When and How to Replace Your Pool Pump?

Every swimming pool includes a circulatory system that maintains the water quality of the pool. The swimming pool pump is an important part of the system. It acts like a heart, pumping water through the system, like a circulatory system. In order to perform this duty, it must be in good working order at all times. However, regardless of the quality or brand of the pump, it will need to be replaced at some point. You may be wondering when to replace your pool pump. The following article answers this question for you.

A good rule of thumb is to set a price point for replacement or repair. Repairs are financially sensible if the repair cost is less than 70% of the cost of replacing the pool pump. However, if the price of repairing the motor is close to the cost of a new pump, it makes sense to buy a new pump because it comes with a near-term warranty. The average price for a pump ranges from $300 to $1,200, depending on the type. 

The motor and housing are the most expensive parts of the pump. If the outer shell is cracked or damaged, so may the inner workings. When all damaged components are added together, the repair cost can exceed the replacement price. It makes sense to replace your pool pump.

Pumps in their second or third decade of life may be too costly to repair. Eventually, parts became difficult to find, and technicians didn't know how to repair an old pool motor. Aging pool pumps are not as efficient as new ones, so by replacing old and worn pool pumps, you can save on energy bills.

If you have an old pump made of metal, you may have a hard time finding replacement parts. The composite materials used by today's manufacturers can withstand the elements better than bronze or cast-iron dinosaurs. These older types are also usually single-speed pool pumps. A variable-speed pool pump will be more energy efficient in the long run. When components become obsolete, they can become prohibitively expensive, so replacing the entire pump requires caution.

If your pool motor isn't running at all, it probably can't be fixed. Silence doesn't necessarily mean nothing is being done, but it could mean a broken wire or a misaligned gasket. If the wires and gaskets are checked and nothing turns on, the pump is probably dead completely and needs to be replaced.

Replacing a pool pump motor is a common practice among pool owners. The most typical reasons for replacing a motor are bearing failure, internal and/or external corrosion of the motor, failure of starting and running capacitors, and motor aging.

Tools/supplies required

Gloves

Goggles

Open-toed shoes

Replace the motor

Pump-specific Go-Kit

Pool and spa lubricants

9/16” socket or wrench and 7/16” wrench

Standard and Phillips screwdrivers

Strap wrench or impeller puller

1. Turn off the power to the pump at the circuit breaker to prevent accidental equipment operation and take safety precautions. Remove the electric whip from the rear of the motor. Use tape and a pen to mark the live, neutral, and ground wires.

2. Depending on the pump model, remove the clamp assembly or 9/16 in. bolts that secure the seal plate to the pump casing. Carefully remove the rear of the engine and pump from the housing and place them on a table or workbench.

3. Remove the diffuser.

4. Clamp the rear of the motor shaft with a 7/16" wrench or similar-sized wrench to prevent it from rotating. 

5. Use a strap wrench or impeller-puller to remove the pump impeller. Note: Remove all locking screws on the impeller before attempting to remove it. The locking screw will be reversely threaded.

6. Use a 9/16" socket or wrench to remove the pump seal plate.

7. Remove the mechanical pump seal from the seal plate and impeller.

8. Wipe and clean components reused during assembly.

9. Replace the mechanical pump seal with the appropriate Go-Kit (depending on the pump model). Note: When installing the mechanical seal, take extra care to avoid touching the white ceramic or black graphite surface with your hands or other impurities. 

10. Remove the new motor from the packaging, place the sealing plate on the motor in the proper orientation, and use the 9/16" bolts to complete the installation.

11. Use a 7/16" wrench to secure the rear of the motor shaft and prevent the shaft from rotating. Install the impeller on the now fixed motor shaft until the impeller is hand-tight. Note: Be sure to install the impeller locking screw if necessary. Install the diffuser in the proper orientation. 

12. Bring the reassembled motor and pump rear to the pool area and slide the motor and pump rear into the pump housing. Secure the seal plate to the pump casing using a clamp assembly or 9/16" bolts.

13. Firmly connect the electric whip.

14. Open the circuit breaker to power the motor.

15. Turn on the pump to test for leaks and pump operation.

You now have the knack for replacing your pool pump motor. If any of these seem daunting, don't worry, we're here to help. 

With a little time and skill, you can replace your own pool motor bearings.

Tools/supplies required

Nut driver, screwdriver, hammer, pliers

Bearing pullers and tamping tools (or pipes)

Spray lubricant (WD-40)

Bearings

1. Turn off the power to the circuit breaker.

2. Remove the motor from the pump housing. Remove the wiring harness from the rear of the motor.

3. Remove the pump diffuser. Grab the back of the motor with pliers/wrenches and turn the impeller counterclockwise away from the shaft. 

4. Lubricate the 4 through bolts with WD-40. Gently loosen and remove the through bolts. Make a mark or scratch on the end shield and body of the motor for later alignment.

5. Use a flathead screwdriver and a small hammer to loosen and pry off the front bell (the end where the impeller is attached).

6. If the entire rotor does not come out, pry off the rear end cover.

7. Clean the bearing and look carefully at the bearing number. Look for 202, 203, 303, or 304. Buy at an auto store or online.

8. Using the bearing puller, pull out the old bearing. Clean the shaft and use a tamping tool or a piece of PVC pipe to press the bearing into place on the shaft.

9. Reassemble the rotor into the stator, secure the end caps in the marked or scored locations previously made, and tighten the through bolts.

10. Reassemble the impeller, wear ring (if any), reverse thread impeller screws (if any), diffuser, and wiring to the rear of the motor.

11. Test the motor wiring by briefly turning the motor on. Reinstall the motor into the pump, fill it with water, and enjoy the new quiet! 

If you have some basic knowledge and the right tools, you shouldn't hire a professional to install a pool pump and filter, even if it requires rewiring and replacing the plumbing of the unit. As part of your pool maintenance, make sure you have an energy-efficient pump in good working order. If you want to buy a new swimming pool pump, welcome to contact us.

MAYGO is a professional custom swimming pool pump manufacturer. Focus on providing professional technical solutions for residential and commercial swimming pools. At present, we have provided swimming pool solutions to thousands of customers in North America, South America, Europe, Australia, etc. MAYGO provides one-stop zero-carbon pool solutions for pool filtration systems such as pool pumps, pool filters, pool accessories, pool cleaning, pool heating, and more.