Hayward Power-Flo LX & II Strainer Housing: Replacement Guide (Model SP1516)
If water is dripping from the front of your Power-Flo pump, or the lid just won't seal no matter how tight you crank it, the strainer housing is usually the culprit. The good news is you don't need a new pump. The Hayward SP1516 is the complete replacement strainer assembly for Power-Flo LX and Power-Flo II pumps, and swapping it is a job most pool owners can handle in under an hour.
We sell a lot of these, and we get the same questions about them every week. So here's everything in one place: how to know your housing is bad, whether the SP1516 fits your pump, and how to install it.
What is the SP1516 strainer housing?
The SP1516 is the complete front strainer assembly for Hayward Power-Flo LX and Power-Flo II pool pumps. It's the section of the pump that holds the strainer basket and connects your suction line to the pump body.
Its job is simple. It catches leaves, hair, and debris before they reach the impeller. But because it sits out in the sun and takes constant water pressure and pool chemicals, the plastic gets brittle over time. Once it cracks, no amount of tightening or tape will fix it for long.
Signs your strainer housing needs replacing
The three most common signs are visible cracks in the plastic, water leaking from the front of the pump, and a pump that keeps losing prime. Any one of these points to a housing problem.
- Hairline cracks around the lid threads or along the housing body. These often only leak when the pump is running.
- A steady drip or spray from the front half of the pump while it runs.
- Air bubbles blowing back into the pool through the return jets. That means the pump is sucking air through a crack or bad seal.
- The pump won't hold prime, or loses prime every time you clean the basket.
- A lid that won't seat properly because the sealing surface is worn or warped.
People often assume a pump that's not working right needs a new motor. If your motor sounds fine but the pump can't hold water, look at the housing first. It's the cheaper problem to have.
Is the SP1516 compatible with your pump?
The SP1516 fits Hayward Power-Flo LX and Power-Flo II pumps. It is not the right housing for Super Pump, MaxFlo, or Super II models, which all use different front ends.
Check the sticker or plate on your pump's motor or housing before ordering. If it says Power-Flo LX or Power-Flo II, you're in the right place. These are the compact pumps commonly used on above-ground pools, so if that describes your setup, chances are good this is your part.
How to replace the SP1516 housing step by step
Replacing the strainer housing takes about 30 to 45 minutes with basic hand tools. Here's the process:
- Shut off power to the pump at the breaker. Not just the timer, the breaker.
- Close any valves on the suction line, or plug the line if your setup doesn't have valves.
- Remove the drain plugs and let the pump drain.
- Disconnect the plumbing from the old housing. Unions make this easy. Glued pipe may need to be cut and re-fitted.
- Unbolt the old housing from the pump body and pull it off.
- Move your strainer basket over to the new SP1516 housing.
- Use thread sealant on any threaded fittings going into the new housing. Don't overtighten. Plastic threads crack easily.
- Bolt the new housing on, reconnect the plumbing, and reinstall the drain plugs.
- Fill the housing with water, close the lid, open your valves, and start the pump.
- Watch for leaks for the first few minutes and confirm the pump primes fully.
If the pump struggles to prime after the swap, recheck the lid o-ring and make sure every suction-side fitting is snug and sealed.
Should you fix the housing or replace the whole pump?
If the motor runs quietly and the pump is less than 8 years old or so, replacing the housing is the smart move. The SP1516 costs a fraction of a complete new Power-Flo pump.
There are exceptions. If your motor is screeching, humming without starting, or tripping the breaker, you may have two problems instead of one. At that point, add up the repair costs. When parts and a motor together get close to the price of a new pump, buy the pump.
Where to get the Hayward SP1516
We keep the SP1516 strainer housing in stock and ship it fast, because a leaking pump can't wait around. It comes as a complete assembly, so you're not hunting down small pieces separately.
Not sure this is the right part for your problem? Reach out and we will help you figure out exactly what you need before you spend money on the wrong thing.