On average, pool pumps last eight to 12 years before needing replacement. Over time, it's normal for pool parts to begin to wear down. In addition, swimming pool technology has come a long way in the last decade.
Well-maintained high-quality pool pumps can last between eight to 12 years. If you've missed out on many critical pool services, however, you can expect your pump to fail sooner. If your pump is more than half a decade old and it's becoming more and more problematic, it's best to get a new one.
Your pump could be leaking water, or the bearings might need to be replaced instead of the entire motor. Screeching is also a sign that your motor bearings need to be replaced. These loud, often painful sounds could also be a sign of rust or oxidation, making it more difficult for the bearings to do their job.
When determining the magic number of replacement parts cost versus the cost of the whole pump, we generally suggest 60-75% as the standard. If the cost to repair is within or over this range, it is smarter to replace the pump. This way you have a brand new pump and warranty covering any mishaps down the line.
On average, pool pump replacement costs about $440, average prices ranged from $80 to $800 for pool pump replacement in the US in 2020.
A pool pump can overheat in two ways: because of an electrical problem or friction. While electrically related failures are by far the most common cause for pump overheating, as we will discuss at length, there is also the potential for a friction fire to develop if a pump is starved for water.
Every pool must turn over at least once a day, so most pool pumps should run approximately 8 hours a day. But here's the thing: you don't have to run your pool pump consecutively. You can choose to run it for three hours in the morning before you leave for work and another 5 hours in the evening.
A replacement motor is generally going to cost you in the neighborhood of $150 – $300 depending on the horsepower. Add another $15 – $30 for the absolutely necessary, non-negotiable new shaft seal.
Most of the new generation of pumps are already equipped with automatic controls and safety features. In fact, if you take enough time to learn the manual, you might find yourself able to repair some of the problems on your own. Of course, there are repairs and replacements are best left in the hands of professionals.
The guts of the pump are made up of gaskets, impellers, diffusers, and strainer baskets. All these parts make up the wet end but without something to drive these parts, they are merely pieces of well-formed plastic. The part that makes it come to life is the motor.
A professional electrician will be needed to disconnect the wiring before a pump can be removed. Once a new pump is installed, an electrician will again be necessary to reconnect the wires to the new pump. A do-it-yourself homeowner with basic mechanical aptitude can replace the pool pump in a relatively short time.
Assuming you properly maintain your swimming pool, you should expect the below timescales on average: - Filter Cartridge – approximately 2,000 working hours, usually around 2-4 years. - Sand Filter Media – around 3-7 years. - Glass Filter Media – about 7-15 years.
It could be something blocking it, a dirty pool filter, or too much air in the system. If there's something blocking your pump's suction, check your filter gauge. If it's 10psi above the normal reading, clean your filter. This will reduce pressure and reset your pump's flow.
Maintaining a pool pump in prime condition does require year round servicing, but with these easy steps, it will become second nature. Moisture and lubrication are important for a fully functioning pump, even in the off-season.
A seized motor will try to start, making a humming or buzzing sound, and eventually, usually, trip the breaker. The solution is to get a wrench on the back of the shaft, under the centrifugal switch, and repeatedly move the shaft back and forth to break the rust bond. It sometimes takes 5-10 minutes to free it up.
A Rule of Thumb
Generally running your pool pump for 12-hours a day is a good option. This is based on the assumption that your average pool pump has a turnover rate of about 8 to 12-hours. That means that the total volume of your pool water will filter through your system 2 to 3 times per 24-hour period.
Although it's generally recommended that all the pool water undergo filtration every 24 hours, the pump does not need to run all the time. A proactive, productive and energy-saving maintenance activity is to remove the debris floating on the pool surface with a hand-held skimmer.
Running the pump at night should only be when you are doing a major chemical treatment such as algae clean-up. Your pool is more vulnerable during the day, plants don't grow at night the way they do during the day–that's true of ALL plants including Algae.
One of the most significant consumers of energy in homes with swimming pools are pool pumps, which keep pools clean by circulating water through filters. Pool pumps can consume 3,000 to over 5,000 kWh per year.
Depending on the size of your pool, we still recommend you run your pump run at least 4-6 hours a day during the fall and winter months. The daily cycle can be divided into multiple cycles, but each cycle should be no shorter than 4 hours, for all the water to pass through the filter at least once.
Pool pumps are made to withstand rain and it is beneficial to run your pump during or after rain. There are some situations where water can cause damage to your pool's pump though. You should also make sure you run your pump after rain.
If you are without power, grab your pool brush! Not only will scrubbing the sides and bottom reduce or prevent algae, it also causes the water to move and circulate, helping maintain an even level of chlorine throughout the pool.