How Long Do Pool Pumps Last?

If you've ever wondered how long pool pumps last, you're in the right place! If you have a pool, you have a pool pump. The pool pump is the lifeblood of a pool’s circulatory system. It’s designed to pull water from the pool, and then pass it to other equipment to be heated, treated, and filtered. Once it’s finished its cycle, it returns the clean water into the pool.

Many pool owners have asked themselves “How long do pool pumps last?” It’s important to know this information because, when the pool pump is struggling, it can lead to a variety of problems for your pool water and other equipment.

How Long Does a Pool Pump Last?

On average, pool pumps last from eight to 12 years before needing a replacement. Pool pumps aren’t meant to last forever. Like other pieces of mechanical equipment, pool pumps are susceptible to wear and tear.

Factors That Affect Pool Pump Life Expectancy

Several contributing factors affect your pool pump’s life expectancy. These factors include:

• Usage Frequency and Duration. The frequency of pool usage and duration play a factor in your pool pump’s life expectancy. The longer it is used, the more wear and tear is caused to the pool pump. In addition, pool pumps sometimes have multiple speeds to control water circulation and purification power. Its different speeds and functions can also affect the lifespan.
• Maintenance and Cleaning Practices. Homeowners have a million things on their to-do lists. Cleaning the pool filter basket rarely makes it to that list—but the upkeep doesn’t stop with cleaning. Your pool pump setup comes with a motor that has multiple parts to make sure it’s in good working order. The components of the motor require timely maintenance, by scheduling with technicians will help your pool pump last longer.
• Environmental Factors. Pool pumps are designed to handle mild weather conditions. However, more extreme weather can cause damage to your pool pump. For example, a power surge from an electrical or lightning storm can damage the pool pump if left on.
• Quality of Installation. An improperly installed pool pump can cause inefficiency, ultimately leading to further issues. Having a professional install your pool pump is the best way to make sure it’s installed correctly.
• Water Chemistry and Quality. The water chemistry and quality not only affect the lifespan of your pool pump but also affect pool health as a whole. Pool owners should make sure they are taking proper steps to better their pool water quality and create the needed water chemistry. ePoolSupply offers pool water testing in Phoenix and can help determine the best water chemistry for your pool.

Parts of a Pool Pump and How Long They Last​​​

Every component of the pool pump plays a role in its operation. But remember, each part of the pool pump has different lifespans and common issues to look out for.

Below are the four parts commonly found in pool pumps.

Motor

The motor in the pool pump is the driving force that creates a churning action to circulate water. Motors commonly have different speed variables. A pool pump motor usually has a lifespan of eight years; common issues with motors include overheating, loose bearings, and cavitation.

Impeller

The impeller is responsible for creating a vortex that pulls water through the pool pump, pushes the water into the filter, and sends it back into the pool. The lifespan of the impeller usually lasts for five to seven years depending on how often the pump is run, the cleanliness of the pool water, and maintenance quality. Common issues found include debris clogging the impeller, causing it to become damaged or fail.

Seals and Gaskets

Gaskets

Even though the pool pump’s gaskets are a small component of the larger mechanical system, they play a big role in its performance. Gaskets prevent air and water leaks, reinforcing the seal around other components like the lid, seal plate, and shaft seal. These gaskets can become old, cracked, or warped, creating openings for leaks. The lifespan of these gaskets ranges from one to three years.

Seals

A pool pump’s seal plate sits between the impeller and motor and is responsible for connecting the motor and pump housing. It also contains the shaft seal which protects the motor and motor shaft from any water leaks. These parts usually last around five to seven years; their most common issues pertain to leaking, excessive heat, unbalanced water chemistry, and salt corrosion.

Pump Housing and Housing Components

The pool pump housing is the solid outer shell that protects the inner workings of the pool pump. Pump housing is designed to withstand typical wear and tear and exposure to extreme weather conditions.

Pump housing lasts a long time at an expected eight to 10 years and tends to not have many issues other than cracking or leaks.

Other Housing Components

Another component related to the pump housing is the pump lid. The pump lid is located on top of the strainer basket and serves as the main access point to inspect your pool pump. Issues related to the pump lid often boil down to cracks and the part becoming loose. The lifespan of the lid ranges from three to five years.

Signs It's Time to Replace Your Pool Pump

Common signs it’s time to replace your pool pump include:

• Sounds like rumbling, screeching, and grinding coming from the pump
• A drop in your pool pump’s efficiency
• Corrosion seen on impellers and valves
• Tears in wires and rubber components

Tips for a Longer-Lasting Pool Pump

If you’re a pool owner, you can start practicing good pool care habits today. Practice using a net skimmer to sweep the surface of the pool and clean the filter basket weekly to remove any possibility of debris buildup.

A weekly brush of the walls and floors of the pool will reduce the workload of your pool pump and keeping your pool pump constantly running during the summer season provides the best filtration and circulation results.

FAQs

How often should I replace my pool pump?

If a pool pump is kept in good condition and well-maintained, replacement may only be needed in a favorable eight to 15-year period.

Is it worth fixing a pool pump?

Yes, and it’s essential. The pool pump is a necessary part to make sure your pool’s water is in its required state for swimmers.

Can I repair my pool pump instead of replacing it?

Yes! Replacing a pool pump is expensive and each part of it can be thankfully replaced on their own. Going this route is a much less expensive venture.

Do variable-speed pool pumps really save money?

Indeed they do. Variable-speed pool pumps are the most energy-efficient and cost-effective pumps available on the market. Variable speed pumps are designed to run at the speed required for your pool’s needs, which means lower speeds for longer periods.