My pump motor was getting sluggish starting back in the fall before I closed. When it was time to start, the motor would hum for several seconds before it turned. A couple of times it tripped the breaker without turning. Since it was at the end of the season I would give it a bump (kick) to get the motor off the dead spot before it tripped. Obviously, it's time to replace (or rewind) the motor. I'm leaning toward replace because the difference is is not a lot in dollars, when comparing a 2 year warranty versus 90 days.

My question: Should I just replace the motor, or is it typically better to go ahead with the wet end at the same time? The motor alone appears to be about half the cost of the complete pump, and I'm sure there are seals that will need to be replaced with the motor. The pump is about 8-1/2 years old, so my guess is that the impeller and internal workings of the pump will probably be showing signs of wear, as well.

While I'm thinking about it, I'm wondering if I should up-size if I replace the whole thing. My pool is IG, 18500 gal, and the pump is a Hayward 3/4 HP Super Pump. I use a suction-side cleaner (Kreepy Krawly), and also have a heat pump. Both of these were not part of the original pool plan, and I'm not sure if either would raise my pump requirements.

Thanks,
- Andy -