Serious Problems with Pentair Intelliflo pumps

[@Bearthorn]

Its a square, just undo the four bolts and turn it around to how you want to look at it

[@michaelraytyler9678]

Thank you for posting this my man. It has sure helped me make up my mind and not spend $1,650 that my wife and I really can't afford. I'd rather just keep going with a rebuilt motor that will last for at least 3 years for $340. Thanks again. :)

[@michaelguerrera1463]

There are way to many 90* angles too close together also in such a small area e near that pump. It's causing too much resistance slowly stressing the windings. Yeah, call out those installers. That pump as most needs less resistance. Also try removing the back air cap, it could be rubbing, but either way, it's not right. Just my . 02 c Hope you do figured it out

[@3dsman]

I noticed you have air in your pump's filter basket area... that's not unusual at startup but after running a few minutes there shouldn't be air in there... you might have a leak on the vacuum side (suction) and that sound might be cavitation on the impeller blade. Just a thought. Try lubing the valves on the suction side especially the o rings around the perimeter of the valve body and the o-ring where the handle's shaft passes through that plate on the front of the valve body. I had a leak and that's what did it for me. To check for leak drizzle a garden hose over the pipes and valves and watch to see if the air in that filter basket goes away and take note of where you were drizzling the water... that's where your leak is. Again, just suggestions to try

[@lukepoolservice]

And also… whatever "professiona" you used to install this. They put it in backwards. They plumbed the filter inlet to the outlet and the outlet to the inlet. Look at the side of the filter and you'll see its plumbed up wrong. Its going to ruin your cartridge filters. Those filters aren't cheap for that Jandy Filter.

[@StayKrispy]

I have installed many of these and also the svrs version this is a unique circumstance. These pumps normally don't make much noise at all

[@tgtech570]

I'm def not a pool professional but i'm pretty sure the pump should be before the filter, heater, chlorinator, or anything else? Also the pump appears to be backwards when compared with my Pentair Superflo VST. Water comes into the basket first then goes out through the top but it may be your particular model is like that ? Or it may be that the arrow marked on your PVC pipe is incorrect? Not sure. Good luck!

[@toddwilliams4184]

Sry that you had a bad repair guy but pentair pumps are the best. And if that's the guys plumbing you can tell he's bad. He should of put two unions on it one on suction side and return side so if you needed to remove it for any reason it's two Quick turn and your gtg.

[@frankbezdany9814]

The install on that pump is ridiculous, especially for serviceability. Bad layout job on the piping, as for the noise, it is harmonics of the out frequency on the drive.

[@poolguykp1990]

Agreed. You can’t service that pump at all! Also you if you notice whoever installed it did the outlet incorrectly.

[@geoffsampson2615]

most likely its not the bearing but the shaft seal. The shaft seals do need to be replaced at X frequency based on the amount of debris in your water... There is also a rubber shaft washer that prevents "splashing" from entering the bearings. This sometimes shifts and rubs against the motor causing a high pitched noise.

[@keypoolequipment000]

You are correct about the rubber flinger. I install a lot of these pumps and when they first came on the market in Australia we had a few that did this. If you spray some INOX up through the drain gap using the extension nozzle, you will never hear that noise again. It lasts for more than 10 years.

[@keypoolequipment1834]

It is almost certainly the rubber boot on the end of the motor,rubbing on the shaft. Between the motor and the wet end, there is a slit in the bottom of the housing to allow any leakage from the seal to escape.you can spray a lubricant like INOX up in there and you will never hear it again. By the way, a pool equipment pad is best installed with all the piping at the rear to allow easy service and operation of the equipment.These pumps are awesome.

[@sparklepool3255]

The filter is plumbed correctly. Inlet on the Jandy filters are on the bottom. You have a very unique issue. I have installed over 400 of these pumps. Once in a while they have a small issue but Pentairs warranty is the best by far. Always take care of my clients with a single phone call. Your pool guy didn't install CPVC on the inlet or discharge. Shorted you BTW.

[@Stuff4Guys]

My pool guy was unable to get any warranty from pentair issued, they sent out a third party and it wasnt acting up that day??? What CPVC part are you refering to?

[@yashuaiphone]

sparkle pool I have to agree with sparkle pool... best pumps out there and if you didn't get it warrantied its probably because it wasn't installed correctly.

[@MegaSnowhoe]

I do 80 pools a week love my Intelliflo's that plub job not so great.

[@alanharvey15]

+Stuff4Guys my work has them installed 7 of those installed been running 24/7 since the last 7 years at full rpm range for a commercial fitness pool with 3 pools and two hot tubs

[@grapplerguy2007]

M Lambert dont these pump have a safety feature avoiding overheating. Goes into alarm shuts off

[@cybythesea]

I would have to agree that this is A POOR installation we have placed approximately 40 to 50 of these pumps and have had 6 issues.... All covered under warranty. we do not work with Pentare. The reason why we suggest there is a poor installation here is because there are no high temp unions on either end of the pump and there should be at least 6 inches a vertical rise before your first 90. As for the whining that you're hearing from the motor our suggestion would be to check your fan vent in the back... to be able to wire the pump in, that vent has to be removed if it is not placed correctly back onto the back of the motor the fan will hit the grate causing that exact sound. If the sound is not corrected from adjusting the vent you should be able to process it under warranty without any issues at all. I fully agree that the access panel needs a stronger design they all pop off pretty easily no argument there!

[@AnthonyDavis-um5bz]

This guy knows what hes talking about.

[@jimkraft7266]

Need high temp fittings on the inlet and outlet on that pump. Would not advise using the schedule 40 that is currently there.

[@mattmatt222333]

I work with these pumps all the time and they rarely have an issue.

[@kellyoleary4341]

Sounds and looks like the pump is cavitating. Could be getting air in somewhere, I have installed many and could possible help with the issues. Pentair is very good at service and warranty so I would recommend deff call them first.

[@JoshRexMusic]

Sounds like a small rock got into the impeller & is causing that noise from spinning against the housing. Remove the 6 (9/16) bolts, pull motor away from pump & you will see right away if there is debris in the outer edges inside impeller. The bottle opener on a Leatherman is the perfect tool. Little balls from palm trees fall into pool & get saturated, allowing them fit through holes in baskets, into impeller, becoming wedged deep inside the impeller. Could also be new bearings wearing in. Maybe its equipment vibration, find something to wedge under the motor like a piece of wood or bucket lid. I wouldn't worry about that insignificant noise. ALSO, could be that not enough PVC coming from outlet on pump, allowing for a small cavitation factor?

[@Stuff4Guys]

Yea, you know what kind of plumbers you hired when you have to tell them that they plumbed in the filter backwards...

[@Peacekpr4]

Sometimes the fan shroud will rub on the fan blades. It sounds like a motor issue. If you snap the cover hinge on it will stay on. You can turn the drive around by pulling off the screws. It is plumbed like a bowl of noodles, installs should be much cleaner. Pentair is great equipment

[@davidbenson9912]

love the grounding on a cover screw

[@elwap0]

Bond wire😅

[@scottsanddollar]

I gotta ask. I work on pools all the time. These pumps are generally awesome. Do you have a in floor cleaning system? If so that is why it is squealing. It has to much back pressure on the pump. When it changes zones on the cleaning system the pressure is released through the two zones but when one of them shuts the pressure is introduced again thus cause a high back pressure. This can be corrected if plumbed in properly with a bypass but it sounds to me like you will need to replace the bearings in the motor at this point.

[@johnwood4322]

My guess is weeks of sucking in air wrecked the seal and water got into the front of the motor and is destroying the bearing. Like others have said, you need hi-temp unions on the piping and you need to resolve the suction air leak or the next pump will do the same thing.

[@four21a]

Check the fan blade's rear of the pump.After you cut outlet plumbing out and turn filter Inlet/outlet facing forward .check for debris in fan and replumb ; )

[@TheDAVEPR]

That arrow must mean your pulling water from your returns and pumping it back at your skimmer? I’ve also done a DIY plumbing job with no experience, CPVC at the inlet and outlet of the pump, Unions for easy removal and a lot less 90s. Hope all got fixed eventually.

[@maxine1880]

Glad I saw this. I had the exact thing happen to me. Quiet in the beginning and now pretty noisy. The location of the entry pad really sucks, and my cover comes off like yours. Plus if you need to change the programming every season the entry pad makes no sense, so I have to crawl behind the equipment and call the store to reprogram it again.

[@yashuaiphone]

Maxine Bedandoffice I just wanted to let you know that Pentair is a great pump and although the doors did come off on the earlier versions they have changed that completely. This pump is fully sealed and has magnets for motors so the only way for it to get louder is a really high ph which will destroy the seal (caused by the homeowner of pool man) or a malfunctioning motor which will be replaced by pentair.

[@kensmith1207]

I Purchased the Pentair IntelliFlo Variable Speed Pool Pump in Nov. of 2013; the pump motor failed on 1-6-17. I had the very same noise issue that sounded like a bearing was going out. Come to find out it was not a bearing; the interior part of the pump came off which is rattling around. It also appears that the aluminum motor housing is not compatible with swimming pool water that’s treated with Chlorine tab’s. The entire aluminum motor housing corroded so bad that it warped the mating surface between the aluminum motor housing and the pump mounting surface and seized the pump. This expensive unit only lasted 3 years & two months. I’ll never purchase another one.

[@rkinbilly]

hello. I had a customer call me and said that her intelliflo was making noise. I went over there and the same noise emitting from the unit. I accidentally put my hand on sing while looking it over to find that the screws on the bell housing became loose and the and the bell housing was rubbing on the fan. I just repositioned the bell housing, tightened the screws and that noise was gone.

[@robbs96]

Check the black cooling fan in the back behind the guard. it sounds like it is rubbing on something. its a friction fit so just push on further. if thats not it pull it back a little cause it may be rubbing on the inside cause its too far in. yeah. kinda some things about this motor are kinda hinky for sure. but overall good pump. lets us know if that was it. pretty sure it is.

[@jakemckinney7867]

Installed improperly. The water isn't flowing in the pot basket. Pressure line from the pump is going in bottom port of filter should go in top port. Running it like that could definitely damage the bearings or windings from pulling too many amps.

[@tomendicott6846]

What does the arrow black arrow mean on the pvc in front of the pump?

[@anewman513]

Al Florida lol ; )

[@onejack3996]

Nice bonding. Just hook to any screw head will work. It is loud because pump was turned on with no water in basket, and if turned on for a split second it will cause noise. Had someone taken pride at time of install and not run pipe over display it would be easier to read. Not going to save much $ for running at that high rpm. Even with a solar system you can run at a lower rpm unless you have a leak ( you obviously have a suction leak ) Have installed all brands of variable speed pumps and Pentair is king of them all.

[@JeffCityPools]

That is a beautiful plumbing job, top notch!

[@shermancouch9964]

You're being sarcastic I hope. I've never seen so many elbows. Who needs a high efficiency variable speed pump, when you turn the water through a dozen elbows? Someone's going to waste a lot of electricity over the years of use.

[@mayorb3366]

Sounds like something caught near the impeller. Bearings don't go out in 6 months. The plumb job is functional, but too tight. I have had to cut and paste and re-arrange many pool systems because there was no thought about serviceability during the original install, i.e. a filter plumbed against a wall, same with pump.

[@lukepoolservice]

Its the low speed. I hear this noise from time to time on ones that I install. IT could be a bad seal and need to be replaced with a higher quality seal. Like @snack27 said. Could be that issue too. The sound goes away when you ramp up to a higher speed. Have the installer ramp it up for you to a higher speed and you won't hear that noise ever again.

[@spunkyprep]

First thing, that bonding lug that was put in on the pump for at the corner of the drive unit? That's wrong. There's a lug attached to the body of the motor housing that is supposed to be used. That right there is potential for being considered an improper installation. That chirp definitely sounds like a bearing, or a mechanical seal. If one of those pipes sitting directly above the drive develops a leak and dribbles onto the unit, you're easily looking at a warranty denial because of that. Looks like installation could have been performed much more intelligently.. That's not the product's fault. That's the installer's fault.

[@PoseidonPoolBuilders]

I've installed Intelliflo pumps on all my pools since I started my business in 2010. I've had this problem maybe three times. It's the impeller rubbing. I would just contact Pentair and have them tell you who is a warranty service tech in your area.

[@scotthirko1293]

My pump faces the other way so reading the controls is not an issue. Maybe your pool guy should have installed it in the other direction.

[@williamkegley158]

The control panel cover thing it some times comes off so don't make a big deal out of it

[@vishnumathur3852]

3 months back, I purchased and installed the Pentair 2HP pump. It worked fine for a while then it started to become noisy. I called Pentair, they think that the problem may with the impeller section, but they will not cover it because I installed the pump myself. I have been maintaining my pool for the last 27 year, replace several pumps, filter system, SPA controllers, etc. They tell me that it is not enough. Because of this, One year warranty is not valid. It is only 60 days now, and out of warranty. What a rip-off !! One of my friend who is a professional pool equipment installed visited and told me that the pump is installed correctly, just line a professional installer. I told the Pentair, but they refuse to accept, since I said that I installed my self. What a shame. I would not buy another product from Pentair, no matter how much they reduce the cost, because they do not stand behind their product and encourage individual who take care of pool themselves.

[@dougsupetdadr]

On the outside of the box it says in big letters..."90 day warranty if not installed by pool professional". This has nothing to do with your ability to install correctly. It has to do with protecting their distribution line.

[@eduardogustavson2372]

That sound is someting into the rear fun, also strongly sugest you to change your pool guy or plumber, a lot of problems with hydralics, the male adapter never use with pumps, use CPVC nipple instead, and that installation was not make by a proffesional plumbler. Before to install anyting the professional must see the way for easy maintenance and use. Other detail you have install a control that is not compatible with the Intelliflo pump, and you loose a lot of options. That is a cheaper installation with a lot problems.

[@don8801]

after realizing the pump only 3 months old. why not just call pentair and have it replaced? i would send photos of what good install looks like. but this was almost 5 years ago.

[@dandavidson5050]

Mine turns off after about 5 minutes use, new pump, what do I need to do?? Help!!

[@gmcsuburbanspecialist2878]

It's supposed to make that noise and the control is suppose to be upside down

[@rowdyradcliffe]

are you nuts?

[@heidis8713]

If the arrow is supposed to represent the flow of water, it's pointed in the wrong direction.

[@albarino6]

Did you fix the problem? I have the same pump and it's making that same sound.

[@anewman513]

You have a huge air leak on the input side. You might want to look into that.

[@jamesjohnson777]

agreed, he probably overheated the unit. that is a lot of air in the system. I bet he has a high PH.

[@jamesjohnson777]

James Johnson also the questionable black arrow on the pvc pipe coming into the pump! :)

[@Schmrau]

It is gonna be hard to get that pump out of there without unions. Bonding wire is wrong. Too may fittings. Hard to get to the pump control. Must be a homeowner install.

[@Stuff4Guys]

Possibly, the people that installed it agreed that it sounded like a bearing and they are ordering a replacement motor. Do you have to pull the motor to fix the fan?

[@MrTeacherspetfla]

I have the same pool pump it doing the same thing but its out of waranty so what do you do get a new motor ???

[@noemarin1456]

Check impeller...or seal plate might no be precisely flush with motor...seal plate job if motor is still good

[@the1grape]

I really hate how most builders lay out pool equipment pads. They jam all that shit in there way too tight and it makes any repair a real pain in the ass. If they'd given some room for the equipment you'd probably have a few less 90s in there and your system would have been more efficient. BTW: in order to get the most efficiency out of that pump it needs to be running VERY slowly over a LONG period of time, not fast like yours is over a short period of time. You're NOT getting the bang for your buck with this current set-up (program on the pump). I hope you finally called Pentair and got the warranty. The warranty guys around where I live do great, same day, no questions asked work....

[@paulridgewell6682]

I have a new pump and just so you know the cover is designed differently now. Maybe you can get Pentair to replace yours with the new updated cover. I see that the Suction side of your pump has straight pipe connected to a valve, it's common practice that when you connect the suction side of the pump you should have 5 pipe diameters of straight pipe that should be 10 inches which looks like you don't have anywhere near that. As someone already stated whats with the arrow pointing in the wrong direction on the suction side. Then there is the pipe over your cover I hate to say but, who plumb the pump has not been doing much plumbing. Too many turns in such a small area it might have been a good idea that some though might have been given before it was plumbed. The reason your automation panel is upside down is that the direction of the pump location in reference to your building. I would not have recorded anything like this on you tube with that type of poor piping practice and I would be embarrassed to show anyone that piping job without negative commentary. Also why didn't you use the recommended unions so you could remove it for service or replacement.

[@AnthonyDavis-um5bz]

Ive put in over 500 of these pumps, they are the best. The sound is from the rear plastic shield rubbing against the fan, NOT a bearing. Your installer did a horrible job, 5 90 degree elbows from the outlet of the pump into the filter is a MASSIVE head loss.

[@scottlundy257]

I have the same motor bearing problem with the pentair whisper pumps not even a year old junk

[@kingsize986]

just from observation I can tell your filter need to be clean ... not saying it's the issue but there's a lot of restrictions going on there with plumbing and all

[@piscineaide6006]

Impossible! Pentair warranty is awsome! they never gona leave a Customer with problem. Call Pentair direct because your pool store is probably the problem! Pentair even cover there product after warranty sometime!

[@ErickAAbby-xg5hb]

I presently have a 3 pump system pool. 1 for pool water(1.5 HP), 1 for pop up cleaning system (1HP) and 1 for water fall feature (1HP). I am being told by a pool repairman that I could save more $ if I keep using the 3 pumps than if I replace with a new VSP (Pentair or Hayward). I am getting confused!!! Anyone knows what could be the best alternative???

[@yashuaiphone]

Erick A. Abby I have been installing these for years. Here is what you need to do. get a pentair intelliflo pump to control your pool water and your waterfall. and keep your pump for the pop up system. Unless we know more about that system there is no way to tell you what pump will work. We need to know the flow required to make your zones effective. it is possible to have a variable speed pump run floor jets but you can only use the intelliflo pump because all others will have back pressure issues. hope this helps.

[@12y3mambo]

Totally agree with you.

[@hotniaoniao]

There were very few pumps that when assembled at the factory, the diffuser o-ring was rolled or pinched. This created a "song flute" effect or horrible f*****g noise, lol. The other problem that might explain the noise is the rubber slinger on the motor shaft rubbing against the seal plate. I hope the pump has since been taken care of by Pentair warranty.

[@allanknight1910]

bearing is shot by the sounds of the pump mate. i have had 2 sofar that have done trhe same

[@StayKrispy]

Why would you connect bond wire to drive. And not to motor on bond lug

[@durbdeedurb]

FYI it's installed incorrectly. Should have read the manual. You need to not have an elbow right away.

[@robertmccullum8566]

do you need to run pump 24 hours a day

[@timwilliams9781]

Your bond wire shouldn’t be on that screw on the side of the pump there is a lug nut there that you connect your bond wire to

[@colleenahrens6348]

I think you need about 20 more 90's in there........ OMG are you kidding me?

[@ehsrestorations]

Really.. That is crazy plumbing... A lot crap in a small area... That was not setup by a service man but a pool installer. You can't even pool the motor, you will need to cut out the plumbing to work on or replace something with that pump. Yes CVPC nipples should have been used... Most services guys don't know when PVC gets hot it reduces in OD which if using CPVC nipples then its not much of an issue

[@colleenahrens6348]

I don't even think a builder would have set that up. I agree that sometimes my job is to fix what a builder built and I have seen some real scratch your head roll your eyes and wonder how and what in the effff happened here. But I just really want to believe that this was a homeowner build.... at least I sure hope so. lol

[@GLW675]

Colleen Ahrens omg lol right

[@user-eb4iq2jw3y]

That’s a beautiful response

[@elwap0]

😮That's a terrible installation.... really bad...im up to 2500 installs..I'd come over and redo iit for you but im in southern California. ..

[@MichaelMantion]

FInd out who did your plumbing and beat them so they never do that again. Every bend especially 90 degrees create head pressure, reduce flow, wastes energy and decreases the life of your pump. I have 90 going from my pump to my filter, Once I buy everything I need and do my final install I will bend the pipe to avoid using elbows. I hope the next time your bearing fales you fix that plumbing.

[@bsizzlehill2283]

The arrow is pointed the wrong way on the suction side.

[@abramruelas5176]

It's not the plumbing it's actually the water chemical reading. Bad pool service ruined it just like heaters happens all the time. It's not pentair trust me

[@JeffCityPools]

It sounds like the cooling fan has been bumped. I have seen this before, it is an easy fix.

[@elwap0]

should not have used a pvc male adapter on the suction side it will cause air leaks

[@ehsrestorations]

because PVC shrinks when it get hot. If it never runs dry then there will not be an issue but we all know it will run dry at some point.

[@elwap0]

your diffuser is warped probably ran dry causing warping

[@modemonroy6944]

There I a little rock inside impeler

[@sugershakify]

Hope you got it fixed. Definitely not right. My intelliflo's are whisper quiet.

[@aquatrax123]

Your sucking in a lot of air. There should not be any air in the filter basket.

[@poolguykp1990]

This comment is a little late but I hope you warranteed it out??

[@travishowett1189]

Pentair pumps suck. My board went out after three years. Reviews online say the same thing.

[@mred7512]

Your issues aside, you wasted your money since its programmed wrong. Should be running less than 2350 rpm to maximize savings. Its not how it's installed that makes it valuable, its how you program it. The problem you have is minor and will be fixed by Pentair. Call them and have it warrantied. I've saved customer many $100,000 installing these, had a very unique problem with only one

[@Stuff4Guys]

Ed, speed 3 is set to 2350 and speed is 2000. The faster speed make the noise louder which was better for the video. No luck on warranty so far, the sound comes and goes which make the issue even weirder to me.

[@yashuaiphone]

Stuff4Guys ive heard that many times...it will not be warrantied because there was a high ph that destroyed the seal...

[@larosapa1]

I run my pump at 1800 RPM. Works wonderful and save cash. No problems with my pump. Love it! From a woman on a guys site:)

[@colleenahrens6348]

Who installed this?

[@richardfigueroa5485]

Thats the fan, maybe, and way too much elbows there

[@dosninas2]

Great pump, install job not so much...

[@danconradi1433]

That is horrible pluming and electrical. If it's under warranty, then call Pentair.

[@nikodms2682]

I think it’s not the pump that has an issue bro....don’t blame a good pump for stupidity that was created by whoever did that

[@PhilipWojcik]

that plumbing is atrocious

[@glennjacobsen6647]

Sounds like you let the motor run dry and burnt up your seal. So much for being cost effective, I`ve heard a lot of motor`s, new motor`s that sounded like that last year right after installation, in your defence it almost sounds rebuilt or just a cheaply made outsourced Mexican made piece of crap!

[@scottpancake8838]

Any luck yet?

[@scottlundy257]

PS took mine apart and they use cheep chinese bearings

[@kennethholland8297]

Some of the Chinese bearings are the best you can get. How do you know they were cheap bearings?

[@bryanzimmerman8496]

Call pentair Bob!

[@davidbenson9912]

nightmare install

[@MaestroPrep]

Your plumber did you no favors.... Sloppy install, the mark of a amateur! Plumber had no strategic foresight to orient plumbing and devices in proper order. I wont even go into how he screwed your pipes!!

[@williamkegley158]

It is quiet all the time it's a quiet pool pump you must of messed with it

[@junglerepair5075]

The installation is backwards....suction come from pool not filter. That's why this is failing. Sorry my friend. The arrow at the front of pump goes the other way.

[@MegaSnowhoe]

inteli is the best pump

[@elwap0]

I've installed over 1500 of this pump

[@ehsrestorations]

Wow... that's a lot of pumps... let's see 1500x1000=$1.5 M at an averg cost. Pentair must love you. If you installed 1 a day/7days a week that would be over 4yrs of work just doing pumps. Most if not all people I deal with don't want to spend those $$ when I can just replace a motor for averg cost of 230 per motor. I think the IntelliFlo Variable Speed Pump is great but you can also install the replacement Variable Speed motors on existing pumps is something customers can handle better. But MOST pool service people can't change out a pool motors and only want to replace the pump/motors. Anyway, those are my thoughts

[@albertobu]

Just poorly installed..

[@andrewyoung8593]

Great pump, Shitty installation.

[@williamgermann6551]

Before I get out my camera and make a video I think I would call Pentair,it's under warrenty! Get a life

[@GLW675]

So many things wrong... lol

[@N0H1M952]

A dog

[@GLW675]

So many things wrong... lol