Is your Hayward pool pump impeller giving you trouble? Removing the impeller from your pool pump can seem daunting, but with these 5 easy steps, you’ll have it removed in no time!
The impeller is a crucial component of your pool pump, responsible for creating the necessary water flow in your pool. If it becomes damaged or clogged, it’s important to remove it and clean or replace it to keep your pool running smoothly.
With just a few tools and some basic knowledge, you can easily remove the impeller from your Hayward pool pump. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step, using simple language and easy-to-follow instructions.
Don’t let a faulty impeller ruin your pool fun. Keep reading to learn how to remove it in just 5 simple steps!
Table of Contents
Step 1: Turn off the Power
Before attempting to remove the impeller from your Hayward pool pump, it is important to turn off the power to the pump. This is a critical safety measure that ensures you won’t be exposed to any electrical hazards. Locate the circuit breaker or switch that powers your pool pump and turn it off.
It is also recommended that you unplug the pump or disconnect it from its power source to make sure there’s no risk of electricity running through the pump while you’re working on it. Take a moment to double-check that the power is off by turning on the pump and seeing if it starts up. If it doesn’t, you’re ready to move on to the next step.
Turning off the power to your pool pump is a crucial first step to safely removing the impeller. Failure to do so can result in serious injury or death. Don’t take any chances when it comes to electrical safety, and make sure you follow this step carefully.
Once you’ve turned off the power, you’re ready to begin disassembling the pump housing to gain access to the impeller. But before you do that, it’s important to understand the different parts of your pump and how they work together. This knowledge will make it easier for you to remove the impeller without causing any damage to the pump.
Step 1: Turn off the Power
Locate the Power Switch
The first step to removing the impeller from your Hayward pool pump is to turn off the power. This is crucial to ensure that you do not get electrocuted while working on the pump. You can find the power switch near the motor of the pump. Look for a red or black switch box that is typically mounted on the side of the pump.
Before you turn off the power, make sure to remove the plug from the electrical outlet or turn off the circuit breaker. This will prevent anyone from accidentally turning the power back on while you are working on the pump.
Tip: It is a good idea to use a voltage tester to check if the power has been completely turned off before you start working on the pump.
Once you have located the power switch, turn it off by flipping the switch to the off position. This will ensure that the motor and impeller come to a complete stop before you proceed to the next step.
Now that you have turned off the power, it is time to move on to the next step of disassembling the pump housing to access the impeller.
Step 2: Disassemble the Pump Housing
Now that you’ve turned off the power, you can begin to disassemble the pump housing. The first thing to do is remove the bolts that secure the motor to the pump housing. These bolts are typically located on the back of the motor.
Next, remove the diffuser from the impeller housing. The diffuser is the plastic piece that covers the impeller. It is usually held in place with a few bolts or screws.
Once the diffuser is removed, you will be able to see the impeller. Check the impeller for any signs of damage, such as cracks or chips. If the impeller is damaged, you will need to replace it.
After inspecting the impeller, remove the gasket that sits between the motor and the seal plate. This gasket helps to prevent leaks and should be replaced if it is damaged or worn.
Finally, remove the seal plate that covers the impeller. This plate is typically held in place with a few bolts or screws. Once the plate is removed, you will have access to the impeller and can begin to remove it.
Remove the Pump Cover
Step 1: First, locate and remove the screws or clips that secure the pump cover to the rest of the pump housing. Keep these screws or clips in a safe place, as you will need them later to reassemble the pump.
Step 2: Carefully lift the pump cover off the housing. You may need to use a flathead screwdriver or a similar tool to gently pry the cover loose if it is stuck in place.
Step 3: Check the gasket or O-ring that is located between the pump cover and the housing. If it is worn or damaged, you will need to replace it before reassembling the pump.
Remember to keep all of the pieces you remove in a safe and organized location to make reassembling the pump easier later.
Remove the Diffuser
After removing the pump cover, the diffuser will be exposed. The diffuser is a plastic part that is held in place by several screws around its edge. Locate the screws and use a screwdriver to remove them.
Once all of the screws are removed, gently lift the diffuser off of the motor housing. It may be stuck in place, so use caution and wiggle it gently to loosen it.
Set the diffuser aside in a safe place where it won’t get damaged. You may need to refer to it later when reassembling the pump.
With the diffuser removed, you should now be able to see the impeller. Take a moment to inspect the impeller for any visible damage or debris that could be causing problems with the pump’s performance.
Step 3: Secure the Motor Shaft
Before removing the impeller, you need to secure the motor shaft to prevent it from spinning. Here’s how:
Locate the Set Screw
Find the set screw on the side of the motor shaft that’s connected to the impeller. It’s usually a small screw, and you may need a flashlight to see it clearly.
Tighten the Set Screw
Using an appropriate sized wrench or screwdriver, tighten the set screw to prevent the motor shaft from spinning.
Turn Off the Power
For added safety, turn off the power to the pump at the breaker or disconnect switch.
Use a Strap Wrench
Once the set screw is tightened, use a strap wrench to hold the motor shaft in place while you remove the impeller.
Remove the Seal Plate
Locate the bolts that hold the seal plate in place and use a socket wrench to remove them.
Slide the seal plate off of the motor shaft and set it aside.
Inspect the seal plate gasket for any damage or wear and replace it if necessary.
Use a screwdriver to remove the four bolts that hold the impeller in place on the seal plate.
Slide the impeller off of the motor shaft, being careful not to damage the diffuser or impeller.
Hold the Motor Shaft in Place
With the seal plate removed, you’ll be able to see the impeller. Before you can remove the impeller, you’ll need to hold the motor shaft in place to prevent it from turning. You can do this using a strap wrench or a pair of channel locks.
Place the wrench around the motor shaft and tighten it to secure it in place. You should be careful not to damage the threads on the shaft or the ceramic seal on the end of the shaft.
Once the shaft is secured, you can begin to remove the impeller. If you don’t have a strap wrench or channel locks, you can also use a piece of wood to wedge the impeller in place.
With the shaft secured, you’re ready to move on to the next step of removing the impeller from your Hayward pool pump.
Step 4: Loosen the Impeller
Loosening the impeller is a critical step in disassembling a pool pump. The impeller is the heart of the pump and can be damaged easily, so it’s important to take care when removing it.
To loosen the impeller, you will need a special tool called an impeller wrench. This tool is designed to fit over the impeller and allow you to apply the necessary torque to remove it without damaging it.
Before you start loosening the impeller, make sure you have turned off the power to the pump and secured the motor shaft in place. Once you have done this, you can use the impeller wrench to loosen the impeller by turning it counterclockwise.
It’s important to note that the impeller may be stuck and difficult to loosen. In this case, you can use a pair of pliers or a strap wrench to grip the impeller and turn it counterclockwise. However, be careful not to damage the impeller or the pump housing.
Once the impeller is loose, you can remove it by gently pulling it off the motor shaft. Be careful not to damage the impeller or the motor shaft during this process.
Remove the Impeller Screw
To remove the impeller screw, you’ll need a screwdriver. The screwdriver should fit the screw snugly to avoid stripping the screw head. Start by placing the screwdriver into the screw head and turning it counterclockwise. If the screw is difficult to turn, you can apply some penetrating oil to the threads to help loosen it. Be careful not to strip the threads or damage the impeller or shaft. Once the screw is loose, you can remove it from the impeller.
It’s important to note that some impellers may have more than one screw holding them in place. Be sure to check your pump’s manual or diagram to see if there are any additional screws that need to be removed.
After removing the screw(s), gently pull the impeller off the motor shaft. You may need to wiggle it back and forth or use a puller tool to remove it. Be careful not to damage the impeller or shaft during this process. If the impeller is stuck, you can apply some heat with a hair dryer or heat gun to expand the metal slightly and help loosen it.
Use an Impeller Removal Tool
An impeller removal tool is a special tool used to loosen and remove the impeller from the motor shaft. The tool typically has two jaws that grip onto the impeller, and a center screw that is turned to apply pressure to the impeller.
Before using the removal tool, make sure to clean the motor shaft and impeller thoroughly to ensure a good grip. Insert the jaws of the removal tool onto the impeller, making sure they are securely fastened. Then, turn the center screw clockwise to apply pressure to the impeller.
As pressure is applied, the impeller will begin to loosen from the motor shaft. Continue turning the screw until the impeller is completely removed. Be careful not to damage the impeller or motor shaft during the removal process.
Apply Heat to Loosen the Impeller
Applying heat can help loosen the impeller from the motor shaft. Use a heat gun or a hair dryer on high heat to warm the area around the impeller for several minutes.
Be careful not to overheat the motor, as this can cause damage. If the impeller still won’t budge after applying heat, try using an impeller removal tool as described in the previous step.
When using a heat gun or hair dryer, make sure to wear safety gloves and eye protection to prevent burns or injury from flying debris. Keep the heat source at least six inches away from the pump to avoid overheating any plastic or rubber parts.
Step 5: Remove the Impeller
Remove the impeller by hand if it is loose enough. If not, proceed to the next step.
Use a puller tool specifically designed for impeller removal. Insert the puller into the impeller and tighten the center bolt until the impeller comes off the shaft.
Apply heat to the impeller using a heat gun or propane torch. Heat the impeller until it expands and loosens from the shaft, then use the puller tool to remove it.
Inspect the impeller and replace if necessary. Check for cracks, chips, or other signs of wear that could affect performance. If the impeller is damaged, it should be replaced with a new one.
Disconnect the Impeller from the Motor Shaft
Step 1: Check for any remaining screws, bolts, or clips that may still be holding the impeller in place and remove them carefully.
Step 2: Gently pull the impeller off the motor shaft. If the impeller does not come off easily, try gently wiggling it back and forth or using an impeller removal tool to loosen it.
Step 3: If the impeller is still stuck, apply heat to the area where the impeller meets the motor shaft. This can help to expand the metal slightly and loosen the impeller.
Step 4: Once the impeller is free from the motor shaft, inspect it carefully for any damage or wear and replace it if necessary before reassembling the pump.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tools do I need to remove the impeller from a Hayward pool pump?
Removing the impeller from a Hayward pool pump requires several tools such as a screwdriver, pliers, impeller removal tool, and heat gun.
How do I disconnect the impeller from the motor shaft?
To disconnect the impeller from the motor shaft, you need to hold the motor shaft in place and then turn the impeller counterclockwise with the impeller removal tool.
Can I remove the impeller without taking off the seal plate?
No, you cannot remove the impeller without taking off the seal plate. You must remove the seal plate to access the impeller.
Is it necessary to apply heat to the impeller?
Applying heat to the impeller can make it easier to loosen, but it is not always necessary. If the impeller is not too tight, you may be able to remove it without applying heat.
How do I know if I need to replace the impeller?
If the impeller is damaged or worn, you may need to replace it. Signs of damage include cracks, chips, or missing vanes. You can also check the impeller for wear by measuring the clearance between the impeller and the seal plate.