Pool pump noise

[Don Phillipson]

The Jacuzzi pool pump (1 h.p. about 5 years old) makes a different noise this season:

1. Runs faster (22 to 24 p.s.i. indicated, formerly 15 p.s.i.; but the pressure gauge is faulty, e.g. shows 8 p.s.i. when no pressure.) I first thought this was due to new pipe connectors in an improved layout.
2. High-pitched metallic whine which is new. The pump made a perceptible noise in earlier seasons, that I cannot now remember exactly, but something like the house's (shallow) well-water pump It now sounds like a cheap clockwork toy overspeeding.

Does this suggest any likely cause or remedy? Rotor bearings?

[RBM]

There's pretty much only one thing that moves. Unless something is jammed in the impeller and scraping against the housing, it would be bearings.

[gfretwell]

Sounds like a bearing to me. It is really not that hard to replace them but be sure to get a seal kit too. Then your pump will probably last 5 more years. There are several places on the net that will have all these parts if you can provide the make and model of your pump and motor. All of this info should be on the label(s). Just be careful with the start switch on the electrical end of the pump. Don't break it taking the pump apart and get it adjusted properly going back together. You want it closed when the pump is stopped and when you push in the centrifugal plate in, simulating "run" it should open. If it is on a "U" shaped bracket, tightening the screw, closes the switch sooner. Too tight, it won't open and the capacitor will blow. BTDT

[tnom]

The noise may be aeration or cavitation. Check the inlet plumping. Did the new inlet become more restrictive than the former? Use Vaseline on O-rings and make sure every pipe joint is sealed perfectly.

Does it still pump volume? Is it leaking around the shaft seal?

The motor coupling may be bad or loose. The mount may be loose. The bearing could be bad but doubtful.

[Oren]

Does it sound like this motor?