Replace Polaris pump with main pump

[dkmulford]

Hello. My Polaris pump recently went out (the threads corroded off the shaft and the impeller would not turn). I have an extra main pool pump (see attached picture). I'm thinking I will take my extra used main pump and make it the Polaris pump.

The old polaris pump was a 3/4 horse with 3450 rpm. It runs off 230volts and has a 1" input and output.

The used main pump I want to use to replace the old polaris pump is 1 horse with 3450 rpm. It also runs off 230 volts. However, it has 2" input and output. I don't think this is a problem.

I'm curious if anyone sees any problems with me doing this?

Thanks,
D

Main Pump I want to use to run the Polaris:

[Denniswiseman]

I don't see a problem with using the spare pump other than the extra cost of running
Do they both have the same GPH and what does the Polaris recommend

[dkmulford]

I don't see a problem with using the spare pump other than the extra cost of running
Do they both have the same GPH and what does the Polaris recommend

I'm not sure about the flow rates or the polaris requirements. Would have to do more research on both pumps to compare. I spent all day yesterday online researching stuff...looks like I need to spend some more time.

[dkmulford]

After doing some more research on the Polaris it appears that a 3/4 horse is typical but I never ran across flow rate requirements. However, I found that the Polaris needs to run at around 28 to 32 rpm. If it's running too fast, there is an adjustable knob that, when opened, allows some of the excess water out of the line.

Based on this, I think I'll give the main pump a try and see what happens. Since I'm not running the Polaris all the time, I don't think the extra cost to run the bigger pump is a huge issue. Worse case, if this doesn't work, I'll have to spend about $200 to get a new booster pump.

For what it's worth, the reason why I'm trying to do this instead of buying a new booster pump is because I just ordered a new main variable speed main pump to replace this^ older main pump that runs full blast and costs an arm and a leg to run.

Thanks,
D

[Denniswiseman]

Is it not possible to pipe the Polaris suction line in with the new main pump with a divertor valve added
Although it would be easier to just replace the booster pump and maybe think about changing in the future

[dkmulford]

Is it not possible to pipe the Polaris suction line in with the new main pump with a divertor valve added
Although it would be easier to just replace the booster pump and maybe think about changing in the future

I guess you could but I believe doing so would shut off the discharge to the pool jets and divert all discharge to the polaris. That may be ok, but I'd prefer to leave the design the way it is now with the ability to run everything at the same time.

[Denniswiseman]

Unless you discharge from the polaris to waste your water would be filtered and returned to the pool
Just an idea