Did you know that 51% of people use public swimming pools as a way of bathing themselves?
We all know what it feels like to swim in a dirty public pool. Luckily, a high-quality pool pump will make sure that your residential swimming pool never ends up in the same state.
Pool pumps have an important job to do, so you must know how long you can expect your pump to last.
Read on to discover how long the average pool pump lifespan, and what you can do now to keep yours healthier for longer!
What Is a Pool Pump and How Does It Work?
Let's start with the basics. Whether you're a brand new pool owner or are just looking to replace a pool pump for the first time, it is important to know the basics of how a pump works.
A swimming pool pump is essential in maintaining a clean and healthy pool. It circulates the water and stops the water from stagnating. It can also evenly disperse any treatment chemicals.
To do this, the pump pulls water into an inlet before funneling it through a filter and pumping it back out into the pool. This process reduces the amount of dust, dirt, or sand on the pool floor and ensures you are swimming in safe water.
What Are the Main Components of a Swimming Pool Pump?
If you want to keep your swimming pool pump in good condition for longer, it is important to have a working knowledge of the key components of the pump. This will mean you will be able to identify any problems and fix them much faster.
Here are the most important components you need to aware of in any basic swimming pool pump:
Water Inlet and Outlet
The water inlet is where the pool water enters the pump. The water outlet is where the water is then pushed out of the pump and back into the pool. The diameter of both the inlet and outlet will determine the maximum flow rate of the pool pump.
Filter
Also known as strainer baskets or sand filters, the pump's filter is what collects the dirt and debris from the water entering the pump. Often made from erosion-resistant plastic, a healthy filter is necessary to stop dirt from reentering the pool water.
Impeller
The impeller is the most important component within the pump. It is a rotating metal disc that spins, pulling water through its face before propelling it back into the pool via its slotted sides.
Motor
The motor is the driving force that creates the churning action and circulates the water. You can choose from the traditional single-speed induction motors, or dual speed and variable speed motors. These are growing in popularity thanks to being more energy-efficient.
How Long Should Pool Pumps Last?
Knowing how long the average pool pump will help you gauge how long you can expect your pump to last before encountering wear and tear or breakages. There are two ways of looking at this.
First, on average, a pool pump can last anywhere from eight years to over 15 years if well-maintained and of good quality. Exactly how long your pump lasts depends on you both choosing the right pump for your pool and keeping it in good condition.
Alternatively, the average pool pump should last for up to around 60 months. So if you only use your pool during the summer season, you can generally expect your pump to last for ten seasons. If you use it all-year-round, this will lower its life expectancy.
Pool pumps are expensive, and a full replacement could cost you up to more than $1,000. Luckily, each part can be replaced separately so there is no need to buy a new pump if all you need is a new motor.
Early Signs There Might Be a Problem With Your Pool Pump
By knowing what some of the early signs of pool pump problems look like, you can be better prepared to quickly get your pool up and running again if something goes wrong.
If you hear strange humming, grinding, or screeching noises coming from your pool pump, it is likely that something is wrong with the motor. This isn't always a simple fix, as it could either be just a small part that needs replacing or the whole motor.
If your filter is showing a high-pressure reading on the gauge, it could mean the pump is clogged. This is easy to check yourself by checking the impeller for debris. Remove any large debris and make sure you change the basket at least twice a month.
An overheating pump indicates a problem with the impeller. This can cause the pump to stop priming the water, meaning the water is no longer circulating. This can allow air to run in instead, which causes the impeller to spin faster, wearing down the motor and causing leaks.
Sometimes it is easy to see if there are problems with your pump just by looking at it. If its exterior is cracked, leaking, or rusted then it may indicate that damage has caused internal damage too.
If your pump fails early within its first few seasons, a defect could be to blame. The best way to avoid buying a defective pump is to thoroughly research the company you are buying from, and choose a reputable seller.
Is your pool pump emitting noise? This article provides solutions on how to fix it.
When to Buy a New Pump
The pump is the heart of the pool. It needs to work for the water to be clean and safe to swim in. Therefore, it is important to always have a healthy pump running.
When pool pump problems arise, there are fixable with some DIY and a few replacement parts or a visit from a pool technician. But sometimes, a complete replacement is the only option.
Remember that even the best-maintained pumps will fail at some point because of their age. If your pump is more than 12-15 years old, it is probably time to invest in a new pump.
Similarly, if the manufacturer no longer stocks replacement parts, you will not be able to fix your pump if something goes wrong and you should consider updating to a newer model.
Finding the Best Pool Pumps for You
When choosing the right size pool pump for your swimming pool, you should be aware of a few key factors. The flow rate, noise level, and type of pump are all important considerations.
The flow rate you need depends on the dimensions of your pool. To maintain a healthy quality of water, all the water in the pool must be processed and filtered in between four to six hours.
If you have a smaller above-ground pool, a basic pump will suffice. If you have a larger pool or require all year round filtering, a higher-end model or variable speed pump will better suit you.
A variable speed pump's flow rate can be pre-programmed according to your needs. If the amount of time you use your pool varies dramatically month-to-month, this is a good option as it can be adjusted to fit the usage. This in turn will lower your energy consumption.
Tips for a Longer-Lasting Pool Pump
A healthy pool pump is essential for pure and safe swimming water. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can add to your pool maintenance checklist to make sure your pool pump lasts as long as possible.
While a pool pump can effectively remove fine debris and dirt, it is not designed to remove large debris such as leaves or litter. Prevent this from happening by using a net skimmer to skim the surface of the pool every day.
Ideally, you should keep your pump running constantly during the summer season. This gives the best filtration results and keeps the water well-circulated. If you are concerned about running costs, eight hours is the minimum daily run-time.
Internal damage can occur if the pump has to work harder to circulate water. Clean the filter basket weekly and backwash the filter monthly to prevent debris clogging the pipes.
It is important to remember that having a pool pump does not mean you don't need to put in some manual labor too. By brushing the walls and floors every week you can reduce the work the pump has to do, thereby increasing its lifespan.
Where to Buy Pool Pumps You Can Trust
In the United States alone there are approximately 10.4 million residential swimming pools. And with summer not too far away, many people will be excited to spend the warm months swimming and relaxing in pools.
Healthy, fully-operational pool pumps are essential for this. Through regular maintenance will prolong its lifetime, there will be times when you need to replace faulty parts, or indeed the full pump.
With this guide, you will now have the know-how needed to make the best decisions when it comes to buying and maintaining your pool pump so you can make the most of this summer!
Whether you're looking for more advice, some replacement parts, or a brand new pump, we've got you covered. Check out our online store today!
Should you run your pool pump 24 hours a day? Learn more by reading this article. What size pump do you need for your pool? Learn more here.
