Monarch Lawn Sprinkler Series – RLHE, NSPHE, SPHE & RLSP

A 5 HP NSPHE-500 pushes 170 gallons a minute at 10 PSI, while a 1 HP RLHE-S100 moves 54 gallons a minute at the same pressure. This page covers the Monarch sprinkler pump line from 3/4 HP to 5 HP, the parts that wear out, and the current pump to buy when a rebuild no longer makes sense.

The three series look alike from the curb. Their ports, impellers and motors differ, so the letters and numbers on your nameplate decide which parts fit.

Monarch Sprinkler Pump Parts and Replacements

Repair parts for NSPHE, RLHE and SPHE pumps are listed by Monarch part code, including casings, impellers, diffusers, valve bodies and mechanical seals. If the pump is past saving, the NSPHE has been replaced by the Franklin Electric Turf Boss, and the RLHE name lives on as a Red Lion sprinkler pump.

NSPHE, RLHE and SPHE Sprinkler Pump Specs

Flow figures below are in gallons per minute at a 5 foot lift, taken from Monarch's performance charts.

How the Three Series Differ

NSPHE: Weighted Check Valve and Motors up to 5 HP

The NSPHE has a large cast gray iron casing and a built-in suction check valve with top and bottom weights. The seal is self-lubricating and self-adjusting.

The 1 to 2 HP models use square flange jet pump motors with thermal overload protection. The 3 and 5 HP models use JM frame motors that generally do not include it, unless specified for some three phase models, so plan on overload protection in the starter or control panel.

The NSPHE-300 runs on 230 volt single phase only. The NSPHE-300-3 and 500-3 are three phase units for sites with commercial power.

RLHE: Same Hydraulics as the NSPHE S Models

The RLHE-S100 and RLHE-S200 match the NSPHE-S100 and S200 on flow, pressure and port size. Their parts lists share the same codes for the casing, Noryl impeller, diffuser ring and 240104 seal.

Red Lion still lists the RLHE-300, a 3 HP cast iron sprinkler pump with 2 inch ports that self-primes to 25 feet.

SPHE: O-Ring Casing and a Brass Wear Ring

The SPHE is a different design. It has a 2 inch suction and a 1-1/2 inch discharge, an O-ring casing seal, and a drain plug for winterizing.

Its thermoplastic diffuser carries a brass wear ring and can be replaced on its own. All SPHE motors are 115/230 volt capacitor start with a stainless steel shaft.

Sprinkler Pump Parts by Series

These are the parts that wear first. Codes come from Monarch's repair parts lists.

Moving from an NSPHE to a current pump? This NSPHE to Turf Boss guide walks through the swap.

Replacing an NSPHE, RLHE or SPHE Instead of Rebuilding

• NSPHE: the Franklin Electric Turf Boss is the successor. It runs from 1 to 5 HP and lifts water from up to 25 feet.
• RLHE: the RLHE continues under Red Lion, a Franklin Electric brand.
• SPHE: no direct successor is confirmed. Send us your model number and we will confirm the current equivalent.

For a new Red Lion unit, browse our Red Lion lawn irrigation pumps.

Moving water for a tank, a trough or a fertilizer tote rather than sprinkler heads? A Monarch BSE transfer pump fits that work better.

What to Send Us for a Quote

• The full model number, such as NSPHE-S150, RLHE-S200 or SPHE-S100.
• Horsepower, voltage and phase from the motor plate.
• Square flange or JM frame motor, if you are ordering a motor.
• The part that failed, or the reference number from the parts diagram.

Still sorting out which Monarch motor pump you have? Start with the full Monarch electric motor pump range.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the NSPHE-300 and the NSPHE-S200?

The difference between the NSPHE-300 and the NSPHE-S200 is the motor, the impeller and the output. The NSPHE-300 is a 3 HP pump on a JM frame motor with a cast gray iron impeller, and it runs on 230 volts only. The NSPHE-S200 is a 2 HP pump on a square flange motor with a Noryl impeller and built-in thermal overload protection. At 20 PSI the 300 moves 110 GPM and the S200 moves 82 GPM.

Does the SPHE work as a booster pump?

Yes, the SPHE works as a booster pump, and Monarch lists booster service for increased water pressure among its jobs. A booster raises the pressure of water that already arrives under some pressure. Check the curve before you count on it: an SPHE-S150 delivers 80 GPM at 20 PSI but 40 GPM at 40 PSI, so higher pressure means less flow. Match that curve to the flow of your largest sprinkler zone.

What are the SPHE suction and discharge sizes?

The SPHE suction and discharge sizes are a 2 inch NPT suction port and a 1-1/2 inch NPT discharge port on every model, from the 3/4 HP SPHE-S75 to the 2 HP SPHE-S200. That differs from the NSPHE and RLHE, which use the same size on both sides except the NSPHE-500 (2-1/2 inch suction, 2 inch discharge). If you swap an SPHE for another pump, or the other way around, plan on a reducer or new fittings on one side of the pump.

What is the replacement for a Monarch NSPHE sprinkler pump?

The replacement for a Monarch NSPHE sprinkler pump is the Franklin Electric Turf Boss, which covers 1 to 5 HP and lifts water from up to 25 feet. Match the horsepower, voltage and phase of your old NSPHE first. Then check the ports: the NSPHE-S100 and S150 use 1-1/2 inch ports, the S200 and 300 use 2 inch, and the NSPHE-500 has a 2-1/2 inch suction. Send us the NSPHE model and we will confirm the Turf Boss that fits.

Send us the model or serial number from your pump nameplate and we will quote the pump or part you need.