1. Home
  2. How To Guides
  3. How To Choose The Right Replacement Pool Pump Motor

How To Choose The Right Replacement Pool Pump Motor

WRITTEN BY: 

  3.94 out of 5 stars on 16 ratings
(Click on a star to add your rating)

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.



Comments

Email

Print

Steps

Video

Step by Step

Top

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.

Comments

Top
Add a Comment
(81 to 117 of 117)

 Posted: 8/25/2018 

I have a Century pump with AO Smith motor 0-177896-22 pumping 3 waterfalls in my pool. It has shorted out. I am looking to replace the motor and/or entire pump. I know the cheapest method is to replace the motor. I would like to save on energy if possible. What other motors/pumps should I consider?
 Reply

 Posted: 8/24/2018 

Hello Mel - The single speed replacement motor for your C48L2N134B1 is part number UST1152. I believe the Energy Star ratings are only applied to complete pumps. If you go with a complete pump, we recommend the PureLine Prime model PL2605. The Curve A Energy Factor is 18.07.
 Reply

 Posted: 8/24/2018 

I have an AOSmith model C48L2N134B1, 1.5 HP, 1.1KW, 115/230 Volt, 3450RPM that has gone bad. Looking for what to use as a replacement, single or VS. Can you provide suggestions? If VS, my utility is offering rebates for Energy Star rated with an Energy factor of 3.8 or greater. Thanks
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/20/2017 

must - The GOKIT you need is identified by the model of the pump you are placing the new motor in not the motor. For example, GOKIT77 is the Tune Up Kit for the Jandy JHP + JHPU Pump Series. Type in your pump model and you should find your GOKIT in the parts list.
 Reply

 Posted: 8/18/2017 

Thank you for your very informative reply. I have checked and space around the current motor is sufficient for the additional motor length of 1.05" and the mounting holes are of same distance so it should match and install easily I assume. My only question before placing the order for B654 motor...does tune up kit GOKIT77 matches/is required to do the job correctly? Is there a different kit for b654? I want to place the order for all parts i need so the job can be done effectively and efficiently :-) Thanks
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/14/2017 

must - The B654 would be the standard energy efficient replacement for your failing B128 motor. UCT1152 might also work but it is built with the 5 5/8” lamination, and the B654 uses the 6 ½” lamination. The B654 is slightly more efficient and would be the one to use if the existing motor has failed. Check your spacing. It looks like the B654 is an inch longer. I would recommend an EE motor for Dallas. And we do not get involved with installations so have no data on that process.
 Reply

 Posted: 8/9/2017 

My current motor specs are: Century Centurion AO Smith; CAT B128; SERIAL 13711CH; PART O-164303-23; TYPE CX; FRAME M56J; HP 1.0; SF 1.40; PH 1; HZ 60; RPM 3450; VOLTS 230/115; AMPS SF7.2/14.4; TIME CONT; ENCL DP; FORM KJM; CODE J; INSUL CLASS B; AMB 50 DEG C; 1081 POOL PUMP DUTY MOUNT HORIZ WITH VENT HOLES DOWN

The motor is making loud noise so I think it needs to be replaced immediately. I have found the 1 HP B128 Replacement Pool Motor on your website as the exact match and I understand I need to also get tune up kit GOKIT77 to do the job correctly. Before I order, I would like to confirm that this is the right replacement motor and tool kit. Also if I want to replace the motor with a different “energy Efficient” model then I have found that UCT1152 is the exact match for my current motor replacement…. So my question is first that if this is correct replacement and if so, would you recommend this change to energy efficient model for Dallas, TX area pool?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 7/21/2017 

Andy - Your id number, 177451, is actually the motor part number not the pump number, so this gives us no information on your existing pump housing. We can say, however, that your motor will fit into a current WhisperFlo pump housing. Not sure if you might need to buy the parts between the motor and the housing like the seal plate and the diffuser to make it fit but I would guess not. The assumption is that you could use the old seal plate and diffuser when you reassemble the pump. Don’t forget to buy the gasket kit.
 Reply

 Posted: 7/18/2017 

I have a old Megnetek Century Centurion pump(177451) which seems to be working fine, however there is a crack on the housing which need to be replaced. I can find any housing close to that online, the nearest one i see looks like that is WhisperFlo pump Volute( http://www.aquapoolstore.com/357149.html).. do you have suggestions on finding the right housing.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 7/9/2017 

TracWagon - You can't put a 1/2 or 3/4 HP motor into a 2HP wet end. The existing impeller is too large to drive with a smaller motor. You would be asking a smaller motor to move the same water flow as the 2 HP motor did. You could change the impeller 1 step down to a 1 1/2 and drive it with a 1 1/2 HP motor. But you can't step the impeller (and motor) all the way down to a 1/2 of 3/4 size.
 Reply

 Posted: 7/6/2017 

I have converted my pool to a koi pond. Because a koi pond filters are extremely low head we switched to an EE pond pump with a 3hp waterway wet end on a 1/4 hp 48 frame motor. This motor fried but I still have my WFE-8 2hp Pentair whisperflo pump. Because less than 10ft total head is way out of spec for this pump, could I change physically change the motor to a 1/2 or 3/4 56Y frame motor. This would still give the high flow and pull the head specs back into curve?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 7/4/2017 

Sunny - If your motor label says UST1152, this is your replacement motor - Century 1.5 HP Round Flange Up Rate Motor (C48L2N134) Formerly A.O. Smith - UST1152.
 Reply

 Posted: 7/3/2017 

Ust 1152
Model c55cxkmc-5013
Hp ? (Can't read it)
Rpm 3450
Volts 230/115
S.f. amps 7.3/15.6 PH1 DUTY
MFG#E14C FRAME 56J
1.10 SF 8.5/17.0 AMPS

that is the best I can read it. I have a Hayward super DUTY I believe. 30,000 gallon.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/23/2017 

Flo - The replacement motor for your current 164303-22 motor is A.O.Smith Motor 56j Thrd Full 1hp (b128).
 Reply

 Posted: 6/21/2017 

25000 gal inground poolpart 8-164303-22 HP 1.0 Type CX Volts 230/115 AMPS SF 7.2/14.4 HZ 60 RPM 3450 AMB 50C SF 1.4 TIME: CONT Code J ENCL-CR, FR L56J, FORM KJM, INSUL Class: B, Serial # BS6-02
1081 Pool pump duty mount horiz with vent holes down

What pump should we order to replace? Thank you.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/13/2017 

Pete - The replacement motor for your current C48K2N143B3 motor is an A.O. Smith 1 HP Round Flange Up Rate Motor - UST1102. The comparable Energy Efficient motor is an A.O. Smith 1 H.P Pool Motor Energy Efficient Round Flange - UCT1102. At 220V the standard motor uses 7.5 amps. The EE motor uses 5.5 amps. That's an operational savings of 28%.
 Reply

 Posted: 6/11/2017 

11200 gal inground pool with solar heater, motor runs 365 days in Florida. Motor screeching and getting louder. Hayway Super II pump with cartridge filter. Motor HP and Model # not all readable. Info: FR: 56J, SF:1.1, PH1, model: ?48K2N143B3. Pump:SP3007X10AZ Looking for replacement motor or possibly a more efficient motor/pump if not too expensive. Thanks
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/23/2017 

Jeff - You will have difficulty finding a replaceable 56Z motor. The Z-frame uses a flatted shaft end on which the impeller is to be secured. Z-frame motors are usually made in batches to be fitted to a pump manufacturer’s specialty pump. The tricky thing about the flatted shaft is that the width of the flat side varies. So, not all flat shaft Z-frame motors are interchangeable. Your best option is to contact the pump manufacturer to see what he has.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/21/2017 

Hi, I have a 56z frame pool pump I need to replace what pump would I replace it with? I can't find one
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/20/2017 

BrianM - There was not enough information here but from other separate emails on the size of your large pool, it sounds like you need a 1 1/2 HP Hayward Super Pump. With 1 1/2" piping, you shouldn't go any higher.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/18/2017 

Might need a replacement motor. Can't read much from the pump. It's a Hayward super pump. All I can tell is 56y frame. RPM 3450. Hz 60. Class B 40 degrees. Made in Mexico. Any ideas? Thanks.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/2/2017 

Sean P - I could not match your motor specs to our database. Please give one of our service reps a call at 877-372-6038 to see if they can help you further.
 Reply

 Posted: 4/29/2017 

Need a replacement motor for my Jacuzzi filter on my above ground pool 18ft, round, my motor is a 1 Hp. 1.0 spl 2 speed a.o smith part no.Part7-186554-01 hz 60 115 volts amps 8.8/2.6 horizontal flow to filter, can you make a suggestion or do you stock this motor. thank you.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/14/2017 

JG - Your replacement motor for Part # 7-164362-22 is Motor 56j Thrd Full 1.5 Hp (b129). The "N" prefix on your frame type is non-standard but has to do with motor length. Check the motor length, shown in one of the motor views, against your current motor to make sure it will fit in your cooler space.
 Reply

 Posted: 4/13/2017 

I am trying to replace a motor for my milk cooler. The information I have is Century Centurion A.O.SMITH Serial CA11-29 Part 7 -164362-22
Type:CX FR:N56J HP:1.5 SF:1.30 PH:1 HZ:60 RPM:3450 volts 230/115 amps SF 9 2/18.4
Can you tell me where I can order this motor from?
Thanks JG
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/10/2017 

Mike - Generally, you cannot replace a 56Z frame with a 56Y frame. The Z-frame uses a flatted shaft end on which the impeller is to be secured. Z-frame motors are usually made in batches to be fitted to a pump manufacturer’s specialty pump.
 Reply

 Posted: 4/6/2017 

I have a frame of 56Z and can I use a frame of 56Y?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 2/13/2017 

lee - Sorry, but I can't identify the make of your pump on the information you listed. Please talk to one of our service rep at 877-372-6038. They will probably ask for a couple pictures of your pump.
 Reply

 Posted: 2/7/2017 

? HI, Im trying to find out what brand my pool pump is and have searched everywhere and cant find it, thanks
?model 72751
?de02200057292
?motor model RS4F35712L
?VOLTS 230 HZ 60 HP 1.5
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 2/3/2016 

Susan - Generally the information you need to replace a pump motor is Model Number, the HP, the SF (Service Factor), the FR (Frame). In your case the Model Number may be sufficient. Please call our office at 877-378-6038 and one of our service reps will be happy to look at your motor label pictures and resolve this for you.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 2/3/2016 

R56J vs 56J - There is no difference. They are the same frame.
 Reply

 Posted: 2/2/2016 

Just help me please. I have an older motor. Frame:R48Y volts 230/115 rpm: 3450 Serial 186506 Brand Name Magnetek Century Neptuen 1081
amps (all I could read) SF5 What other info do i need and I have pictures
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 2/1/2016 

What is the difference between 2HP AO Smith R56J frame and a 56J without the R?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 9/10/2015 

Darrin - Not sure what you currently have. Most "Y" frame motors come with a square motor mounting flange that attaches to the seal plate. If you haven't already, please call our office at 877-372-6038 and talk to one of our service reps. The will be able to clear up any confusion quickly.
 Reply

 Posted: 9/2/2015 

Hi, it says above that a 56Y and 48Y 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. I have a motor that I need to replace. It is a 56Y but it does not have the square plate on the end of the one like this one - http://www.inyopools.com/Products/00200017046223.htm I just need the motor. Can you help me determine which one is right for me, please? I can send photos and details, too.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/3/2015 

Art in fl - No, a 56J motor (round) cannot fit on a 56Y frame (square).
 Reply

 Posted: 8/1/2015 

Can you use a 56j motor on a 56y frame
 Reply