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How To Identify Pool Motor Types

WRITTEN BY: Inyo Pools

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There are five distinct electrical designs that are commonly found on swimming pool pumps and spa pumps. This guide briefly explains the characteristics of these five designs.

Step by Step

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Step 1

SPLIT PHASE - This type of single-phase motor is used extensively in spa and jetted tubs and above ground pool applications. Some are used on pumps on the lower end of the in ground pool market. This design has a start winding and a start switch, but no capacitors.

Step 2

CAPACITOR START - This is a very common singlephase motor found on in ground pool pump applications. The starting torque is higher (150-175% of full load) and starting current lower than the split phase equivalent. The operation is similar to a split phase in that there is a start switch to take the start winding and capacitor out of the circuit once the motor reaches 2/3 to 3/4 of full speed.

Step 3

PERMANENT SPLIT CAPACITOR - This design does not have a start switch and is often referred to as a “switchless” motor. It uses a run capacitor that remains in the circuit at all times. The PSC design has significantly less starting torque than the capacitor start design.

Step 4

CAPACITOR START / CAPACITOR RUN - This design is used to increase efficiency in run mode. Both start and run capacitors are used. In run mode, PSC and Cap. Start/Cap. Run motors are the same.

Step 5

THREE PHASE (POLYPHASE) - This is the simplest, most efficient design. Its use is limited to commercial and industrial applications because three phase power is not available in residential areas.

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(1 to 3 of 3)

Inyopools Posted: 4/25/2018

Hello Tom - It sounds like you may have a bad capacitor. Check out our article titled "How To Test a Pool Pump Capacitor".
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Tom Furey Posted: 4/25/2018

two speed motor . when starting for a few second it pump the goes out on overload p2j5yyf-125l
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SwampPool Posted: 12/17/2016

I have a Jandy JHPU 1.o Stealth Pump with an Emerson EB654 C Flange Pool Motor 1 HP. How do I tell which type of motor this is in regards to the Step 1 through 5?
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