Swimming Pool Pump & Motor Average Lifespan

 I am often asked how long will my swimming pool pump last? It is a pretty general question and there are actually several separate components that make up your pool pump. You have the wet end or pump pot area, then the motor, starter, or run capacitor, and if you have a Variable Speed Pump you have what is called the Drive. Each of these has different lifespans and they can vary by brand, environment, and run time.




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 costs. So set some money aside each season for a new pump and motor so that when the time comes you will have the ready money to buy a new one.

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. The 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 the 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 $1,000-$1,500 installed.

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.

Another great benefit of a variable speed pump is that they are very long-lasting. It has to do with a few factors but one of the main reasons is that you are not running the pump at the full 3450 RPM all the time. Think of it like this. Your standard single-speed pump is like driving a care 70 mph on the freeway every day 365 a year. Whereas a VS pump will give you the ability to run it at different RPM or speeds. So you can set if for 1800 RPM for 8 hours and 2300 RPM for 4 hours each day. Now, this is like driving a care 35 mph and 50 mph every day. The wear and tear have been significantly reduced.

The only part to really worry about on a VS pump is the Drive. It is basically the controller that sits on top of the pump and controls the speeds and priming of the pump. Once that Drive dies the price to replace it is so high that you are better off getting a new VS pump. Fortunately, the drive lasts for a very long time and this is not something to worry too much about but something you need to be aware of.

 Overall like anything else your pool pump will wear out and replacing it is something that you should be budgeting for.

Visit my Website: http://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/

eBook: https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/swimming-pool-care-ebook

YouTube Video Index: http://poolmandave.blogspot.com/2014/03/swimming-pool-tips-reviews-how-to-video.html – A list of all of my videos.


 

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Swimming Pool Tips, Reviews & How To Video Index (List) Alphabetical order

I have over 900 videos on my YouTube Channel: Swimming Pool Tips and How-To - so I have compiled an Index for you to help you find a video on a topic that you are having an issue with or want to learn more about. I hope this helps you find the information you will need to keep your pool looking sparkling every week. Website:  http://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/ Coaching Site:  https://poolguycoaching.com/ Podcast Site:  https://www.thepoolguypodcastshow.com/ eBook:  https://www.swimmingpoollearning.com/swimming-pool-care-ebook Listen to my weekly Podcast: Podcast on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pool-guy-show-podcast/id1257613192 Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Imhdwnal25iyl4c2yfceih2ni4y Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/4vBthPxqaNIAlw4LFVB2m3 A Above Ground Pool Care & Maintenance - The Ultimate Guide: https://youtu.be/j-hlTRSC0Fk ACID Magic User Friendly Muriatic Acid Alternative with 90% Less Fu
Read more

Can I Use Clorox Bleach in my Pool?

Image
Regular Unscented Bleach I started doing pool service when I was 16 years old back in 1988. I took a break from the industry and did some Real Estate Investing and ran a small business for awhile. But I always loved working outdoors and so I decided to do pool service again. So I have about 15 years of practical experience in the field. My specialty has always been water chemistry as I was formally trained by an experts in the field. So I am well versed in most of the chemicals that are on the market today and I have used and tested a lot of different products. So when you hear those in the industry discourage and even slander anyone who uses bleach in their pool, you may think that it is not a product that you should use. In fact as you read this article you will find that using bleach and only bleach is a safe and smart choice. There is a lot of ignorance surrounding household bleach and the use of bleach in a swimming pool. Here is a video I made that goes in more detail on usin
Read more

Mr. Pen Non-contact Voltage Meter - Don't Get Electrocuted!

Image
One of the biggest issues you will run into with anything connected to an AC power is if that device or equipment is receiving power. In the pool service industry, this often is the case when you find that a pool pump won’t turn on. Or if a pool timer doesn't on, is it receiving power? Also for repairs with so many breakers being unmarked, how do you know you turned off the right breaker. Bottom line, a non-contact detector like the Mr. Pen is an easy way to see if power is going to the equipment/device and the line is active. A non-contact voltage detector is just that. You don’t need to make contact with the line like with a Multimeter. Plus you don’t need to adjust any settings or knobs to get a voltage reading. Simply hold the Mr. Pen over a cord or wire whip and if there is AC power a red light will turn on and an audible beep will come out of the device. A very easy way to tell if power or a current is present.  To order: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092LFYTG5?&_encoding=UT
Read more