Hayward TriStar Pump Parts

Water is leaking between my Hayward TriStar pump and the motor. Which seal do I need?

For a single or two speed TriStar, Hayward lists shaft seal SPX3200SA, and the SPXHKIT100 repair kit is listed for the SP3200EE and SP3200X series. The TriStar VS 950 is different: its manual calls for SPX4000SAV. Replace a leaking seal promptly, as Hayward advises, since the water reaches the motor bearings, and look over the housing O-ring, SPX3200T, while the pump is apart.

My Hayward TriStar will not hold its prime. Is it the lid?

It is the first thing to check. The TriStar lid is a cam and ramp design that locks in under a quarter turn, and Hayward asks for its O-ring, SPX3200S, to be clean, seated and greased with Jack's 327, with the lock ring done up by hand only. The full lid kit, SPX3200DLS, has the cover, lock ring and O-ring together. If the lid is sound, look for air getting in at the suction pipe joints.

Should I replace the motor or the whole power end on my Hayward TriStar?

Either works. Hayward lists a motor for each model, such as SPX3210Z1MR for the SP3210X15, and a power end, SPX3210X15Z1PE for the same pump, which is that motor with the diffuser, impeller and ring, shaft seal, seal plate, housing O-ring and bolts already fitted. With a power end the old seal and impeller leave with the old motor, and the strainer housing, lid and unions stay where they are.

My Hayward TriStar runs but the flow is weak. Which impeller does it take?

Check the impeller for debris first; Hayward lists a plugged or damaged impeller among the causes of low flow and calls for a new shaft seal with any replacement. By model: SP3207EE takes SPX3207C, SP3207X10 SPX3207CM, SP3210EE and SP3210X15 SPX3210C, SP3215EE and SP3215X20 SPX3215C, SP3220EE SPX3220C and SP3220X25 SPX3220CM. Each comes with its impeller screw.

My Hayward TriStar leaks at the union nut. What fixes it?

The union gasket, a T-seal Hayward numbers SPX3200UG, packed as a pair. If the nut or tailpiece is cracked, the SPX3200UNKIT union kit replaces nut, connector and gasket together. The same union is listed for the NorthStar from 2008, the EcoStar and several Hayward filters and heaters, so one spare can serve more than one piece of equipment on the pad.

Can a Hayward TriStar replace my old Super II?

Hayward says it can. The TriStar manual opens with a chart that lines each Super II up against a TriStar, for instance a Super II SP3010X15AZ against a TriStar SP3210X15 or SP3207EE, and notes that for most pumps a TriStar of lower horsepower will do. It needs 2 inch plumbing at least, with 2-1/2 inch recommended, and Hayward lists its strainer housing as 2 inch by 2-1/2 inch.