How Long Do Pool Pumps Last?

Mar 31, 2022

Pool pumps are usually the most expensive part of a pool. They have to work constantly to keep the water circulating and filtered. If they break down, your pool will be unusable until it is fixed or replaced.

At ePoolSupply, the most common cause for a pump to break down is clogging. This can happen when hair, leaves, and other debris get stuck in the pump’s impeller and cause it to jam. The most common question that comes up just about daily in conversations we have with our customers as it pertains to their pool is the pool pump.

How Long Do Pool Pumps Last?

On average, quality pool pumps 10 years or more before needing to be replaced. Normal maintenance and upkeep will maximize the life of your pump, but pool pump technology has advanced quite a bit over the past 10 years. Considering how much more energy efficient modern pool pumps are than their predecessors, you might be considering investing in a replacement before your current one wears out, if trends continue.

As much as we'd love to say our pool pumps last forever, we like to be transparent with our customers and feel it's necessary to go over this topic and provide a little bit of insight.

What Do I Need to Know About Pool Pumps?

For those who are first-time buyers and learning about pools, your pool pump is the significant component that acts as the heart of your pool. The pool pump brings in the water from your pool to filter and clean out anything that should not be in your water. Pumps are responsible for the whole swimming pool's operation. The cleaning system cannot, in general, operate without the primary pump, and the pool water cannot be filtered without the primary pump working. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of the proper schedule for the operation of the main pump. There is an array of pumps out there, like Pentair Variable Speed Pool Pump, and we recommend checking out our other blogs on what to look for or giving us a call.

Reliable pool pumps like Pentair, can last up to ten or more years. It really comes down to the maintenance and upkeep of your pool and equipment. Pool pumps are resilient to weather and outside environmental debris; however, they can deteriorate if not properly maintained. Pool pumps require emptying, cleaning out, removing debris, and checking for bubbles and air that may be affecting your pump. If your pump is well maintained, you can go years without replacing your pump, saving money, and making sure your pool stays in the shape you need it to for the seasons.

There is an array of different pool pumps out there: Pentair, Hayward, Black and Decker, and more. Each brand has its benefits; however, you will need to know what will last, handle your pool needs, and be reliable year after year like Pentair's Variable Speed Pumps. Pool pumps come with features including horsepower, GPM (Gallon Per-Minute), and energy efficiency. An energy-efficient recommendation is to buy a two-speed or variable-speed pool pump that is big enough to circulate the water twice a day and run continuously seven days a week, reducing energy consumption and saving money, as a results. An adjustable-speed pump can run around the clock, unlike a motor that typically cannot run for long periods of time. Most variable speed pumps are very quiet and reliable, including the pumps from Pentair.

Do Variable Speed Pool Pumps Really Save Money?

A variable speed pool pump can save you up to 90% on energy costs compared to a conventional single or two-speed pool pump. This depends on conditions and use but many new variable speed pool pumps can qualify you to receive public utility rebates, as well.

Variable speed pumps are like hybrid cars: they use less energy at slower speeds and more energy at faster speeds. This is because a variable speed pump has a built-in valve that controls water flow to the motor. It slows down as it approaches full capacity so it doesn't have to work as hard.

In conclusion, we recommend maintaining your equipment like you would your house or your car. Make sure your equipment is running clean, there are no awkward noises, no debris, and you will have no issues with your pool pump. Also, we do recommend using known name brands like Pentair. Pentair offers an array of pool pumps that can keep your pools clean with little maintenance and are very reliable. To learn what pool pump you need, please feel free to contact us on what will be best for you and your pool. As always on behalf of all of us here at ePoolSupply thank you for reading along and keep on swimming!