Pool pumps are the heart of any pool. If your pump is not in good working condition, you may notice it is not operating correctly or may stop functioning altogether.
A poorly-maintained pool pump will decrease its lifespan and lead to high energy bills.
However, if you take care of your pool pump and keep it clean, in good working condition, and have a spare on hand when needed, you can extend the life of your pool pump motor and lower your energy bill.
The lifespan of a pool pump motor is significant.
Although many components need to be considered, a motor’s average lifespan is about 10 years.
This can vary depending on how often the pump is used, how often it gets adequately maintained, and how well it is installed.
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How Long Should A Pool Pump Motor Last
Some pumps are rated to last for 10 years, and some may need replacing at the onset of their life. There is no set time frame as it all depends on:
- How often do you use your pool?
- How frequently is the pump turned off?
- What kind of chemicals have you been using?
- Whether or not the pump has been working correctly?
As well as a whole host of other variables that all affect the life expectancy of your pool equipment.
Pumps need to be professionally inspected at least once a year, but it’s best to check them more often and keep an eye on the pump for any malfunctioning.
Pump motors are made from various materials, including steel, aluminum, or plastic. All of these have different life expectancies and may need to be replaced at different intervals.
What is a Pool Pump Motor?
A pool pump is a device that moves water through pipes and, in turn, pumps it into your swimming pool.
The purpose of the pump is to circulate or move the water so that you do not have to manually swim back and forth every time you want to take a dip in your swimming pool.
Pool pumps are also used to circulate fresh water into a swimming pool. Pool pumps consist of pipes that move the water from one place to another, and it needs a motor to work effectively.
The motor will have a gearbox, an enclosed box with different gears that can rotate to move the water.
A pool pump’s purpose is not just to circulate water but also to provide suction for your swimming pool vacuum cleaner and skimmer filter.
The circulation of electricity through the motor generates pressure which then moves the water through pipes.
Read: How Long Do Pool Pumps Last?
Types Of a Pool Pump Water
Pool pumps are used in swimming pools and water features such as ponds, fountains, koi fish ponds, or waterfalls. They have 3 types of type of water they circulate:
1) Hot Water
This is the hot flow that comes out from your home’s heating system after it turns on; it is usually required as a heating element such as a water heater or spa.
Moreover, it is also required for your swimming pool to keep the water at a specific temperature.
2) Cold Water
This is the cold flow you want to save in summer, and it gets used for heating your pool outside. A filter will remove the chlorination gas from this, so when the system turns on all at once.
They never mix into one continuous water stream with any contaminants (such as we don’t ever use swimming pools because if something goes wrong, you are the one at fault, not us).
3) Fresh Water
This is the water you blow into your system or pool from the outside. When used with a pump, it allows for both hot & cold water either in the same cycle at the same time or separately.
The large suction that comes out of this category allows for easy use on skimmer and charger.
How To Install a Pool Water Pump?
When you purchase a pool pump that uses an electric motor, the first step is to ensure your electrical system can support it.
In most cases where multiple pumps are installed in a spa or swimming pool environment, each will have its circuit breaker for safety; however, some manufacturers provide water pumps with their circuit breaker or include a 15 amp fuse in the box.
Pumps come in different sizes, and it is imperative to know what will be needed for your system before purchase; therefore, someone knowledgeable should make sure that they have 3/4″ fittings on both ends of each pump, as it is not often that 2 pumps are needed at the same time.
For those who have a larger pool or spa to maintain the 100% use of their main circuit breaker would be too large for most applications; therefore, you will need to purchase an In-Line Circuit Breaker (IBCB) to run the pump.
How Does a Pool Pump Work?
Pumps work by forcing water through a series of vertical passages. These are connected with pipes that run in the ground.
Or along the wall with one end at any point where plumbing is an access point, such as a skimmer or pump intake, and the other end near your pool or spa’s waterline.
The pump can be running or turned off and still operate while the electrical system is powered by a separate circuit breaker in your house.
The purpose of this is to protect against overloading the circuits powering all of your other electronic devices.
Pumps are usually powered by electricity but can also be run on a battery or propane tank . Either of which will require the addition of an appropriate sized electric water heater to power it.
It is essential that when running off batteries, they do not get drained completely.
Final Thoughts
It is essential to keep an eye on your pool pump motor and make sure it functions correctly. The pump should be inspected at least once a year for any malfunctioning.
If you notice that the motor is starting to wear out, several options are available to replace your pool pump.
If not doing so yourself, contact a professional in your area for assistance with this task!
