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How to Find Your Pool Part Number
The fastest way to get the right replacement part is to start with the right number. Pool and spa parts often look alike but differ by a few millimeters, a thread type, or a voltage. This guide explains which numbers matter, where to find them on common equipment, and what to do when the label is gone.
Model number, serial number, and part number: what's the difference?
- Model number: identifies the piece of equipment, such as a specific pump, filter, heater, or salt system. This is the number you need most often, because parts diagrams are organized by model.
- Serial number: identifies your individual unit. It can matter when a manufacturer changed a part during production, so the same model may take different parts depending on when it was built.
- Part number: identifies one replacement component, such as an impeller, O-ring, or circuit board. It is often printed or molded on the part itself.
When you contact a supplier, having the model number and serial number together answers most fit questions right away.
Where to find the label on common equipment
Pumps
Pumps usually have two labels. The pump label, on the pump housing or near the base, gives the pump model. The motor nameplate, on the side of the motor, gives the motor's horsepower, voltage, frame, and the motor maker's own model number. For wet-end parts (lids, baskets, impellers, diffusers, seals), use the pump model. For a replacement motor or capacitor, use the motor nameplate. Shop by part type in Pumps & Motors.
Filters
Filter tanks usually have a label on the side of the tank or on the lid or valve. It lists the model and often the filter area in square feet (cartridge and D.E.) or the sand capacity. The filter area helps you choose cartridges and grids. See Pool Filters.
Heaters and heat pumps
Look for the rating plate. It is often on the outside of the cabinet near the electrical or gas connection, or behind an access panel. The plate lists the model, BTU input, fuel type (natural gas or propane), and serial number. Fuel type matters: gas valves, orifices, and some burner parts differ between natural gas and propane. Browse Heater Parts.
Safety note: Turn off the heater and shut off its power before removing any panel. Don't open the gas train or burner area; leave gas work to a licensed professional.
Salt chlorinators
The control box usually has a label on the side, bottom, or inside the front door. The salt cell has its own label on the cell body or near the cord. Cells and control boards must be compatible with each other, so record both. See Salt Chlorinators & Cells.
Pool cleaners
Robotic cleaners usually have a label on the underside of the cleaner and another on the power supply. Suction and pressure cleaners are often identified by the model name molded into the body. See Pool Cleaners.
Spa packs and topsides
Spa control packs have a label on the control box (sometimes inside the cover) and a part number on the circuit board itself. Topside panels often carry a sticker on the back. See Spa Packs & Topside Controls.
When the label is missing or faded
Labels fade in the sun, so try these approaches:
- Look for numbers on the part itself. Impellers, circuit boards, lids, and cartridges often have a number molded, stamped, or printed on them.
- Check your paperwork. Owner's manuals, warranty registration, installation invoices, and builder documents often list equipment models.
- Take clear photos. Photograph the whole unit, any remaining labels, and the part you need from several angles. Include something for scale, such as a tape measure.
- Measure. For cartridges, measure length, outside diameter, and the center hole size at both ends. For O-rings, measure inside diameter and thickness. For fittings, note pipe size and thread type.
- Use the manufacturer's resources. Many manufacturers publish parts diagrams and owner's manuals online. Our Technical Support page links to many of them.
Using the part number on our site
Once you have a part number, type it into the store search. Our product pages list the manufacturer's part number along with the brand, so searching by number usually finds the exact item. If a manufacturer has replaced the original part number with a newer one, or a compatible part is made by another brand, the product title or description may mention both. You can also browse by brand, for example Hayward, Pentair, or Jandy Zodiac.
Tips for avoiding wrong orders
- Record your equipment models now, before something breaks. A photo of each label saved on your phone is enough.
- Don't rely on appearance alone. Two impellers or two O-rings can look identical and still differ.
- Check voltage on anything electrical: motors, transformers, boards, and heater elements.
- For heaters, confirm natural gas versus propane before ordering gas parts.
- When a parts diagram shows a kit, the kit may include several items you would otherwise buy separately.
Can't find a number, or not sure which one to use? Use the chat on this page or reach us through our contact page with photos of your equipment label, and we'll help you track down the right part.