What is the Lifespan of my Swimming Pool Equipment?
If you're new to pool ownership by having a pool constructed or purchasing a house with a pool, you have already learned 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 costs, higher utility bills and equipment replacement, strain your household budget.
The best way to save money on utility bills is to replace your standard single-speed pump with a Variable Speed Pump or VS pump. This will significantly lower your monthly electricity bill by dropping your total usage. 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 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 based on my experience in the industry. Like everything else, they don't make products as they used to. Everything seems to last less long than it should, which is the same thing we run into in the pool industry nowadays. Let me list the pool equipment for you, including their serviceable lifespan and replacement cost. I also like using a yearly sinking fund to help budget for overall equipment replacement costs. I will review this more in the podcast audio attached to this article.
Pool Motor:
This is the piece of equipment you will replace 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 at best, you will get 3-5 years out of a standard single-speed pump. Then you will need to replace it. This will be the most common piece of equipment you will be replacing.
Pool Pump:
The pool pump is the wet end where the basket sits, and the motor is 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 wear and age over time, and changing the whole thing is a good idea. Again, I suggest a VS pump if your single-speed pump is due for a replacement.
Pool Filter:
The pool filter shell is usually made of fiberglass and lasts 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. Suppose you have a more petite single cartridge filter figure about 8-10 years before you start to see cracks. Sand filter shells are also very long-lasting, but for your typical DE or large Cartridge Filter, the tanks wear out over time.
The internal DE grids will last about 3-5 years; you must replace all eight grids. A single Cartridge for a smaller filter will last one 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. System 3 is the exception, costing upwards of $400 for both cartridges.
Pool Heater:
The pool heater is the most expensive piece of equipment, and installing a new one will cost you a small fortune, depending on the BTU size and your region. You can keep your heater running with part replacements, but in Figure 8-12, you will need a new one installed. The plus side is that the newer heaters are more efficient and better built than your old ones and every year they make improvements. But they are 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 is long-lasting, but you may want to upgrade it every 8-10 years as newer and better ones become available. A saltwater 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 weekly.
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