How To Choose The Right Replacement Pool Pump Motor

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At one point or another, you will need to replace your pool pump motor. Replacing it with an exact match is important otherwise the motor may burn out prematurely. There are a few things to look for when ordering a replacement motor. This guide will help you understand the world of swimming pool pump motors a little better.

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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.

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(41 to 80 of 117)

 Posted: 9/30/2019 

Actually i am now looking into replacing this 1 speed motor with a VS Motor. From what understand ECM27SQU is what i need to replace it with. so I will need the proper seal kit and maybe change the impeller and difuser. Any info on the feasibility of this conversion is appreciated, as my pool guy is telling me that you cannot replace this B855 1 speed motor with a variable speed one. He basically is saying you need to replace the pump.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 10/1/2019 

Yes, the ECM27SQU can replace your B855 motor. We'll still need to know the make and model of your pump in order to recommend the seals.
 Reply

 Posted: 10/1/2019 

the stickers on the casing show " challenger Pac-Fab 2HP" CHII-N1-2A 1-15-h97 / 34-6201 self priming pump suitable for swimming pools, spas or hot tubs. That's all the info on the casing where the pump fits into. Hope this helps.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 10/1/2019 

The seal kit for the Pac-Fab Challenger pump is part number GOKIT5.
 Reply

 Posted: 8/18/2019 

Hi, can I replace a hayward pool pump 1.5 hp 12 amp with generic 1.5 hp 9.3 amp?
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/19/2019 

Please provide the part numbers numbers of the motors you are comparing and I can determine if they are compatible.
 Reply

 Posted: 7/8/2019 

May I change original motor in pump Hayward SP2705x7 with Century HSQ095 motor? Thank you
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 7/9/2019 

The model number HSQ095  does not cross-reference to a specific motor, but the correct motor replacement for the Hayward Max-Flo II is the USQ1072 or the SPX2705Z1M.
 Reply

 Posted: 6/12/2019 

I have an AO. Smith motor C 48L2DA 146 motor what size capacitor should I get?
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/13/2019 

Hello, your SK1102 motor requires the START CAPACITOR, 161-193 MFD (BC-161)
 Reply

 Posted: 6/16/2019 

I put the capacitor on but it runs for 30 minutes and the motor shuts off on the thermo overload. No sure what to do it's a 110 volt cap
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/17/2019 

You may have a voltage issue, causing your capacitor to fail and motor to malfunction. We cover a few other things that might be causing your pump motor to misbehave: Why is my pool pump motor capacitor failing 
 Reply

 Posted: 6/13/2019 

Thanks, I have been looking everywhere
 Reply

 Posted: 5/31/2019 

I have a dead centurion 8-168787-07 2hp FR Y56Y / type CX / serial BS8-105. Do you sell a replacement motor and all associates gaskets,o-rings, etc.?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/6/2019 

Hello - the replacement motor is the B855 -  2 HP Square Flange 56Y Up Rate. The seals are matched to a pump housing instead of the motor. What is the model number of the pump housing this motor is bolting to? 
 Reply

 Posted: 5/25/2019 

we have an in ground pool and our pool pump just went out. we need to replace it but we cant find that we same pump that we currently have. can you please help us by telling us what would be compatable or if you have the same one? CAT# (cant read) PART# (Q-184980) TYPE- CY FRAME- M56J HP 3/4 SF 100 P1 HZ 60 RPM 3450 VOLTS 230/115 AMPS 4.4/8.8 1081 POOL PUMP DUTY MOUNT HORIZ. WITH HOLES DOWN PLEASE HELP...
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/30/2019 

Hello, the replacement run capacitor for your B227SE is the 25 MFD (17586325) - 628318-307
 Reply

 Posted: 5/6/2019 

We recently had a new 26,218 gallon pool with deck fountains and a water fall. The water features will not work together due to lack of water flow (Pressure). The current pump is a SP3400VSP with an additional waterfall pump recently added for waterfall only. The current Ft per head on the pump is 125.8. My concern is the pool plumbing is 1 1/2" lines and the main pump can not pull enough water from the suction. Is there another pump or recommendation to help assist with this issue? Thank you,
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/7/2019 

What RPMs is your variable speed pump is set to?
 Reply

 Posted: 4/19/2019 

What’s the replacement motor for a pentair whisperflow -wife-8 ? Thank you
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/19/2019 

The replacement motor for the Pentair WFE-8 is model B2843.
 Reply

 Posted: 4/19/2019 

I am looking to replace our pool motor. We have a Century Centurion A.O.Smith, cat B849, serial BW11-15, Part 7 - 177896122, HP 1.5, HZ 60, amps SF10.0, FR Y56Y, Type CX, 1081 Pool Pump Duty mount horiz with vent, Hope this is ample information. Thank you for your help!
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/19/2019 

Hello Suzanne - We'd be glad to assist you. The replacement is model B849.
 Reply

 Posted: 4/14/2019 

I'm replacing a Century Pump - HSQ1102. The frame is listed as a Y56Y and not simply 56Y. Is there a difference. thanks
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/15/2019 

Hello Mike - The short answer is no. There is not a significant difference. The Y before the 56Y indicates the overall length. This doesn't impact anything unless your motor butts up against a wall and there is no chance anything longer will work. For more information, check out our article titled "What Does My Pump Motor's Frame Rating Mean?".
 Reply

 Posted: 4/12/2019 

I need a replacement pool pump motor. This is the information on my old century 1081 pool and spa duty/ E44549 / SP32102BER/ PT# 7-K56AA13A04-05/ SERIAL# 11213J2/ TYPE CXCP, / hp 1.0/.12, / SF 1.85,/ CODE:N / RPM: 3450/1725,/ VOLTS: 208-230,/ HZ: 60, / INSUL GLASS: F / PH: 1 / ENG: ODP, / AMPS: SF 8.5/1.5 / AMB: 60c / FORM: KJM. Could you find me this motor that will replace the old one.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/17/2019 

Hello Tereasa - The replacement motor is part number SPX3210Z2BER.
 Reply

 Posted: 2/27/2019 

I have a pentair superflo vs pump 342001 1.5 hp, the replacement motor listed is 353134S. Are there other replacement motors that would fit the pump housing? I have already replaced the shaft seal in the current motor to stop a leak. Now the bearings are starting to go out, and all the parts are no longer covered by the warranty. The VS features were convenient and did save on the utility bill; however, the replacement motor without a drive assembly and cover is very expensive. Would you recommend options for another motor? Thank you.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 2/27/2019 

Hello Paul - The single speed motor option would be part number B2748. We also have a variable speed option, part number ECM27SQU.
 Reply

 Posted: 2/25/2019 

Hola, quiero remplazar la bomba de mi picina, creo que ya está muy cansada, no se cuantos años tenga pero siento que ya no tiene fuerza, es una Magnatek Cemtury Centurion CAT B123.... RPM3450......FRN56C.....AMPS SF 9.2/18.4......HP 1.5.....SERIAL B89-14.....HZ 60.....TYPE CX....VOLTS. 230/115.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 2/27/2019 

Hello Juan - If you're looking to replace the entire pump, we recommend Pureline model PL2603. If you want to keep the existing pump and only change the motor, the replacement is model B123.
 Reply

 Posted: 1/15/2019 

I have a centery pump 48y, c48ab46a01 and I need a replacement pump. Ser-30116ch. HSQ165.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 1/16/2019 

Hello Jerry - going by the c48ab46a01 number, the replacement would be the USQ1152. Do you need help finding a replacement shaft seal or gasket kit to complete the installation of your motor? If so, reply with the model number of the pump housing.
 Reply

 Posted: 12/31/2018 

My pump in my water jetted bathtub does not turn on anymore. It's 13 years old so I'm looking for a replacement, but can't seem to find a match. It says It's an AO Smith f48r24c83. I have found similar pumps, but with no impeller attached or the wrong frame number (56Z).
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 1/3/2019 

You may only be finding motors because the f48r24c83 is the model number for just the motor. To find the correct replacement pump, find the model or part number on the pump housing (the round housing the motor bolts to.)
 Reply

 Posted: 1/3/2019 

Ok I tried looking up the other number, American Acrylic and Injection CRBT 07-1AA, but it seems obsolete now with few other details.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 1/10/2019 

I tried searching on my end, looking through different distributors, but there really isn't anything. I found a parts list, but like you said everything was obsolete. When I search for the CRBT 07-1AA, I received several results for the CRBT 07-1AE, but there was no info on the differences or compaitibily between the two.
 Reply

 Posted: 9/19/2018 

Hello Rlaeche - The majority of pool motors are made by Century. The squealing bearings were caused by water running down the motor shaft. They may have reused your old shaft seal or used an inferior seal. We'd recommend using a salt water or heavy-duty shaft seal. Next time you replace the motor, make sure you get a shaft seal with viton rubber and a carbon ring.
 Reply

 Posted: 9/18/2018 

Last year we replaced both of our pool motors (one runs the pump and the other the pool sweeper). Now the motor for the pump is making a high pitch squealing noise and the pool company said the bearings are going out. It of course is not under warranty, we were one month past a year. I questioned the pool service company and they stated all pool motors are the same and this happens........ We have had our pool for over 20 years and have only have to replace the motors one time previously. My question is are there different quality levels of pool motors or is what that company said true, and they are all the same and made by one company?
 Reply

 Posted: 8/27/2018 

Hello Chris - The direct replacement for your 0-177896-22 motor is model B849. That is a 1.5HP full rated single speed motor. The total HP (SFxHP) of that motor is 2.25. A more energy efficient option is model ECM27SQU. The ECM27SQU is a 2.7 total HP variable speed motor. The complete pump we'd recommend is PureLine model PL2606. That is a 2.7 total HP variable speed pump with 2" ports.
 Reply