dry.