How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Pool Pump?

Table Of Contents

1. Pool Pump Replacement Cost
2. When To Replace A Pool Pump
3. Pump Or Motor Replacement
4. Best Pool Pump Brands
5. DIY Or Hire A Pro?
6. How To Replace A Pool Pump
7. Find A Pro

Pool Pump Replacement Cost

Owning a swimming pool involves keeping up with regular maintenance, including repairing the liner, repairing the heater and replacing the pool pump. Pool pumps are an important part of a pool's filtration system, and they wear out over time. On average, a high-quality pool pump needs to be replaced every eight to 12 years. DIY pool pump replacement involves the cost of the replacement pool pump, which can run from $150 to $800 or more depending on the type. When hiring a professional, the cost includes the price of labor, which is an additional $80 to $200.

When To Replace A Pool Pump

There are two components to a pool pump: the pump mechanism and the motor mechanism. Either may fail and require your attention. Signs that it's time to replace a pool pump include:

• Complete failure of the motor
• The motor making a loud screeching or grinding noise
• The pump no longer moving water or the pump leaking water

Pump Or Motor Replacement

If the pool pump is relatively new (less than 10 years old) and the pump exterior does not show signs of deterioration, replacing only the motor can be a good option. If the pump is older, if the motor replacement parts are difficult to find or if the cost of the motor replacement is more than 75% of the cost of a full pump replacement, then replacing the entire pump is the way to go. If the pool pump is still under a manufacturer's warranty, then replace the entire pump.

Simply replacing the motor is less expensive than replacing the entire pool pump. A DIY motor replacement costs approximately $25 to $200, while hiring a pro may cost an additional $40 to $100.

Best Pool Pump Brands

Pool pumps are available online and at local pool stores. When searching for the best pool pumps, two brands dominate the market: Pentair and Hayward. Both companies are known for making quality, long-lasting pool pumps, and they offer a wide variety of options including single-speed, variable-speed, and energy-efficient models. Although a pool company can direct you to the pump that best fits your needs, here are a few of the popular models offered by both Pentair and Hayward:

DIY Or Hire A Pro?

Replacing a pool pump requires a basic knowledge of and comfort level with electrical work. Failure to take proper precautions or to correctly wire the new pump can lead to serious injury, damage to the new pump, or other property damage. If you are uncomfortable working with electricity, replacing a pool pump is not a good DIY project and you are better off hiring a qualified pool company.

How To Replace A Pool Pump

Replacing an old pool pump with an identical new pump is simple, as the wiring and plumbing connections should all be the same. The basic steps for replacing a pool pump are described below:

1. Turn off all power to the pool pump

The safest way to disconnect power to the pool pump is to switch the appropriate circuit breaker to the off position and test the pool pump to ensure that power has indeed been turned off.

2. Disconnect and remove the old pump

Remove the motor cover and disconnect the electrical wiring, and then disconnect all plumbing connections to the old pump. You may need to use an adjustable wrench to disconnect the plumbing, but be careful not to damage the connections because they will be needed for the new pump. Once the plumbing and electrical connections have been disconnected, the old pump can be removed.

3. Insert and connect the new pump

Remove the cover to the motor, and connect the electrical wires to the new pump the same way that they were connected to the old pump. Attach all the plumbing connections and tighten them. Once all the plumbing and electrical connections are completed, the pool pump is ready to be turned on and primed.

4. Turn on power to the new pump

Make sure the power switch on the pump itself is in the off position, then turn the appropriate circuit breaker to the on position.

5. Prime the new pump

Fill the pump with water, ensuring that the pump trap fills completely. Turn your new pool pump on and check that water is moving through the pump's suction lines. Open the inlet shutoff valves until water is circulating throughout the pump. Now your new pool pump should be ready to use.

Find A Pro

When you're ready to begin your pool pump replacement project, find an experienced pool contractor in your area. Then, compare quotes to find the best deal.

Last updated on Aug 30, 2020