I have a pentair whisperflow pump with a circular stamp on it which I think is the date - 09 with an arrow pointing to 8, so I think it was made in 8/2009. I have 1.5 inch pool plumbing (except 2 inch at the pump), and a 48 sq ft DE pool filter. I have been advised that I need to replace the current motor which is probably too powerful for the pool plumbing. Original motor on pool was A.O. Smith 2.0 HP, back in 1987 with the original equivalent ot the whisperflow pump (all has been replaced since then). Pentair suggests replacing the current motor with USQ 1202, and I probably need the appropriate tune up kit or seals, also. I would appreciate comments on this choice of motor for my pool, and whether the same impeller (on the pentair whisperflow pump dated 2009) will work with the new motor (not planning replacement of impeller, unless it would be required).
We’d be glad to assist you. What is the catalog or part number on the current motor label?
Rob -
I am not trying to replace the current motor with an equivalent motor. According to Pentair, I was sold a motor that is too powerful for my filter and plumbing and as a result, the motor is burning out. Pentair says my filter can handle about 96 GPM, whereas my current motor is trying to pump 150 GPM (rated at 2.25 THP). This creates several problems, and my current motor has had regular capacitor replacements and will not start (throws breakers) much of the time, and so is unreliable and probably dying. I also have to clean the filters very often and the pressure range has been around 17 (after cleaning and DE), to 30 pounds before I clean the filters, and Pentair says that I should be running between about 8 or 12 lbs (after cleaning) to about 22 lbs before the next cleaning. The Filter is 48 sq ft, DE. Pentair has recommended the USQ 1202 motor, and I am simply seeking confirmation from other knowledgeable parties before placing an order. There is one extra feature in my pool and that is a fountain in the spa portion of the pool. We are trying to identify a pump that is matched to my filter and plumbing. The original equipment, which lasted for many years had the following motor, which I still have (not in use) and I took this information off the label on the original motor: Magnatek Century Centurion 3450 (RPM, I think), Part # 7-159987-05, 2.0 HP. This is also labeled as an A.0. Smith motor. Above the bar code is seen this information: E44549, and above the bar code on the right side is LR94643. This motor was on the pump in 1987, when I acquired the pool. In any event, Pentair says that the filter size and any extra features (if the fountain counts) as well as the plumbing pipe size (1.5 inches, except 2 inches at the pump) are the main things that determine the correct motor to use. They told me that I can get the USQ 1202 motor from you, and I am simply asking for confirmation that this would be a good choice, based on your knowledge of these matters. I spoke to Christopher at Pentair, and he made the recommendation. I am just being careful before buying and installing the next motor for the current Whisper Flow Pump (dated 08-2009). I would like to replace the current pump as quickly as possible because I cannot reliably circulate my pool when it won’t start and I travel, and if it fails to start while I am gone, it will trip the breakers and stop any further circulation while I am gone.
Addendum:
The current motor label says that it is ASB842 Premium Efficiency, Total HP Rated: 2.25THP, US Motors 1081 Pool Motor, Replaces Full Rate EB842 HP 1.5, SF 1.47, Competitor Reference Numbers: Century B842/B2842, Century SQ 1152, WEG 16360
More information from label:
Model K63CXDFV-5158, MFG #A18C, Motor is Non-Reversible
This is the motor to be replaced and which does not start reliably. Sold and installed by Leslies Pool Supply and is out of warranty (1 year warranty).
I’m not sure why they recommended a USQ1202 if the goal is to lower the flow of the pump. The total HP rating of the USQ1202 is 2.2. The next step down from your current motor would be model B2841V1. The B2841V1 has a total HP rating of 1.65.
Listed below are the components needed to downsize the motor.
Motor - Part Number B2841V1
Impeller - Part Number 5074-27B
Seal Kit - Part Number GOKIT32 (salt water GOKIT32SALT)