How Long Do Pool Pumps Last? Answered!

You must be aware of the expected lifespan of your pool pump because they perform a crucial function.

Most pool pumps last 8 to 12 years with regular use before needing to be replaced. Nevertheless, a few things can affect how long a pump lasts.

Learn how long a pool pump lasts on average in the following paragraphs, and find out what you can do right away to prolong the life of yours!

What is a Pool Pump and How Does It Work?

Let’s start with the fundamentals. It’s crucial to understand the fundamentals of how a pump operates, regardless of whether you’re a brand-new pool owner or are simply looking to replace a pool pump for the first time.

A swimming pool pump is necessary for keeping a pool clean and healthy. Water is moved around and prevented from stagnating by it. Any treatment chemicals can also be distributed uniformly by it.

In order to accomplish this, a filter and a pump are used. The pump draws water into an inlet, filters it, and then pumps it back into the pool. By doing this, you can ensure that the water is safe to swim in and that there is less sand, dirt, or dust on the pool floor.

How Long Do Pool Pumps Last?

It will be easier for you to estimate how long your pump will last before experiencing wear and tear or breaking if you are aware of how long the average pool pump lasts. It can be viewed in two different ways.

First off, a well-maintained, high-quality pool pump can last anywhere from eight years to over 15 years on average. Choosing the ideal pump for your pool and maintaining it properly will determine exactly how long your pump lasts.

Alternately, the typical pool pump should last up to 60 months. Therefore, you can typically anticipate your pump to last for ten seasons if you only use your pool during the summer. Its lifespan will be shortened if you use it constantly.

Pool pumps are pricey; you might have to spend more than $1,000 on a complete replacement. Thankfully, each component is replaceable separately, so if all you need is a new motor, you don’t need to buy a new pump.

What Affects a Pool Pump’s Life Expectancy?

Size

A pool’s pump must struggle to move water and overwork itself at least 50% of the time if it is too small. Additionally, a small pump frequently needs to operate above and beyond its normal operating time to make up for it.

The lifespan of the pump is significantly shortened by this kind of use.

A 1.5 hp (or greater) pump is a good choice for pools that are small to medium in size. All things considered, a stronger pump is better.

Usage

The wear on the pump increases with usage frequency. This is why variable speed pool pumps are preferred because they can operate at a variety of speeds depending on what you need (regular nightly cleaning, or removing algae from a green pool), and they use less energy than single-speed pumps.

Maintenance

A pool pump that is maintained properly lasts longer. Small components such as screws, sealants, and O-rings will wear out over the course of a pool pump’s lifetime and require replacement. It will go better if you react to it quickly.

Early Signs There Might Be a Problem With Your Pool Pump

You can be more ready to restore your pool’s functionality quickly if something goes wrong by being aware of some of the early symptoms of pool pump issues.

Your pool pump may have a problem with the motor if you hear odd humming, grinding, or screeching noises coming from it. This isn’t always an easy fix because the problem could be with a single small component or the entire motor.

The pump may be clogged if your filter displays a high pressure reading on the gauge. Examining the impeller for debris is an easy way to check this on your own. Large debris should be removed, and you should change the basket at least twice a month.

An impeller issue is indicated by an overheating pump. The water may no longer be circulating as a result of the pump ceasing to prime the water as a result. Instead, air might be allowed to flow in, which makes the impeller spin more quickly and wears out the motor, and creates leaks.

If you simply look at your pump, you might be able to tell if there are issues. It may be a sign that internal damage has also been caused if the object’s exterior is cracked, rusted, or leaky.

Your pump may have a defect if it stops working within the first few seasons of use. The best way to avoid purchasing a faulty pump is to perform extensive research on the business you are purchasing from and select a reputable seller.

When to Replace a Pump Motor

In general, sound and silence are the two warning signs to watch out for.

With that in mind, here are a few signs that your pool pump motor needs replacement:

• Grind or screeching noises motor’s bearings are getting worn down — usually caused by internal water leaks or flooding
• Humming soundDefective capacitor (used to store electrical energy) in the pump, due to a power surge or overheating
• ClickingThe motor is tripping the breaker and experiencing an internal electrical problem
• Silence/no soundsIf the motor is receiving adequate power from the breaker, but still not responding, then it’s likely failed

Tips for a Longer-Lasting Pool Pump

For clean and secure swimming water, a healthy pool pump is necessary. To ensure that your pool pump lasts as long as possible, fortunately, there are a few easy steps you can add to your checklist for pool maintenance.

The removal of large debris, such as leaves or litter, cannot be accomplished by a pool pump, despite the fact that it can remove fine dirt and debris quite effectively. Use a net skimmer to skim the pool’s surface every day to stop this from happening.

In an ideal world, you ought to run your pump nonstop all summer long. It also keeps the water well-circulated and provides the best filtration results. The minimum daily run time if you’re worried about operating expenses is eight hours.

If the pump has to exert more effort to move the water, internal damage might result. To avoid debris clogging the pipes, wash the filter monthly and the filter basket weekly.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that just because you have a pool pump doesn’t mean you won’t also need to do some manual labor. You can decrease the amount of work the pump has to do and lengthen its lifespan by brushing the walls and floors once a week.

Closing Thoughts

If you choose the right pool pump for your pool and keep it in top condition, you can extend the life of the pump. A high-quality, well-maintained pool pump typically lasts 8 to 15 years or longer.

The decision of whether or not to replace your pump should be made easier after reading this article. Loud noises, aging, and malfunction are all warning signs that a pump needs to be replaced.