Ask 'Dr. Spa' Q & A Message Board

You would be better off letting the dealer repair the tub if it is still in warranty. If you repair it yourself or use non-approved parts, you will void your warranty on the entire tub. Your dealer may be able to get the motor serviced under warranty. It all depends on what the pump looks like as I stated in my previous post. I suspect that the dealer was just preparing you for the possibility. I do the same myself.

You cannot necessarily trust the motors that are found cheaply on the internet. These internet retailers tend to inflate the HP rating of their motors. The end result is substantially reduced motor life or, worse, it does not work at all. Buying a proper motor on the internet can be done, but it requires someone who can properly calculate either the continuous HP or the wattage. Personally, I calculate the wattage.

I've had a number of customers who have purchased motors on the internet that they have asked me to install. One customer had two bad motors in a row. The third motor worked. That meant he paid me three times for a motor installation. It would have been cheaper for him if he had just bought the motor from me, even though I charge a bit more than these internet sources, but he would have only paid once. I have to warranty it thereafter.

Another common internet scam is to sell you a rebuilt motor. These sources do not necessarily tell you it's a rebuilt motor. They do give you a great price and make you believe that you are getting a new motor. I know of a couple of my customers who got scammed by this type of operation. A rebuilt motor can be easily spotted by a real pro. The problem with a rebuilt motor is that much of the original motor parts are still in the motor. Only the obvious damaged parts are generally changed. You are essentially getting a motor that's still a bit worn and tired. Watch out if any site tries to sell you an Advantage brand motor. Advantage motors are rebuilt motors.

John

: Thank you, I will try to inspect it today. With that said, If they will
: not replace it under warranty, will buying an after market direct
: replacement pump and installing it myself be a good idea. Also, do
: you have any experience with such products ordered from the Internet.
: The pumps are about half the price as what the dealer wants for
: replacement. The one thing I would assume is that if I did so, it
: would void my warranty? Also, if they say this is a water issue,
: wouldn't they just also say that in the future for any any other
: repair problem?

: Thank you for the input,
: Tom