Choosing the right pump and motor for your pool is important when it comes to the proper care and maintenance of your pool; and understanding the differences between a full-rated pump and an up-rated pump can help you make the right decision. The concept can be so confusing that it is actually possible to buy an up-rated pump and mistakenly assume that you are getting more horsepower for your money than a full-rated pump that really has the same horsepower rating.

The rather confusing system dates back to the 1960s when the standard service factor for the pump industry was 1.4. The service factor is based on several features which when combined together, give a number designated as the service factor number. These include the power of the motor, as well as the size of the pump's fan and rotor and the amount of copper that the pump contains.

 

A major pump manufacturer, A.O. Smith, who at first made most of the country's pool pumps, decided to add more copper and a bigger fan to their pumps, thus increasing...

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