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.
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.
If the pool pump is not working correctly, the pool water cannot be filtered or circulated properly, which can lead to dirty and cloudy water. In most cases, when a pump truly "goes bad" it means that there are problems with the electrical motor that powers the whole system.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
One of the most common causes for a noisy pump is that it's running dry. This can happen for a few reasons—the most common of which have to do with the skimmer plate built into the side of the pool. If your pool water level has fallen below halfway down the skimmer, your pump might be sucking in air as well as water.
It's best to run your pool pump during the day
Not only does sunlight give fuel for algae to grow, it also destroys your pool chlorine and this is why you should always run your pool during the day!
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.
Yes. You can, but what's more important to answer is do your really NEED to change your pump to one with a higher horsepower rating? If you have complete information on you pool and you've determined that your current pool pump is not enough for your needs, by all means, go ahead and change your pool pump.