Pool Motor Repair and Replacement
Pool, spa, fountain and stream pump motors come in a variety if sizes and configurations. When considering a replacement motor for a noisy, or completely seized electric motor, specifications from your existing motor are needed in order to obtain the correct replacement.
Due to the potential of electrical shock, motor and pump replacements should always be performed by a professional technician.
The following information is needed in order to match your replacement motor and can usually be found on a sticker or nameplate on the motor itself:
- Horsepower rating (HP)
- Operating voltage
- Single or dual-speed
- Frame type
Once a motor has been identified, it can be ordered. A technician can usually have a typical motor installed it in about an hour. Anytime a motor is separated from the pump housing assembly, a new “seal-kit” will be required and consists of gaskets, o-rings, washers and seals to prevent water leakage from the water pump side into the motor side.
Leaking seals are the number one cause of motor failure as leaking water will start to rust the bearings, which will then cause the motor to become noisy and get increasingly louder until the bearings finally seize from the friction. The electrical circuit breaker, or a GFI will usually trip and cannot be re-set under these conditions.
NOTE: Once motor is separated from pump only then can another common failure be visible, which is the possibility of a damaged “impeller.” The impeller is the component that spins and forces water through the pump. It often encounters debris that gets past the pump basket causing damage in the form of cracks, chipping or clogging. During many motor replacements, is is often discovered that an impeller replacement is also required at an additional cost for this part.Another way impellers get damaged is if the pump at anytime had ran dry due to a low water level in the pool or spa, then impeller will warp from excessive heat and can no longer create a water-tight seal. Any damaged impeller should be replacement while the motor is apart to maintain efficiently and not cause damage to the new motor.
FRAME: 48Y / Thru-Bolt Single Speed Pool/Spa Motor
TYPICAL APPLICATION: Above ground pools and portable spas
HP: 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1-1/2, 2
5-1/8″ on center thru bolt mount (measured diagonally across shaft)
NOTE: Spa/hot tub owners; If the spa is wired for 220 volts, it does not mean the pump motor is operating on 220 volts. Be sure to verify the voltage on the current motor nameplate.
FRAME: 48Y / Thru-Bolt 2-Speed Pool/Spa Motor
TYPICAL APPLICATION: Above ground pools and portable spas
HP: 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1-1/2, 2
5-1/8″ on center thru bolt mount (measured diagonally across shaft)
NOTE: Spa/hot tub owners; If the spa is wired for 220 volts, it does not mean the pump motor is operating on 220 volts. Be sure to verify the voltage on the current motor nameplate.
FRAME: 56Y / Thru-Bolt 2-Speed Pool/Spa Motor
TYPICAL APPLICATION: Portable spas (Waterway pumps)
HP: 2, 3, 4 & 5
5-13/16″ on center thru bolt mount (measured diagonally across shaft)
NOTE: Spa/hot tub owners; If the spa is wired for 220 volts, it does not mean the pump motor is operating on 220 volts. Be sure to verify the voltage on the current motor nameplate.
FRAME: 56J / Threaded Shaft Single Speed Standard Pool/Spa Motor
TYPICAL APPLICATION: In-ground pools/spas
HP: 3/4, 1, 2 & 2-1/2
Motor face has 4 threaded bolt holes (3/8″) to attach pump to motor with holes measuring 5-7/8″ on center, measured diagonally across shaft, which is 5/8″ diameter with threads on the end.
NOTE: Usually dual voltage 115VAC / 230VAC
FRAME: 56J / Threaded Shaft Single Speed Energy Efficient Pool/Spa Motor
TYPICAL APPLICATION: In-ground pools/spas
HP: 3/4, 1, 1-1/2, 2 & 3
Motor face has 4 threaded bolt holes (3/8″) to attach pump to motor with holes measuring 5-7/8″ on center, measured diagonally across shaft, which is 5/8″ diameter with threads on the end.
NOTE: Usually dual voltage 115VAC / 230VAC
FRAME: 56J / Centurion Pool Motor
TYPICAL APPLICATION: In-ground pools/spas
HP: 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1-1/2, 2 & 3
NOTE: Usually dual voltage 115VAC / 230VAC
FRAME: 56J / Threaded Shaft 2-Speed Energy Efficient Pool/Spa Motor
TYPICAL APPLICATION: In-ground pools/spas
HP: 3/4, 1, 1-1/2, 2 & 3
Motor face has 4 threaded bolt holes (3/8″) to attach pump to motor with holes measuring 5-7/8″ on center, measured diagonally across shaft, which is 5/8″ diameter with threads on the end.
NOTE: Usually dual voltage 115VAC / 230VAC
FRAME: 56J / Threaded Shaft 3-Phase Motor
TYPICAL APPLICATION: Large In-ground pools, streams, fountains
HP: 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1-1/2, 2 & 3
Motor face has 4 threaded bolt holes (3/8″) to attach pump to motor with holes measuring 5-7/8″ on center, measured diagonally across shaft, which is 5/8″ diameter with threads on the end.
NOTE: 240/460VAC / 3-phase power required
FRAME: 56J with Base Mount / Threaded Shaft Spa Motor
TYPICAL APPLICATION: NOT a common pump, only used on certain Jacuzzi spas.
HP: 3/4, 1, 1-1/2 & 2
NOTE: Dual voltage 115/230VAC
What is the difference between 48Y & 56Y?
Both have the same exact size square flange. The 56Y motor body diameter is 1/2″ larger than 48Y, so the 48Y usually includes a 1/2″ rubber spacer if required when mounting. Body diameter is the only difference, they can be inter-changed.
FRAME: 48Y Square Flange Standard Efficiently Pool/Spa Motor
TYPICAL APPLICATION: In-ground pools, spas, fountains, streams. Common replacement for Pentair WhisperFlo and other pump motors (usually tan in color). Square mounting flange has 4 non-threaded bolt holes with a shaft that is 5/8″ diameter with threaded tip.
HP: 1/2, 3/4, 1. 1-1/2″, 2, & 2-1/2
NOTE: Dual voltage 115/230VAC
FRAME: 48Y Square Flange Energy Efficient Pool/Spa Motor
TYPICAL APPLICATION: In-ground pools, spas, fountains, streams. Common replacement for Pentair WhisperFlo and other pump motors (usually tan in color). Square mounting flange has 4 non-threaded bolt holes with a shaft that is 5/8″ diameter with threaded tip.
HP: 3/4, 1. 1-1/2″, 2, & 3
NOTE: 3/4 & 1-HP dual voltage 115/230VAC and 1, 1-1/2, 2 & 3-HP 230VAC
FRAME: 56Y Square Flange Single-Speed Pool/Spa Motor
TYPICAL APPLICATION: In-ground pools, spas, fountains, streams. Common replacement for Pentair WhisperFlo and other pump motors (usually tan in color). Square mounting flange has 4 non-threaded bolt holes with a shaft that is 5/8″ diameter with threaded tip.
HP: 1/2, 3/4, 1. 1-1/2″, 2, 2-1/2, 3 & 5
NOTE: 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1-1/2-HP dual voltage 115/230VAC and 2, 2-1/2, 3 & 5-HP 230VAC
FRAME: 56Y Square Flange 3-Phase Motor
TYPICAL APPLICATION: Larger in-ground pools, spas, fountains, streams. Square mounting flange has 4 non-threaded bolt holes with a shaft that is 5/8″ diameter with threaded tip
HP: 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1-1/2, 2, 3 & 5
NOTE: Dual voltage 230/460VAC 3-phase power
FRAME: 56C Keyed-Shaft Pool/Spa Motor
TYPICAL APPLICATION: In-ground pools and jet pumps for spas. Older pumps usually have brass housings.
HP: 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1-1/2, 2 & 3
NOTE: 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1-1/2-HP are dual voltage 115/230VAC and 2 & 3-HP 230VAC