Which is the best place to buy complete pool pump & motor assembly?

[coachelladoug]

Hi,

Which is the best place to buy complete pool pump & motor assembly? ie. Just cut the two pipes going into the old assembly, put new one in, and refit/attach pipes.
I have an old Centurion 2HP motor with an old pump/built-in executive wet end and basket assembly.

I don't just want the motor, I would like to go ahead and replace everything, since the basket and the executive wet end are leaking underneath. No sense to buy a new motor and just tar-up the leaks.
System is about 10 years old, if not older.

Thanks,

Doug.

[PoolDoc]

I don't know that there's a single best place.

It's probably more important to pick your pump -- based on load and pool piping -- BEFORE you start shopping. Then, you can find the best price on that particular pump.

You should keep in mind that replacing a pump can be a little more difficult that what you describe. Unless you get the SAME model, it's not likely the existing piping will be lined up quite right, and you can end up replacing quite a bit, just to get the alignment you need. Also, you need to replace the electrical connection. Keep in mind that not all "2HP" pumps draw the same current.

But . . . do you really need a 2 HP pump?

[waterbear]

You said your wet end was an Executive? You have a Waterway pump so that is probably the best place to start. To the best of my knowledge they don't make the Executive pumps anymore. However, one of their current modes MIGHT be a drop in replacement if you are very lucky.

Centurian is the brand of your motor. It is made by AOSmith (as are many of the OEM and replacement pump motors out there.) Your pump (wet end and motor together) is a Waterway and was manufactured by Waterway Plastics.

I also question whether you need a 2 HP (or even a 1.5 HP if you have an up-rated pump). There is a number on the motor housing that sill say SF or service factor. On a 2 HP pump this number is normally between 1.0 and 1.3. If it is 1.2 or 1.2 you have a full rates (true) 2 HP pump with a brake HP of 2.4-2.6. If this number is 1.0 or 1.1 you have an up-rates 2 HP pump with a brake HP of 2.0 -2.2. (Brake HP is determined by multiplying the listed HP by the service factor.) An uprated 2 HP pump has the same brake HP as a full rated 1.5 HP pump. It's nothing more than a marketing ploy to satisfy the "bigger is better" mentality, which is certainly not true when it comes to pool pumps. Generally, a 2 HP pump would only be needed if the pump was also driving a spa, water features, in floor cleaners, etc.