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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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(1 to 40 of 117)

 Posted: 11/30/2021 

Hi there. We have a square flange, dual speed 1.5 HP Pentair motor which is officially dead. I need to replace it, but there has been a backorder since early Spring. Is there any other pump brand that is interchangable? Thanks!
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 12/1/2021 

What is the part, model, or catalog number on your motor's label? I need to know the exact motor you have to find anything compatible.
 Reply

 Posted: 10/16/2021 

morning! I have a AO Smith B2859 pump motor (2.0 HP) that seems to have power going to it but no action. Looking at replacing it could we put a variable flow motor without replacing parts other than the seal?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 10/18/2021 

The correct variable speed replacement motor for the B2859 is the V-Green 2.7 HP Square Flange 48Y - ECM27SQU
 Reply

 Posted: 10/14/2021 

My single speed motor has started to overheat/shut down and I am afraid it is time to replace the whole pump system. I am looking at replacing it with a variable speed pump, but want to find a system that will fit without having to completely rebuild my piping system. Things become more complicated as my system seems to be a hodgepodge of parts. First, the motor is a 2hp rebuilt motor and so it has no information on it besides that it is remanufactured and 2hp. When searching for more information, I found 2hp printed on the sta-rite trap cover. I also found that the impeller had the C105-238p printed on it. (It seems that the impeller might be the incorrect part for a 2hp system as this one is only rated for 1hp.) On the outside of the pump housing is the model #P6E6G-208L which would suggest that it is a Sta-Rite Max-E-Pro 2hp 230V model. I would like to stay with the 2hp system and hope to find a variable speed pump that would easily matchup to my existing 2" pipes. What do you suggest?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 10/20/2021 

To switch the pump back to the 2 HP, all you would need is a new motor and an impeller and diffuser. The compatible VS motor for your P6E6G-208L Max-e-Pro is the ECM27SQU; the necessary hardware pieces are the C105-238PEBA impeller and C1-271P diffuser.Unfortunately, Sta-Rite does not sell their whole goods through online retailers, so we do not have an option to replace the whole pump without re-plumbing.
 Reply

 Posted: 10/8/2021 

Whats the difference between y56y and just 56y?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 10/11/2021 

The frame rating 56Y and Y56Y are essentially the same things. The first 'Y' in Y56Y denotes the length of the motor, I believe. Most motor labels will only show the standard frame rating of 56Y or 56J, because it is the only thing that would affect whether the motor fits.
 Reply

 Posted: 9/29/2021 

What century pool motor is compatible with us motor . Cat no. ASB843 Model no. K63CXDFW-5159 THP 2.60 Fram 56Y. 208-230 Volts
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 9/30/2021 

The correct replacement motor for your ASB843 - K63CXDFW-5159 model is the 2.0 HP Square Flange 56Y Full Rate EE Motor - B2843
 Reply

 Posted: 8/4/2021 

I want to replace a lesson motor. Model M6C34FC7D. Do you have a replacement Frame D56C. 3450 rpm. 3/4 hp. 10 FLA I found one everything matches except model and catelog number. Will that work?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/5/2021 

Is this motor on an inground pool pump? If so, what is the model number of it? I ask because this does not appear to be the type of motor we offer replacements for.
 Reply

 Posted: 8/5/2021 

Model number is M6C34FC7D. If I find a motor and all other info matches except for model number will that work? It is for a above ground pool.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/6/2021 

If all the ratings match, the most important being total horsepower, amps, voltage, and frame, it should be a match. We don't carry this motor but there appear to be plenty of other retailers or distributors who carry this model.
 Reply

 Posted: 7/29/2021 

Quick question. I have a round flange 56J. Can I replace this with a square flange 56y?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 7/29/2021 

They are not compatible with one another.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/15/2021 

Hi there! We have a Hayward 1.0 HP 12 amp pump. The local pool shop Stated the motor on our Hayward 1.0 12 amp pump died and thus leading us to get a new one to replace. I asked for the exact same pump to be replaced. After installing I noticed the pump is a 1.5 HP 9 amp replacement. Will this be sufficient for our 26" oval above ground pool? I'm worried this new off brand pump is gonna be a problem down the road for us. Please any recommendations are greatly appreciated.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/4/2021 

I would need model and part numbers to figure out if they are matches; horsepower and amps will not be accurate enough in this case.
 Reply

 Posted: 6/17/2020 

I am looking to replace my pool pump. It is a centurion b127 part number 0-164302-24. It is a square flange. Is there a variable speed pump you would recommend at a reasonable price point?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 9/2/2020 

I will presume you are looking for a motor, and not the whole pump. If I am incorrect, feel free to correct me. The straight replacement is the 3/4 HP Round Flange 56J Full Rate EE Motor - B127; your variable speed option is the ECM16CU.
 Reply

 Posted: 4/27/2020 

can I replace a 2 hp century centurion 7-186016-20 with a new pentair superflo VS 342001 1.5 HP pool pump?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 10/27/2020 

Bad Guy #3The 7-186016-20 is a motor, so I can't make a fair comparison between it and a whole pump like the SuperFlo. The 7-186016-20 motor can be fitted to dozens of pump housing, which having varying flow rates due to their designs. I would need to know the model number of your current pump housing to make a fair comparison
 Reply

 Posted: 4/22/2020 

I have a Century Centurian B2854 1.5 hp pool pump motor. It's only lasted about 1.5 years. Typical Made in China crap. I'd like to replace it with a 2 hp made in America pump. What pump do you suggest? I think I need a different diffuser, and impeller. Can you please suggest some part numbers for me, and tell me if there's anything else I will need. Thanks
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/24/2020 

The replacement motor is another B854, and pretty much every motor on the market now has parts made in or is completely made in China or Mexico. There is no real way to get around that at the moment. Variable speed motors have a longer lifespan because they are a totally enclosed design. The VS replacement for your B2854 is the ECM16SQU.And for the impeller and diffuser, you would just need to search the part numbers printed on the parts themselves to get replacements. Those pump pieces usually only need to be replaced if they are broken; they don't wear down.Do you need help finding the replacement shaft seal or gasket kit to complete the motor installation? If so, we will need the model number of the pump and/or a picture of the pump housing.
 Reply

 Posted: 4/18/2020 

Hello I have a Apexvs1 Variable speed. I noticed the motor is obsolete is there any other brand variable speed motor I can replace it with? 1 hp
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/21/2020 

Does your motor label state a Service Factor (SF) and Frame (FR)?
 Reply

 Posted: 4/9/2020 

I run a neighborhood pool and our pump finally died. We had it rebuilt in 2008, but I think it would be better to go ahead and get a new one. This particular model is quite old-- so there is no label to determine what size, etc. Is there a way I could share a picture with you? Pool is rectangular-- approx. 116,000 gallons...
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/15/2020 

You may forward a picture to upload@inyopools.com 
 Reply

 Posted: 4/8/2020 

I currently have a Jandy Stealth SHPM 1.0 pump mated with a Century Centurion model B2854 1.5 HP motor Type CX, Frame Y56Y, which is going to need repalcement. Can you recommend a pump/motor set to replace this with? Thanks.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/8/2020 

A suitable replacement for the Jandy SHPM1.0 would be the Waterway Champion 1.0 HP Max Rate Pool Pump. It matches the flowrate, making sure you shouldn't have any pressure issues when you make the switch.
 Reply

 Posted: 1/17/2020 

Need a motor replacement but having trouble knowing where to look
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 1/20/2020 

Hello Lawrence - We'd be glad to assist you. Are you able to find a catalog or model number on the motor label?
 Reply

 Posted: 1/2/2020 

Good afternoon, Thank you for this wonderful service. I'm currently running an AO Smith UST1152 1.5 HP (under rated) that is starting to make some noise after 10 years. Your website points out that the replacement motor AO ST1152 is a higher efficiency motor with a higher service factor, but same HP. Is it okay to replace my old motor with this newer, more efficient one? Thank you!
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 1/3/2020 

The ST1152 is a full rated 1.5HP motor that will run at higher amps than your current motor. The more energy-efficient version of your UST1152 is model UCT1152.
 Reply

 Posted: 10/21/2019 

What HP is correct to replace Model # 196239?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 10/21/2019 

To confirm the correct motor, we would need to know the full part number. There should be a digit before and two digits after the 196239. For example; 7-196239-24
 Reply

 Posted: 10/14/2019 

So I replaced my AO SMITH/CENTURY CENTURION , 2HP, B855 motor with the variable motor ECM27SQU. The way the motor/pump is located, its very difficult to read the user interface. Is there a way to re-orient the screen ? i see 4 screws. kind of wonder if i can set the interface sideways.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 10/15/2019 

Unfortunately, the user interface cannot be rotated.
 Reply

 Posted: 9/21/2019 

Hi, I am replacing my old pump motor with a new one (AO SMITH/CENTURY CENTURION , 2HP, pool and spa, permanent split capacitor, 230v, 56Y frame, B855, serial 07512CH, part 0-177897-22, SF 1.1, rpm 3450). What are the seal/o rings that I need to replace ? and what are the model numbers or how do i figure this out ? I would like original seals, not copies. thanks.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 9/26/2019 

Hello Jean - We need to know the make and model of the pump end (basket area) in order to recommend the seals. You provided the information from the motor label. The B855 can be used on several pumps.
 Reply