My brother in-law gave me his 4yr old Diamante Spa. It is in fantastic shape except he said one of the pump motors was bad and I would need to replace it. He had the other side replaced about 3 months earlier. According to him it was $300 for the new pump. Yesterday I pulled the pump out and sure enough it was bad. I jump online to find my pump.

MagnaFlow by Acura Spa
model# 23026-u 230v 3hp

First site I find that has it in stock.........$1195 DOLLARS!
What the! Must be a mistake....Search more. Lowest I can find is $850 ...Still way more than I have planned to pay. I cant beleive the price. Am I looking in the wrong places? Is there a replacement motor only that I can used instead of buying the entire assembly? In my everyday work I buy motors 5 times that size for $200 dollars. Is this a scam?
Im learning very rapidly that to sit in hot water is going to cost me an arm and a leg! HELP PLEASE!

Simply put, you have better options. You don't have to get the EXACT pump/motor assembly that came with the spa. What you will need to compare and purchase is one that is equal to the following:

Motor HP
Motor speed (1725 and/or 3450 rpm)
Motor voltage (110-125 or 220-250)
Pump inlet and discharge size (1.5" or 2.0")
Pump inlet location (most are centered, some are dropped)
Pump outlet location (most are side discharge, some are center)
Pump inlet and outlet flange type (most are flat, some are domed)

If you can handle 3 to 4 wires, you're well on your way. I've NEVER spent more than 175 for a new pump/motor assembly for a hot tub. If they have a "special" pump (also called a wet end) such as some Jacuzzi tubs (375 minimum for just the pump), I've just replumbed the tub to accept a standard pump.

good luck

Where do I go for these better options? Local dealer ? I have been searching online for awhile now and cant find a equivilant pump motor for any where near $175 dollars.

I took my 4 1/2 HP which was leaking to a motor shop, they put a new seal and bearings and checked it for operation. $167.00 out the door, took two days. Magnetek Motor Acura Spa Pack.

The motors are available here with no wet ends though, simple to change. Use new seals and gaskets, O-rings, etc.

http://www.spaquip.com/index.asp?PageAc ... trCompare=

Good Luck
Chuck