Pool Equipment Lifespan and Replacement Cost Averages

If your new to pool ownership by having a pool constructed or purchasing a house with a pool one thing you have already learned is that having a pool can be expensive. I am not talking about just the chemicals you need for each pool season but the electricity use and the replacement and repair of the pool equipment over time. These two cost, higher utility bills and equipment replacement can really strain your household budget.

The best way to save money on your utility bills is to replace your standard single speed pump with a Variable Speed Pump or VS pump. This will significantly lower your electricity bill each month by dropping your total usage down. I will go over this in a separate article in more detail but if you can make the switch do it. Your single speed pool pump is probably your home's number one energy consumer next to your Air Conditioner.

I wanted to touch more on equipment replacement costs and how long a piece of equipment will last from my experience in the industry. Like everything else they don't make products like they used to. Nothing seems to last as long as it should and that is the same thing we run into in the pool industry nowadays. Let me list the pool equipment for you with their serviceable lifespan and replacement cost. I also like using a yearly sinking fund to help budget for overall equipment replacement cost. I go over this more in the Podcast audio attached to this article.

Pool Motor:

This is the piece of equipment that you will be replacing most often if you have a standard single speed pump. If you have a Variable Speed pump the motor will last a very long time – 10 years plus. But for a standard single speed pump you will get 3-5 years out of it at best. Then you will need to replace it. Typical cost for having a new one installed is $400-$700 depending on your region and the pump HP rating. This will be the most common piece of equipment you will be replacing.

Pool Pump:

The pool pump is the wet end where the pump basket sits as well as the motor on back. Typically they last several years before needing replacement but figure every 10-12 years or after 3-4 motor replacements. The parts do wear and age over time and it is a good idea to just change the whole thing out over time. Again, I suggest a VS pump if your single speed pump is due for a replacement. A good Variable Speed pump will run you $900-$1,500 installed.

Pool Filter:

The pool filter shell is usually made our of fiberglass and will last upwards of 10-15 years before you see cracks in the tank or fiberglass flaking. Some filters like the Sta-Rite System 3 filters will probably last 100 years – those shells are so thick and well made. If you have a smaller single cartridge filter figure about 8-10 years before you start to see cracking. Sand filter shells are very long lasting also but for your typical DE or large Cartridge Filter the tanks do wear out over time.

The internal DE grids will last about 3-5 years and then you will need to replace all 8 grids. A single Cartridge for a smaller filter will last maybe 1 year and then need replacement. The larger 4 Cartridge filters will require Cartridge replacements every 3-4 years. DE Grids rn about $30 each and depending on the Cartridge you are looking at $30-$70 per cartridge. The System 3 being the excepting with cost of upwards of $400 for both Cartridges. A typical large filter installed will cost $1,000-$1,400 depending on the size, type and region of the country.

Pool Heater:

The pool heater is the most expensive piece of equipment and having a new one installed will run you $2,000-$3,000 depending on the BTU size and your region. You can keep your heater running with part replacements but figure 8-12 years you will need a new one installed. The plus side is that the newer heaters are more efficient and better built than your old one and every year they make improvements. But they are pretty expensive to replace.

Salt System:

Your typical salt cell will last about 10,000 hours at 100% output. So if you run your pool all season at 100% output figure to get 3-4 years out of the cell. The system itself is typically long lasting but you probably want to upgrade the entire system every 8-10 years as newer and better ones become available. You can get a completely new system installed from $900-$1,400 and most salt cells will run you $400-$600. A salt water system will cost you more to operate in the long run but there are great benefits from having one - mainly you will not need to worry about adding chlorine to your pool week to week.

So that is the most common pool equipment that you typically will find at your home and the average lifespan and replacement cost. To learn more listen to the Podcast attached to this article.

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