2
CHALLENGER
®
Centrifugal Pump Installation and User’s Guide
INSTALLATION
Location
Be sure the Challenger
®
Centrifugal Pump location meets the following requirements:
Note:
Do not install this pump within an outer enclosure or beneath the skirt of a hot tub or spa unless marked
accordingly.
1. Install the pump as close to the pool or spa as
possible. To reduce friction loss and improve
efficiency use short, direct suction piping returns.
2. Install a minimum of 5 feet (1.5 meters) from the
inside wall of the pool or spa. Canadian installations
require a minimum of 9.8 feet (3 meters) from pool
water.
3. Install the pump a minimum of 3 feet (0.9 meters)
from the heater outlet.
4. Do not install the pump more than 10 feet (3 m) above
the water level.
5. Install the pump in a well ventilated location protected from excessive moisture (i.e., rain gutter downspouts,
sprinklers, etc.).
6. Install the pump with a rear clearance of at least 3 inches (7.6 cm) so that the motor can be removed easily for
maintenance and repair. A vertical clearance of 12 inches (30.5 cm) is required for strainer basket removal. See
Figure 1
.
Piping, Fittings and Valves
1. Use thread seal tape or pipe sealants on all male connections of pipes and fittings. Use only pipe sealant
compounds suited for plastic pipe.
DO NOT USE PETROLEUM BASED PRODUCTS
.
2. Support pipe to prevent strains on the systems filter, pump and valves.
3. When connecting fitting to the pump, apply a pipe sealant to the threads and then hand tighten plus 1½ turns.
DO
NOT OVERTIGHTEN
.
4. Long piping runs and elbows restrict flow. For best efficiency, use the fewest possible fittings, large diameter pipe
(at least 1.5 inches) and locate equipment as close to the pool as possible. The pump suctions line should not be
smaller than the pipe size on the inlet of the pump.
5. Suction fittings must conform to ASME/ANSI A 112.19.8 M Standards. Use double suction fittings.
6. For most installations Pentair recommends installing a valve on both the pump suction and return lines so that
the pump can be isolated during routine maintenance. We also recommend a valve, elbow or tee installed in the
suction line should be no closer to the front of he pump than five (5) times the suction line pipe diameter. See
Figure 1
.
Example:
A 1.5 inch pipe requires a 7.5 inch (19 cm) straight run in front of the suction inlet of the pump. This will
help the pump prime faster and last longer.
Note:
DO NOT install 90° elbows directly into the pump inlet and outlet.
Wiring Installation
RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK OR ELECTROCUTION.
This pool pump must be installed by a licensed or certified electrician or a qualified pool serviceman in
accordance with the all National Electrical Code and all applicable local codes and ordinances. Improper
installation will create an electrical hazard which could result in death or serious injury to pool users, installers,
or others due to electrical shock, and may also cause damage to property.
Always disconnect power to the pool pump at the circuit breaker before servicing the pump. Failure to do so
could result in death or serious injury to serviceman, pool users or others due to electric shock.
1. Make sure all electrical breakers and switches are turned off before wiring motor.
2. Make sure that the wiring voltage matches the motor voltage. If they do not match permanent damage to the
motor will occur.
3 IN.
(7.6 CM)
MINIMUM
REAR CLEARANCE
5x SUCTION PIPE
DIAMETER
ELBOW
12 IN. (30.5 CM)
MIN. VERTICAL
CLEARANCE
Figure 1