Hayward vs Pentair vs Jandy: Finding the Right Replacement Part

Hayward, Pentair, and Jandy (part of the Zodiac family) make much of the pool equipment installed in North America. When something breaks, the most important question isn't which brand is better. It's which part fits the equipment you already have. This guide explains how the major brands are organized, which parts can cross between brands, and which should only be replaced with an exact match.

Know the brand families

Many older or less familiar names on pool equipment belong to the same few companies. Knowing this helps when your equipment label shows a name you don't recognize:

• Pentair also includes equipment sold under names such as Sta-Rite, Pac-Fab, Purex, American Products, and Kreepy Krauly.
• Hayward includes the Goldline line of salt chlorinators and controls, among others.
• Jandy, Zodiac, and Polaris are related brands, and many older pool heaters labeled Laars or Jandy Laars are supported with Jandy and Zodiac parts.

Parts are usually listed under the brand on the equipment label, but a part for an older model may now be sold under the parent brand. In our store you can browse Hayward, Pentair, Jandy Zodiac, Jandy, Zodiac, and Polaris.

Step 1: Always start from your equipment's model number

Within a brand, parts aren't interchangeable across models. A Hayward impeller for one pump series won't fit another, and a Pentair filter O-ring depends on the filter model and size. Find the model and, if possible, the serial number on the equipment label. Our guide to finding your pool part number shows where to look. Then use the manufacturer's parts diagram to get the exact part number for the component you need.

Step 2: Understand original vs. compatible parts

For many common wear parts, you'll find two options:

• Original equipment (OEM) parts made or sold by the equipment manufacturer under its own part number.
• Compatible (aftermarket) parts made by specialist companies to fit specific models. In our catalog these include brands such as Aquatic Pool Company, Aladdin, U.S. Seal, and Filbur. Their product listings usually name the original part or equipment they replace.

Compatible parts are common for O-rings, gaskets, shaft seals, filter cartridges, D.E. grids, and some baskets and lids. Electronic and gas parts are usually replaced with the original manufacturer's part.

Parts that often cross between brands

• O-rings and gaskets: O-rings are made in standard sizes, so one size can fit equipment from several brands. Kits for a specific pump or filter are the easiest option. Shop O-Rings & Gaskets.
• Pump shaft seals: many seal designs fit pumps from more than one maker. Match the seal to your pump model, not just the brand. Shop Pump Seals & Seal Plates.
• Pump motors: motors made by independent motor makers are sold for many brands of pumps. Match horsepower, service factor, voltage, frame and mounting style, shaft, and speed type. See Pump Motors.
• Filter cartridges: compatible cartridges are sized to fit specific filter models. See our guide to choosing a replacement filter cartridge, or browse Filter Cartridges.
• Pipe fittings and valves: standard PVC sizes are generally interchangeable, though some brands use their own union and valve dimensions. See Valves & Plumbing.

Parts that should match exactly

• Impellers and diffusers: these are sized to the pump and motor horsepower. A mismatch can reduce flow or overload the motor. See Pump Impellers & Diffusers.
• Circuit boards, control boards, and display panels: boards are specific to model and often to a range of serial numbers or software versions. See Circuit Boards & PCBs.
• Salt cells: a cell needs to be compatible with its control system. See Salt Chlorinators & Cells.
• Heater parts: gas valves, burners, igniters, sensors, and heat exchanger parts are specific to the heater model and fuel type. Gas components should be installed by a licensed technician. See Heater Parts.
• Automation components: actuators, relays, and sensors usually need to come from the same system family to communicate with the controller. See Automation & Controls.

Mixing brands in one system

You can run a Hayward pump with a Pentair filter or a Jandy heater. Plumbing connects them, and they don't need to match. Where brand matters is communication: variable-speed pumps, salt systems, heaters, and lights may need to be from the same family, or need an adapter, to work with a particular automation controller. Check your controller's compatibility list before replacing a major component in an automated system.

Upgrading instead of repairing

Sometimes a discontinued model has few parts left, or repair costs approach the price of new equipment. In that case, replacing the unit may make more sense. Compare complete units in Pool & Spa Pumps, Pool Filters, and Pool & Spa Heaters, and check our sizing guides such as Choosing the Right Size Pump.

Quick checklist before you order

1. Note the brand, model, and serial number from the equipment label.
2. Find the exact part number on the manufacturer's parts diagram.
3. Search that number in our store, or look for a compatible part that lists your model.
4. For electrical parts, confirm voltage. For heater parts, confirm natural gas or propane.
5. For automated systems, confirm compatibility with your controller.

Have equipment from more than one brand and not sure what fits? Use the chat on this page or reach us through our contact page with your model numbers, and we'll help you sort it out.