Much like every significant investment, your swimming pool demands the same routine care level as when it was initially installed. As a result, if you want crystal clear pool water, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the condition of all your pool equipment, such as your pool pump.
Your pool pump plays a critical role in your swimming pool’s everyday functionality, as it’s responsible for maintaining water flow through various pool components to ensure your pool remains free of dirt, grime, and other contaminants.
Below, we’ll discuss several warning signs that your swimming pool pump needs to be replaced and a few maintenance tips to prevent you from paying for costly pool pump replacement in the future.
Pool Pump Replacement Cost
Owning a swimming pool requires frequent maintenance, such as liner replacement, heater repair, and, in some instances, a pool pump replacement. Without an efficient pool pump, the appearance of your pool could be tainted due to a poorly functioning filtering system.
Pool pumps play an integral role in the pool’s filtration system, circulating water throughout the pool and transporting it through your pool’s filtration and heating systems. Unfortunately, they will wear down over time, and when a problem arises, you may need to consult with a pool service specialist to find a viable replacement.
Depending on the quality, pool pumps should be updated every 8 to 12 years on average, with many replacement costs ranging from $300 to $1,200 as it varies depending on the type of pool pump and size of the pool.
Warning Signs That Your Pool Pump Needs to Be Replaced
Many common indicators of severe damage to your pool pump include oxidation on the motor, often caused by overheating, large cracks, excessive noise, and the inability to prime. However, there are also several other signs to look for to assist you in determining when your pool pump should be replaced.
Age
The age of your pump is a standard indicator that your pool pump may need to be replaced. While an older pool pump doesn’t imply that it’s inoperable, it’s worth exercising caution.
The assembly and components in your pool pump and filtration system typically have a shelf life of roughly 11 to 15 years. When your pool pump begins to deteriorate, you may notice a sluggish startup, an overheating motor, or worn bearings.
If your pump has been in service for 15 years or more, it’s possible that it is no longer performing as well as it once did and may need to be replaced. Replacing your pump before it fails may save you money in the long run.
Strange Noises
Pool pumps are designed to function quietly and should only emit a soft whirring sound when in use. Thus, a noisy pool pump with grinding gears or screeching noises is an obvious red flag.
A noisy pool pump usually indicates that internal components, such as the bearings, are deteriorated. These noises could also indicate that the water levels are incorrect or that the filter is no longer cleaning the water of dirt and bacteria.
The first thing to check for is unusual noises coming from the pump that you wouldn’t ordinarily hear. Any unusual noises are an early warning indication that you may want a swimming pool pump replacement. Examine your pump to see where the noise is coming from, and then call a pool service specialist for further information on how to replace it.
Repeatedly Shuts Off
If your pool pump is working correctly, the motor should always run smoothly with no issue. However, if your pump motor appears to shut down after a short time, it could be due to overheating or the pump being clogged.
If your pool pump is repeatedly shutting off, it could indicate the pump’s fan or other components being overworked, an insufficient power supply, or a faulty capacitor. These issues may be caused by corrosion, debris, and water, which strain the motor and cause it to overheat.
Often, this indicates that your motor is nearing the end of its life and that you will soon want to replace your pool pump. If left unresolved for too long, not only will the pump deteriorate, but it could also cause other components to fail.
Tips for Maintaining Your Pool Pump
Maintaining your pool water pump requires essential year-round maintenance. As a result, most pool owners make a concerted effort to maintain their pool pumps for as long as possible because new pool pumps are expensive.
While not all issues with your pool water pump can be resolved on your own, and some might require professional assistance, there are a few maintenance items you may be able to complete to prevent issues with your pool pump from worsening. Here are a few maintenance tips to keep your pool water pump functioning properly.
Use the Right Size Pump
Your pool’s filtration system will be water-starved if your pool is too large for the number of incoming pumps or the pipe size. If your pool pump is too small for the rest of your system, it will struggle to overcome the resistance pressure. In both cases, the pump and motor are overworked beyond their design capacities, resulting in pump failure.
Small plumbing diameter and short-run length can also negatively affect a single-speed pump, as a single-speed pump that runs at 3,450 RPMs consumes as much as 2,200 watts. However, upgrading to a variable-speed pump can reduce its energy demand by up to 60%, making it an energy-efficient option. Variable-speed pumps have advanced automation technology and built-in freeze protection allowing your pool pump to last longer.
Clean the Filters
Debris accumulated in the filter can permanently damage swimming pool pumps. As a result, keeping the pump’s filter clean is an effective method of maintenance that will help your swimming pool pumps last longer.
Inspect the filters twice a week and remove any debris before replacing them. While performing your inspection, it’s also good to keep the pump lid seals or o-rings greased to ensure they are functioning correctly.
Before replacing a pump, pool owners should regularly clean the pump’s filtration system. Failing to clean pump filtration systems and any pool equipment, for that matter, can accelerate equipment failure and cause damage.
Protect from Flooding
Lastly, if your pump’s motor becomes submerged in water, it can sustain irreversible damage, requiring a replacement. In some circumstances, a partially submerged motor can be saved if disassembled and dried, but if the motor was flooded while it was running, it will most certainly require a replacement.
To avoid flooding, lift the pump above ground or dig down and lower the ground. Furthermore, during heavy rain, it’s critical to ensure that water drains away from your pool pump by sloping the soil away from the pump and using gravel to reduce moisture.
If you reside in an area where flooding may pose a problem for your pool pump, you may consider using sandbags to form a barrier or turn off the pump until the water level has dropped.
The PoolStar Command App Can Help!
While owning a swimming pool can be a lot of fun, maintaining your swimming pool is a difficult task that can be expensive and requires a lot of work. Fortunately, the PoolStar Command app is a valuable resource that allows you to stay ahead of any pool maintenance and repair to ensure your pool is always in the best condition possible.
Giving you access to a wealth of pool-related resources, tips, techniques, and helpful guidelines to make pool ownership more manageable than ever before, the PoolStar Command app is a valuable resource for any pool owner.
Not only can you integrate all of your PoolSmart IOT systems to build a centralized smart pool control center, but you can also register to receive real-time water chemistry and water updates and gain access to vital pool maintenance programs.
If you’re looking for the best way to gain additional control over your pool, download the PoolStar Command app today.