Should I Replace The Whole Pump Or Just The Motor?

This is a question we get asked multiple times.... The answer is... It depends.

It depends on the brand, model and condition of the existing pump and the skill of the person doing the installation. Based on our 50+ years of real world experience in Florida where the pumps run an average of 2500 hours per year on a residential pool we have found pool pump wet ends still working after 35 years, which mean they pumped an astounding 260 million gallons of water. The motors don't last as long and usually have to be replaced every 3 to 5 years on average. It is definitely easier for the do it yourselfer to replace the motor and seal on an existing pump rather than replacing the whole unit. Most pumps are designed to be serviced without cutting pipes or disturbing the plumbing. It is best to inspect the existing wet end, check the inside for erosion near the output fittings, check for cracks and deterioration and if it looks good it is probably best to purchase a new motor for the existing pump, Especially if it is a high quality major brand such as Hayward, Starite/Pentair, Jandy, Waterway or Spec. These are the "Big 5" in the US residential pool pump market and as such there will probably be a good supply of replacement part available in the US. There are a lot of high quality pumps made in other countries such as Australia however replacement parts may be harder to find in the US. It is best to avoid the chinese knockoffs that are sold under a plethora of brand names as parts may not be available, some of these pumps have metric threads on the parts that are not compatible with American motor standards, So whether to replace a motor on one of these units must be made on a case by case basis... Always install a new high quality pump shaft seal when replacing the motor. If you do choose to replace the whole pump try to get one with universal mounting bases that will allow it to match up to the existing pipe elevations. This will save a lot of labor and aggravation especially for the do it yourselfer.

Starting in July of 2021, the game is changing due to a new federal law
---Most single speed pumps over 3/4 HP are no longer
being made--However single speed replacement  motors are still being made--A loophole in the federal law that is supposed to be changed in the future--Another option is to purchase a varispeed motor for your existing pump & gain all the money saving benefits