Go back to single speed pump?

[fozzybear]

Hi, I have an old inground pool built with the house in the 60s. The suction line from the skimmer to the pump has been replaced with 2" PVC. The return lines are still the orignal 1.5" copper. The pump that I need to replace is a 4 1/2 year old Pentair SuperFlo. It turns on with a blinking LED and even the ondcumented three button reset doesn't fix it. Since it looks like the drive has failed and that's over half the code of the entire pump it looks like I need to get a new pump.

I know the 1.5" return line limits the amount of water that can be moved and professionals have so far recommended other VS pumps. But then a professional told me to go back to using a 0.5 or .075 HP pump because it's cheaper and also because a VS pump at higher speeds can cause water flow that quickens the erosion of old copper return lines.

The other factor is that I'm renting this house out so I don't do the pool maitenence. The tenants use a service, and while I have seen no problems with the job they've done, I would worry that might run the pump faster than what's recommended for old copper pipes.

Is the last guy correct? That too fast of a flow can erode old copper plumbing even further? I know I'll have to replace them some day but I don't want to further the process along if I can help it.

Thanks,
fozzy

[Denniswiseman]

Never heard of copper pipes being eroded by water flow. It's used in plumbing and heating systems with no effect for decades
I've seen them leaking through external factors as they move against sharp stones even a nail bent over to hold it in place
Albiet slower filtration all round is better
It seems like it's "Pick Your Professional" time as they all differ
The deciding factor should be is the pump matched to your filter

[Teapot1]

Your professional is an idiot!