💦 Waterway 48-Frame Jet Pump – 1.5 HP Single Speed – 2″ x 2″ Connections

Compact, efficient jet pump for space-limited hot tub installations

♨️ Product Overview

The Waterway 48-Frame 1.5 HP Single Speed Pump with 2″ x 2″ connections is a compact and efficient jet pump designed specifically for spas and hot tubs where space is limited. Featuring a 1.5 HP single-speed motor paired with a 4 HP-rated wet-end impeller, this pump delivers reliable boost jet performance in a smaller package than 56-frame models.

Operating at 230V/50Hz with a 1.1 kW power rating, the pump draws just 6.2A making it suitable for most standard hot tub electrical installations. The compact 48-frame design measures only 360mm in length compared to 430mm for 56-frame models, making it ideal for equipment bays with limited space. Despite its smaller size, the 4 HP wet-end delivers excellent water flow for effective hydrotherapy jets.

The pump features 2-inch x 2-inch standard Waterway union connections (sold separately), providing excellent compatibility as a replacement for many 48-frame pump brands including Vico, Aqua-Flo, Sta-Rite, GE, A.O. Smith, Emerson, and Hydroair. No electrical cable is supplied – your existing wiring must be reused.

⭐ Key Features

✅ Compact 48-Frame Design – Ideal for limited space installations

✅ 1.5 HP Motor – Efficient single-speed operation

✅ 4 HP Wet-End Impeller – Excellent flow capacity

✅ 1.1 kW Power Rating – Energy efficient operation

✅ 6.2A Current Draw – Suits standard electrical supplies

✅ 230V / 50Hz – UK standard electrical supply

✅ 2″ x 2″ Connections – Standard spa plumbing compatibility

✅ Space-Saving – Only 360mm long

✅ Universal Compatibility – Replaces multiple 48-frame pump brands

✅ Reliable Performance – Quality Waterway construction

🔧 Technical Specifications

Specification	Value
Pump Type	Massage / Jet Pump – Single Speed
Brand	Waterway
SKU	PW-W4851
Frame Size	48-Frame
Motor Power	1.5 HP
Wet-End Impeller Rating	4 HP
Power (kW)	1.1 kW
Speed Settings	Single Speed
Voltage	230 V
Frequency	50 Hz
Amperage	6.2 A
Plumbing Size	2 inch x 2 inch (2″ x 2″)
Unions	Sold separately (Waterway 2″)
Electrical Cable	Not supplied – reuse existing
Length	360 mm
Width	175 mm
Height	185 mm

⚡ Electrical Requirements

Electrical Specification	Value
Supply Voltage	230 V
Frequency	50 Hz
Power Rating	1.1 kW
Full Load Amps	6.2 A
Phase	Single Phase

Component	Specification
Electrical Cable	Not supplied – reuse existing
Recommended MCB	10 A minimum
Recommended Cable	1.5 mm² minimum

⚠️ IMPORTANT ELECTRICAL SAFETY:

All electrical work must be carried out by a qualified electrician in accordance with UK wiring regulations (BS 7671). Hot tubs require RCD protection (30mA). Ensure proper earthing and bonding of all electrical components. The electrical cable is not supplied – your existing wiring from the previous pump must be reused and inspected before connection.

🔗 Compatibility Guide

This Pump Specifications:

📍 Model: Waterway 48-Frame 1.5HP 1-Speed 📍 Motor: 1.5 HP 📍 Wet-End: 4 HP impeller rating 📍 Frame: 48-Frame (compact) 📍 Voltage: 230V / 50Hz 📍 Current: 6.2A 📍 Plumbing: 2 inch x 2 inch 📍 Dimensions: 360mm × 175mm × 185mm

Plumbing Connection Detail:

Port	Size
Suction	2 inch (2″)
Discharge	2 inch (2″)

48-Frame vs 56-Frame Comparison:

Feature	48-Frame (This Pump)	56-Frame
Length	360 mm	430 mm
Width	175 mm	200 mm
Height	185 mm	220-240 mm
Best For	Space-limited installs	Higher power needs

Cross-Compatible Pump Brands:

This pump is designed as a replacement for 48-frame models from:

• Vico
• Aqua-Flo
• Sta-Rite
• GE
• A.O. Smith
• Emerson
• Hydroair
• And other 48-frame pumps

Application:

This pump is designed for boost jet operation in hot tubs, particularly where space constraints require a compact pump solution.

⚙️ Installation Requirements

Pump Dimensions:

Dimension	Measurement
Length	360 mm
Width	175 mm
Height	185 mm

Plumbing Connections:

Connection	Size	Notes
Suction	2 inch	Standard Waterway unions (sold separately)
Discharge	2 inch	Standard Waterway unions (sold separately)

Installation Notes:

⚠️ Unions sold separately – order Waterway 2″ unions as required

⚠️ Electrical cable NOT supplied – reuse existing wiring

⚠️ Verify 48-frame mounting bolt pattern matches existing pump

⚠️ Pump must be installed below water level (flooded suction)

⚠️ Never run the pump dry

⚠️ Ensure proper electrical bonding to earth

💡 Compact design fits tight equipment compartments

💡 Check frame size compatibility before ordering

💡 48-frame bolt pattern is smaller than 56-frame

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🛠️ Maintenance Guide

Routine Maintenance:

Task	Frequency	Notes
Check for leaks	Monthly	Inspect unions and pump seal
Check motor operation	Weekly	Listen for unusual sounds
Verify jet performance	Monthly	Ensure strong water flow
Inspect wiring	Annually	Check all connections
Clean pump strainer	As needed	Remove debris
Check mounting bolts	Quarterly	Tighten if loose

Warning Signs – Consider Replacement If:

• Motor hums but doesn’t start
• Unusual noise or vibration
• Motor overheating
• Significantly reduced jet/flow power
• Pump trips the circuit breaker
• Visible seal leakage

🎯 Ideal Applications

Application	Suitability	Notes
♨️ Boost Jets	Excellent	Single-speed jet operation
♨️ Space-Limited Installs	Excellent	Compact 48-frame design
♨️ Pump Replacement	Excellent	Universal 48-frame compatibility
♨️ Standard Hot Tubs	Yes	1.5 HP suits most applications
♨️ Equipment Upgrades	Yes	Drop-in 48-frame replacement

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the power rating of this pump? A: The pump has a 1.5 HP motor with a 4 HP-rated wet-end impeller. It draws 6.2A at 230V/50Hz with a 1.1 kW power rating.

Q: What is a 48-frame pump? A: The 48-frame refers to the motor frame size and mounting pattern. It’s a more compact design than 56-frame pumps, making it ideal for hot tubs with limited equipment space. The mounting bolt pattern and overall dimensions are smaller.

Q: Can I replace a 56-frame pump with this 48-frame pump? A: Generally no – the mounting bolt patterns and dimensions are different. This pump is designed to replace other 48-frame pumps. You should match your existing pump’s frame size.

Q: What size are the plumbing connections? A: The pump uses 2-inch suction and 2-inch discharge with standard Waterway unions, which are sold separately.

Q: Does this pump come with unions? A: No, the Waterway unions are sold separately to allow flexibility for your specific installation.

Q: Does this pump come with an electrical cable? A: No, the electrical cable is not supplied. You must reuse the existing wiring from your previous pump.

Q: What pump brands can this replace? A: This pump can replace 48-frame models from Vico, Aqua-Flo, Sta-Rite, GE, A.O. Smith, Emerson, Hydroair, and other brands using the 48-frame standard.

Q: Is this a single speed or dual speed pump? A: This is a single-speed pump running at full power whenever activated. It’s designed for boost jet operation rather than continuous circulation.

Q: How does this compare to the 56-frame 2.0HP pump? A: This 48-frame pump is more compact (360mm vs 430mm length) with slightly lower power (1.5 HP vs 2.0 HP motor). Choose based on your available space and power requirements.

🏆 Why Choose the Waterway 48-Frame 1.5 HP Single Speed Jet Pump (2″ x 2″)

✅ Compact Design – Only 360mm long for tight spaces

✅ 4 HP Wet End – Excellent flow capacity

✅ Energy Efficient – 1.1 kW / 6.2A operation

✅ Universal 48-Frame Compatibility – Replaces multiple brands

✅ Quality Waterway Construction – Reliable performance

✅ Standard 2″ Connections – Easy plumbing integration

✅ Lower Current Draw – Suits most electrical supplies

✅ Space-Saving Solution – When size matters

🤝 Why Buy From Parts4Tubs

✅ UK-based company with expert local support

✅ Fast UK delivery options available

✅ Knowledgeable advice from spa industry specialists

✅ Competitive pricing

✅ Full warranty support

✅ Replacement seals, capacitors, and unions available

✅ Easy returns within 30 days

✨ Summary

The Waterway 48-Frame 1.5 HP Single Speed Pump with 2″ x 2″ connections is a compact and efficient jet pump designed specifically for spas and hot tubs where space is limited. Features a 1.5 HP single-speed motor paired with a 4 HP-rated wet-end impeller. Operating at 230V/50Hz with a 1.1 kW power rating, drawing just 6.2A. The compact 48-frame design measures only 360mm × 175mm × 185mm – significantly smaller than 56-frame models. Designed as a direct replacement for 48-frame pumps from Vico, Aqua-Flo, Sta-Rite, GE, A.O. Smith, Emerson, Hydroair, and other brands. Standard Waterway 2″ unions sold separately. Electrical cable not supplied – reuse existing wiring. Ideal for boost jet operation in hot tubs with limited equipment space.