How To Rotate the discharge port on your Hayward Power Flo Pump

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The Hayward PowerFlo is a popular above ground swimming pool pump. The design of the Hayward PowerFlo is a sleek design with one flaw. The current design of the Hayward PowerFlo is a “top mount” discharge that can only be connected to a sand filter. If you have a cartridge or d.e. filter, you would typically need a new pump. The housing on the Hayward PowerFlo pump can be rotated to a “side-mount” discharge, which can be used on a cartridge or d.e. filter. This guide will show how to do this in no time.

Click here to view the above ground pool pumps.

Things You'll Need

Socket set with 1/4" socket

Flat head screw driver

Step by Step

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Step 1

First and foremost, make sure that power to the pump has been cut off. Unplug the pump if possible.

Step 2

Disconnect the hoses by removing the hose clamp then sliding the hose off of the hose adapter. Place the hoses over the swimming pool wall so that the water does not drain out of the pool.

Click here to view the above ground pool pump hose kit.

Step 3

I recommend placing the pump on a shop bench or table so that it is easier to work on.

Step 4

Remove the pump lid by gripping the handle and slowly turning the cover counter clockwise, the pulling up towards you. Once the cover is off, remove the basket and drain any water inside of the strainer housing.

Step 5

Next, we’ll need to remove the strainer. To do this, we’ll first need to remove the c-clip that locks it into place. Simply pull it gently outwards towards you and lift it out of place.

Click here to view the Powerflo parts diagrams. (You may need your pump model number to confirm)

Step 6

Now you can begin turning the strainer counter clockwise (if you are facing the strainer) until it can be removed.

Step 7

Depending on which motor you have on your PowerFlo, this next step will vary. If the motor doesn’t have a cover on the end of it, the four thru-bolts should be visible. Using a ¼ socket, loosen and remove the thru-bolts. If you feel resistance, I would recommend stopping and contacting a professional. If the thru-bolts snap, you may have to buy additional parts or a new pump. PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Step 8

If the motor has a cover, you will need to remove it to access the thru-bolts. Using the ¼ socket, remove the screw that holds the cover to the motor.

Step 9

The motor cover will still be connected to the motor by the wires on the switch. Simply move the cover to the side so that it is out of the way.

Step 10

The four thru-bolts should now be visible. Using the 1/4" socket, loosen and remove the thru-bolts. If you feel resistance, I would recommend stopping and contacting a professional. If the thru-bolts snap, you may have to buy additional parts or a new pump. PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Click here to view the Powerflo parts diagrams. (You may need your pump model number to confirm)

Step 11

Once the thru-bolts have been removed, rotate the housing 90 degrees counter-clockwise (if you are facing the wet-end).


Step 12

After checking to make sure that the holes for the thru-bolts are lined up between the motor and the housing, lubricate and re-install the thru- bolts. Make certain not to over tighten them. Replace the rear motor cover once you are done (if applicable).

Step 13

Before re-installing the strainer, inspect and replace the o-ring if necessary. Lubricate the o-ring before installation. Simply thread the strainer back on (clockwise) until you begin to feel resistance. There will be some play when the strainer is in the final position. Just make sure that the slots for the c-clip are aligned.

Step 14

To install the c-clip, place one tab into position. While the tab is in position, gently pull outward and push it into place.

Step 15

At this point, you can re-attach the filter hoses to the strainer. Inspect the lid and lid o-ring. Replace if necessary. Lubricate the lid o-ring before placing it back onto the strainer.

Click here to view Magic Lube O-ring Lubricant.

Step 16

Re-install the strainer basket and fill the strainer with water to prime the pump then secure the lid to the strainer.

Step 17

Turn the power on to the pump and check for leaks. If these are any leaks, turn off the power to the pump and repair the leak.

Step 18

Your project is now complete and you saved the cost of a new pump.

Comments

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(1 to 25 of 25)

 Posted: 8/8/2020 

Thanks for taking the time to show this, just bought a new Hayward and had to rotate the input for my pool filter. Took about 10 minutes and it’s still not in the pump manual. Thanks arain!
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/21/2020 

You're welcome. Thanks for reading/watching!
 Reply

 Posted: 7/11/2020 

Super thank you...step-by-step visually and simple precise instruction to go with it. If there is a next time, I’m sure check with you, even if to complement a manual or set of instructions.
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/25/2020 

You're welcome. Thank you for reading.
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Anonymous  Posted: 8/25/2020 

...I was left with thumb-nail size pics and assurances that the conversion was doable.The manufacturer’s response was “download the manual.” At that moment the logical DIY method would have ended up like doing dental work on an elephant, but starting at the wrong end. So glad to have found you. Conversion complete, no stress. I’m the one saying all the THANK YOUS.
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 Posted: 6/30/2020 

How hard is it to replace the c clip? I don't want to accidentally break the clip and make the pump unusable.
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/27/2020 

I struggled with this, as well. But you can put some reasonable force behind it without too much fear of breaking the clip. The material it is made out of is pretty rigid, but it has just enough give to allow you to pop it into place.
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 Posted: 6/21/2020 

I used these instructions to change the discharge on my new Hayward Power-Flo LX 1.5 hp pump. Followed them step by step and I completed the task flawlessly. Hayward really should include these instructions in their owners manual. Thanks you much INYOpools.
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 10/19/2020 

Thanks, Jim!
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 Posted: 5/13/2020 

Thanks for the instructions. You saved me from buying a new pump
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 Posted: 8/21/2019 

Thanks for this post, it was extremely helpful. Hayward should have these instructions in their manual.
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 Posted: 8/8/2019 

Thanks for posting this. For the life of me, I don't understand why these instructions aren't included in the manual or Heyward's website.
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/8/2019 

You're welcome! Hopefully, they update their manuals soon.
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 Posted: 6/16/2019 

this doesn't work on the power flo II. The c-ring slots are only configured for a vertical discharge. I can't see a way to rotate it without taking the housing apart.
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Anonymous  Posted: 8/23/2017 

I can't thank you enough for this!! My new pump came today - the manual doesn't explain how to do this - and the "company" I bought it from; their tech support said it can't be done. Thanks to you and 5 minutes of my time, I am back in business!!!
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 Posted: 5/16/2017 

THANK YOU. YOU SAVED ME ALOT TIME AND AGGRAVATION.
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/10/2016 

howie - It's been a while since I've worked with this procedure, but I think the C-clip should take the play out of the connection.
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 Posted: 8/9/2016 

I see where you say there will be some play when you put on skimmer basket but it is leaking water is that normal and when pump starts it will go away?????
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 Posted: 5/24/2016 

Thank you so much for this. This is the only place I could find instructions on how to do this.
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 Posted: 8/19/2015 

Thanks for the great instructions !!!! Loved having the pictures to accompany the directions.
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 9/15/2014 

Nancy H. - It sounds like the nut was put on crooked so that the threads aren't lined up right. Use a strap wrench to unscrew the nut than make sure the threads are lined up before re-screwing it back on.
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 Posted: 9/14/2014 

I am having extreme difficulty unscrewing the nut that attaches the pump to the DE filter. (1) I am assuming the nut goes counter clockwise to unscrew it? (2) what is preventing me from doing this, is there something I am unaware of that would make this easier?
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 Posted: 9/7/2014 

You are a life saver. I bought a replacement pump and found the outlet going to the filter pointed the wrong way. With your instructions it took me all of 5 minutes to remove the 4 through bolts, rotated 90 degrees and reinstall the 4 bolts. Now I'm ready to replace my old pump. Thanks so much!
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 Posted: 8/13/2014 

Thank you so very much for your help. Your explanations were very easy to follow. It took me approximately 15 minutes to complete. I'm a single female getting it done...with your help.
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 Posted: 6/24/2014 

Thanks it was a lot of help. Because I am doing this myself and back yard not a soul to be seen. Feel like the may tag guy lol thanks again
 Reply