The main reasons for switching your single or dual speed pool pump to a variable speed (VS) are economical. With a VS, not only do you get a super-efficient motor, but you get one that will have a good chance of lasting two to three times longer than a standard replacement. The cost of multiple single speed replacement motors would equal or exceed the price of a VS.
The VS motor’s super efficiency has made it the darling of California’s energy conservation statewide push. The versatile motor is an excellent fit for virtually any inground pool, but they are great for your utility bill.
If you are going to make the switch, you have to make sure you pick the right VS model for your pump housing. And you also need to make sure your motor is protected with the correct shaft seal. Luckily for all of us, both of those are pretty easy to do. Let us begin.
Steps to Finding the Correct Variable Speed Motor
As logic would tell you, in order to replace something, you first have to figure out what you’re replacing. So, our first step will be to identify the model of your current motor so that we can find the best variable speed option.
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Take a picture of your motor label
Make sure the picture is clear and that the ratings and numbers of the label are legible. Motor labels can fade over time. So, try different angles if your motor specs have been bleached out to get better contrast.
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Enter the motor’s Identification number into InyoPools.com’s search feature
Find the motor’s part (P/N), catalog (CAT), or model (MOD) number on the motor label and then enter it into the site’s search feature at the top.
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Review results to confirm the correct motor replacement
To verify the search result is correct, compare your motor to the match’s listed horsepower (HP), Service Factor (SF), Frame (FR), and Voltage ratings. The aforementioned ratings are vital to ensure you’ve found the match. Related: How to Read Pump Motor Labels
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Find the “Title 20 Compliant Options” section on the motor page
Find the corresponding variable speed motor for your single or dual-speed model under the California Title 20 section in the description.
Steps to finding the correct GOKIT or Shaft Seal
Most popular pumps have a gasket and O-ring kit, aka GOKIT, associated with them. A GOKIT is a complete set of seals used for a specific pump model. The kit consists of the lid, seal plate, and diffuser gaskets (for in-ground pool pumps only) as well as the shaft seal. This kit is a great add-on to a motor purchase because it allows you to replace all the pump’s seals in one go since the pump is already disassembled.
There are two styles of GOKITs: the standard and the heavy-duty (or saltwater) version. These two kits are the same except for the shaft seal. The saltwater kit includes a GOKIT and is not required to complete a motor installation, but the shaft seal is.
For me, the most important part of the motor installation is the shaft seal. That little two-sided seal is the last line of defense keeping the water in your pump and away from your brand new electric motor. Using an old shaft seal when installing a new motor is a guaranteed premature motor failure (which will not be covered by the warranty).
Step 1: Take a picture of your pump’s model number
Take a picture of your pump’s profile and any labels that look like they contain information about the make and model.
Step 2: Visit InyoPools.com’s pool pump parts page
Go to Inyo’s pool pump parts page to start your search. There are a couple of ways you can begin your search.
Method 1 – Use the pump’s model number
If your pump has an easily identifiable model number, you can enter it into Inyo’s search feature to view the parts diagram.
For example, you find the part number SP2610X15 on the housing tag. In the search feature at the top of the page, enter “SP2610X15 parts” and the first result will be the parts diagram.
Method 2 – Match using our pump picture lineup sorted by manufacturer
If you know the manufacturer’s name of the pump, go to our pool pump parts section to view our pool pump lineup.
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- Select the manufacturer’s name from our list
- Compare the listed tile pictures to the pump profile picture taken earlier
- Click the tile that most resembles your pump to view the parts diagram
- If the selected pump has a gasket kit (GOKIT), it will be the first item listed under the parts diagram picture
Method 3 – Unable to identify your pump using pictures or model numbers
Step 3: Pick a standard or saltwater GOKIT or shaft seal
Most common pool pumps have an option for traditional chlorine or a heavy-duty shaft seal meant for saltwater installations. Common models like the Hayward Super Pump have two GOKIT versions: the standard GOKIT3 and the heavy-duty GOKIT3SALT. The only difference between the kits is the style of shaft seal. If you use traditional chlorine, you can use either style. The heavy-duty seal should last longer than the traditional one in that application. If you have saltwater, you should choose only the heavy-duty saltwater version.
What if my pump model does not list a GOKIT?
If your pump model does not have a GOKIT option, you can pick the seals and gaskets individually using the parts diagram. Just remember the shaft seal is the only required gasket for the installation. Inspect your other seals to determine if they too should be replaced. Look for warping, pinches, or cracking to determine if the gasket is good or bad. Related: How To Find The Correct Pool Pump Shaft Seal.
Do you have any unanswered questions about finding a variable speed pool pump motor? If so, feel free to browse our related articles listed below or you can leave a comment down below.
If you have any other questions about pool and spa products please do let us know - we are here to help!