How to Change a Polaris Booster Pump Motor

This guide will walk you through replacing a motor on a Polaris Booster Pump. Although it features a Polaris Booster pump from 2011 to present, similar steps can be applied to all variations.

1. Here's a list of common tools you will need to replace your motor: screwdrivers (Phillip head and flat), 9/16" socket wrench, 7/16" open end wrench, channel wrench or strap wrench, silicon gasket lubrication (do not use petroleum jelly), clean soft cloth, "GO KIT" - pool pump seal replacements.

2. TURN OFF POWER - Before you start, make sure that the power to the pump is turned OFF. For maximum safety turn off the power at the circuit breaker to the motor.

3. Disconnect the hoses from the fittings on the volute.

4. Disconnect the bonding wire from the back of the motor.
Note: We had to cut this one off because the bonding lug was corroded. You may not need to if you can loosen the screw on the bonding lug.

5. Remove the back panel on the motor in order to gain access to the wires. 
We used a 1/4" socket to remove the bolts.

6. Disconnect the three wires that are coming in through the conduit.

7. Unscrew the conduit adapter and pull out the conduit and wires from the motor.

8. Move the motor to a location where it is easy to work on.

9. Remove the 6 bolts located on the front of the volute. We used a 1/2" socket to remove the bolts.

10. The next steps will involve removing the impeller. First, remove the cap that covers the shaft of the motor.

11. Stabilize the shaft. We used a 1/2" wrench.

12. While stabilizing the shaft from the back of the motor, spin the impeller off counterclockwise.

13. Remove the 4 bolts that secure the bracket to the motor. We used a 9/16" socket.

14. Remove the bracket from the motor.

15. Separate the bracket from the base by pressing the tabs on the underside of the base.

16. The next steps will involve removing and replacing the shaft seal. First, remove the spring portion of the shaft seal from the impeller.

17. Remove the white ceramic seal from the bracket. That should include the black rubber ring that goes around the ceramic portion.

18. Take the new white ceramic portion of the shaft seal and press it into the bracket. The white ceramic side should be facing out.
Note: Use a clean cloth to press the seal in place. You don't want to get fingerprints on the ceramic.

19. Press the spring portion of the new seal onto the shaft of the impeller. The rubber side of the spring portion should face the impeller. The shiny side will need to face out so that it will end up facing the white ceramic portion that was pressed into the bracket.

20. Press the bracket back onto the pump base.

21. Slide the new motor onto the base and feed the shaft through the bracket.

22. Secure the motor to the bracket using the 4 bolts from Step 13. Tighten with 9/16" socket.

23. The next step will involve reinstalling the impeller. Remove the black cap on the back in order to gain access to the shaft.

24. Using a 1/2" wrench, stabilize the shaft at the back of the motor and spin the impeller on clockwise. Do not overtighten. Just firm enough to move the wrench.

25. Install the bracket o-ring. We recommend lubricating it with a silicone or teflon lubricant.

26. Reinstall the volute onto the bracket and tighten the 6 bolts from Step 9.

27. Get the pump fittings and wrap teflon tape around the threads.

28. Thread the fittings onto the discharge and intake of the pump.

29. Move the pump back into the original location and remove the plate on the back that covers the terminal board.

You can also thread the conduit adapter into the threaded hole next to the terminal.

30. The motor comes from the factory set on 230V (high voltage) and that is how we wired this motor. There is a 115V (low voltage) wiring diagram on the motor label if that is how you need to wire the motor.

31. Feed the wires through the conduit adapter. Connect one "hot" line to terminal 1 and the other to terminal 6. Connect the green ground line to the green ground screw.

Note: The "hot" lines in most applications are black and red. It doesn't matter which color goes to each terminal as long as one goes to terminal 1 and the other to 6.

32. Place the terminal cover over the terminal and tighten the screws.

33. Reconnect the bonding wire to the bonding lug on the back of the motor.

34. Press the hoses onto the fittings. Make sure the intake and return hoses are connected to the correct ports. The intake is at the front of the pump and the discharge is on top.

35. Tighten the nuts down to secure the hose to the fittings.

36. The pump is now completely installed and you can turn the power back on.

This guide is provided by https://www.inyopools.com/

If you have any other questions about pool and spa products please do let us know - we are here to help!

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