⚡ Waterway 48-Frame Hi-Flo Jet Pump – 2.0 HP Dual Speed – 2″ x 2″ Connections
Compact dual-speed Hi-Flo pump for versatile operation in space-limited installations
♨️ Product Overview
The Waterway 48-Frame 2.0 HP Dual Speed Hi-Flo Pump with 2″ x 2″ connections is a compact yet versatile jet pump designed for spas and hot tubs where space is limited but dual-speed operation is essential. The “Hi-Flo” designation indicates this pump is optimised for enhanced water flow performance, delivering impressive jet power from the compact 48-frame design with the added benefit of two-speed operation.
Operating at 230V/50Hz with a 1.5 kW power rating, the pump features a two-speed motor producing 0.63 HP at low speed and 2.11 HP at high speed. Low speed runs at 1,440 RPM drawing just 2.2A for quiet heating circulation, whilst high speed runs at 2,850 RPM drawing 6.8A for powerful jet performance. The split-capacitor design (16 µF for low speed, 30 µF for high speed) ensures reliable starting and operation on both speeds. The 4 HP-rated wet-end impeller delivers excellent water throughput.
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. Ideal when there is not enough room to install a 56-frame pump. Electrical wiring requires 2 live, 1 neutral, and 1 earth – wiring is not included and must be reused from your existing installation.
⭐ Key Features
✅ Hi-Flo Design – Optimised for enhanced water flow performance
✅ Compact 48-Frame – Ideal for limited space installations
✅ Dual Speed Motor – Low speed for heating, high speed for jets
✅ 0.63 HP / 2.11 HP – Motor power at low/high speeds
✅ 1,440 / 2,850 RPM – Dual speed motor operation
✅ 4 HP Wet-End Impeller – Excellent flow capacity
✅ 1.5 kW Power Rating – Efficient operation
✅ 230V / 50Hz – UK standard electrical supply
✅ Split Capacitor – 16 µF (low) / 30 µF (high) for reliable operation
✅ 2″ x 2″ Connections – Standard spa plumbing compatibility
🔧 Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Pump Type | Massage / Jet Pump – Dual Speed (Hi-Flo) |
| Brand | Waterway |
| SKU | PW-W4822 |
| Frame Size | 48-Frame |
| Motor Power (Low Speed) | 0.63 HP |
| Motor Power (High Speed) | 2.11 HP |
| Wet-End Impeller Rating | 4 HP |
| Power (kW) | 1.5 kW |
| Speed Settings | Dual Speed |
| Voltage | 230 V |
| Frequency | 50 Hz |
| Amperage (Low Speed) | 2.2 A |
| Amperage (High Speed) | 6.8 A |
| RPM (Low Speed) | 1,440 RPM |
| RPM (High Speed) | 2,850 RPM |
| Capacitor (Low Speed) | 16 µF |
| Capacitor (High Speed) | 30 µF |
| Plumbing Size | 2 inch x 2 inch (2″ x 2″) |
| Unions | Sold separately (Waterway 2″) |
| Electrical Cable | Not supplied – reuse existing |
| Wiring Requirement | 2 live, 1 neutral, 1 earth |
| Length | 360 mm |
| Width | 175 mm |
| Height | 220 mm |
🔌 Electrical Requirements
| Electrical Specification | Low Speed | High Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Supply Voltage | 230 V | 230 V |
| Frequency | 50 Hz | 50 Hz |
| Motor Power | 0.63 HP | 2.11 HP |
| Full Load Amps | 2.2 A | 6.8 A |
| Motor Speed | 1,440 RPM | 2,850 RPM |
| Capacitor | 16 µF | 30 µF |
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Power Rating | 1.5 kW |
| Electrical Cable | Not supplied – reuse existing |
| Wiring Configuration | 2 live, 1 neutral, 1 earth |
| 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. Two-speed pumps require 2 live wires (one for each speed winding), plus neutral and earth – consult a qualified electrician. 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 2.0HP 2-Speed Hi-Flo 📍 Motor: 0.63 HP (low) / 2.11 HP (high) 📍 Wet-End: 4 HP impeller rating 📍 Frame: 48-Frame (compact) 📍 Voltage: 230V / 50Hz 📍 Current: 2.2A (low) / 6.8A (high) 📍 Plumbing: 2 inch x 2 inch 📍 Dimensions: 360mm × 175mm × 220mm
Plumbing Connection Detail:
| Port | Size |
|---|---|
| Suction | 2 inch (2″) |
| Discharge | 2 inch (2″) |
Two-Speed Advantage:
| Speed | RPM | HP | Amps | Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | 1,440 | 0.63 | 2.2 | Heating circulation |
| High | 2,850 | 2.11 | 6.8 | Boost jets |
48-Frame vs 56-Frame Comparison:
| Feature | 48-Frame (This Pump) | 56-Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 360 mm | 430 mm |
| Width | 175 mm | 200 mm |
| Height | 220 mm | 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 both heating circulation (low speed) and boost jet operation (high speed) in hot tubs, particularly when there is not enough room to install a 56-frame pump.
⚙️ Installation Requirements
Pump Dimensions:
| Dimension | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Length | 360 mm |
| Width | 175 mm |
| Height | 220 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
⚠️ Two-speed motor requires 2 live wires (one per speed winding)
⚠️ Verify 48-frame mounting bolt pattern matches existing pump
⚠️ Split capacitor design (16 µF + 30 µF)
⚠️ Pump must be installed below water level (flooded suction)
⚠️ Never run the pump dry
⚠️ Ensure proper electrical bonding to earth
💡 Hi-Flo design provides enhanced water flow performance
💡 Compact design fits tight equipment compartments
💡 Ideal replacement when 56-frame won’t fit
🛠️ Maintenance Guide
Routine Maintenance:
| Task | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Check for leaks | Monthly | Inspect unions and pump seal |
| Test both speeds | Monthly | Verify low and high speed operation |
| Check motor operation | Weekly | Listen for unusual sounds |
| Verify jet performance | Monthly | Ensure strong water flow on high |
| Inspect wiring | Annually | Check all connections |
| Clean pump strainer | As needed | Remove debris |
Warning Signs – Consider Replacement If:
- One speed stops working (possible winding or capacitor failure)
- 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
Capacitor Information:
The 2-Speed Hi-Flo uses a split-capacitor design:
- 16 µF capacitor (low speed)
- 30 µF capacitor (high speed)
Both capacitors must be functioning correctly for reliable two-speed operation.
🎯 Ideal Applications
| Application | Suitability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ♨️ Heating Circulation | Excellent | Low speed for 24/7 operation |
| ♨️ Boost Jets | Excellent | Hi-Flo design for enhanced performance |
| ♨️ Space-Limited Installs | Excellent | Compact 48-frame design |
| ♨️ Energy Efficiency | Excellent | Low speed draws just 2.2A |
| ♨️ Pump Replacement | Excellent | Universal 48-frame compatibility |
| ♨️ 56-Frame Alternative | Excellent | When larger pump won’t fit |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the power rating of this pump? A: The pump has a 4 HP-rated wet-end impeller. The motor produces 0.63 HP at low speed and 2.11 HP at high speed, drawing 2.2A (low) and 6.8A (high) at 230V/50Hz.
Q: What does “Hi-Flo” mean? A: Hi-Flo indicates this pump is optimised for enhanced water flow performance, delivering greater water throughput compared to standard models of the same power rating.
Q: What is the difference between this pump and the single-speed Hi-Flo (PW-W4821)? A: This dual-speed model offers both heating circulation (low speed at 2.2A) and boost jet operation (high speed at 6.8A), whilst the single-speed model runs at full power only. The dual-speed version is more versatile and energy-efficient for 24/7 operation.
Q: Why choose a 48-frame over a 56-frame pump? A: Choose a 48-frame pump when your hot tub equipment bay doesn’t have enough space for a larger 56-frame pump. The 48-frame is 70mm shorter (360mm vs 430mm) and narrower (175mm vs 200mm).
Q: What are the two speeds used for? A: Low speed (1,440 RPM) is used for heating circulation – running continuously to maintain water temperature. High speed (2,850 RPM) delivers powerful jet performance for hydrotherapy and boost operation.
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 capacitors does this pump use? A: The 2-Speed Hi-Flo uses a split-capacitor design with 16 µF for low speed and 30 µF for high speed.
Q: What wiring is required for this pump? A: The pump requires 2 live wires (one for each speed winding), 1 neutral, and 1 earth. Two-speed pumps have different wiring than single-speed – consult a qualified electrician.
🏆 Why Choose the Waterway 48-Frame 2.0 HP Hi-Flo Dual Speed Jet Pump (2″ x 2″)
✅ Hi-Flo Performance – Enhanced water flow design
✅ Versatile Dual Speed – Circulation plus boost jets
✅ Compact Design – Only 360mm long for tight spaces
✅ 4 HP Wet End – Excellent flow capacity
✅ Energy Efficient – Low speed draws just 2.2A
✅ 2,850 RPM High Speed – Powerful jet performance
✅ Universal 48-Frame Compatibility – Replaces multiple brands
✅ 56-Frame Alternative – When space is limited
🤝 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 2.0 HP Dual Speed Hi-Flo Pump with 2″ x 2″ connections is a compact yet versatile jet pump optimised for enhanced water flow performance with dual-speed operation. Features a two-speed motor with 0.63 HP at low speed (1,440 RPM, 2.2A) and 2.11 HP at high speed (2,850 RPM, 6.8A), paired with a 4 HP-rated wet-end impeller. Operating at 230V/50Hz with a 1.5 kW power rating and split-capacitor design (16 µF + 30 µF). The compact 48-frame design measures only 360mm × 175mm × 220mm – ideal when there is not enough room to install a 56-frame pump. Designed as a direct replacement for 48-frame pumps from Vico, Aqua-Flo, Sta-Rite, GE, A.O. Smith, Emerson, Hydroair, and other brands. Requires 2 live + 1 neutral + 1 earth wiring. Standard Waterway 2″ unions sold separately. Electrical cable not supplied – reuse existing wiring. Ideal for versatile dual-speed operation where space is limited.



