How To Choose The Right Replacement Pool Pump Motor

Step 1

The easiest way to find out your motor information is on the motor label itself. It will usually list the model or category number. The motor pictured to the left is an AO Smith UST1152 (C48L2N134C1).

Please click here to view our How To Read A Pump Motor Label Blog  

Step 2

If you have an AO Smith motor and a part number similar to the UST1152 (C48L2N134C1) is visible, you can enter it into the search by keyword or part number on our website and it will bring you directly to the motor page.

Step 3

Once you're on the motor page, you will find the motor specs listed. You will want to compare and the specs to what is listed on your current motor label. The most important information you will need are the horse power (HP), amps, voltage, service factor (SF), hertz (HZ), frame (FR) and revolution per minute (RPM).

Step 4

If the model or category number is not legible on the motor label, you will need the information on the pool pump (pump housing) to find the right motor. The label will likely include the pump model and the serial number. Unfortunately only the manufacturer has access to the serial number.

Please click here to view our The Difference Between A Pump And A Motor Blog 

Step 5

If you insert the pump model (SP2810X152) in the search box and click go, it should return with a result. Once on the item page, click on the parts tab, then on the replacement parts link.

Step 6

Once on the pool parts page, you should be able to locate your replacement motor. Once again, you will want to compare and the specs to what is listed on your current motor label (if legible).

Step 7

When we receive a call from a customer asking for a replacement motor, there are a few key questions we will ask: What is the manufacturer and model of the pool pump (not the motor)?, What is the horsepower of the motor?, What is the frame of the motor?, What is the voltage?, What is the service factor?, What is the RPM?, and more general information about the pump (color, shape, etc.) if necessary. If all else fails, we will ask for a photo of the pool pump.

Step 8

The reason we ask these questions is because this key information will lead us to a replacement motor. Let's look at the questions: What is the manufacturer and model of the pool pump (not the motor)? If the customer tells us Pentair, then we know that we will likely be looking for a square flange motor (56Y or 48Y frame) because Pentair/Sta-Rite and Jandy (sometimes) use these types of motors for their pumps. The only difference between the 56Y and 48Y is the circumfrence (width) of the motor. They will both mount to the seal plate but the 48Y will need an optional spacer (that comes with the motor) to sit on to make up for the difference in size.

Step 9

If it's a Hayward pump, we will likely be looking for a round flange (56J frame) motor. Jandy also uses 56J frame motors on some of their pump models. This isn't always the case but the questions above will narrow down our search. Once we figure out the type of motor the customer needs, we then try to match up the pump model number or motor specs.

Step 10

If all of the above fails, we will ask for a picture of the pump housing and the motor label. You can always send images of that information to upload@inyopools.com if you need extra assistance.