Can Pool Pumps Be Rebuilt? Here’s How

Pool pumps consist of numerous moving (and non-moving) parts that wear out over time. O-ring leaks, worn motors, faulty capacitors, and many other parts have to be maintained in order to keep a pool pump in operable condition. The good news is that there are a few ways to rebuild pool pumps.

Pool pumps can be rebuilt by replacing all of the seals, changing the impeller, and installing a new capacitor. You can also replace the motor if the bearings are rusted and overheating. Rebuilding a pool pump can save a lot of time and energy, not to mention that you won’t have to get a new pump.

Throughout this article, I’ll explain how you can rebuild your pool pump, how much it costs, and whether or not it’s worth it. Enjoy!

How to Rebuild a Pool Pump

Here’s what I do when it’s time to rebuild a pool pump:

1. Diagnose the faulty pump components, which could include the motor, capacitor, or impeller. Cracked pump housings and damaged plumbing also need to be replaced, but they’re not parts of a pump rebuild. Faulty motors grind, worn capacitors hum, and malfunctioning impellers lock and cavitate.
2. Disconnect the pump unions, then use unscrew the bolts holding the pump housing to the motor. The impeller sits between the pump housing and the motor. It works in the opposite direction of a propeller because it’s pulling, not pushing.
3. Remove the impeller with a flathead screwdriver and a strap wrench. Remove any debris that’s wrapped around the impeller (this can cause it to stop rotating). The motor and shaft seal are accessible behind the impeller. The capacitor sits on top of the motor, so you won’t have to take the pump apart if it’s the only thing that needs to be replaced.
4. If the motor needs to be replaced, swap the motor with a new one that comes with the capacitor. All pool pump motors should include their capacitors. Place the old impeller on the new motor, then connect the motor to the pump housing. Wire the new motor to the circuit breaker and you’re all set.
5. If the capacitor needs to be replaced, remove the retaining screws, disconnect the wires, then attach a capacitor with the same part number to the pump motor. Most pool motor capacitors need to be discharged before handling them, so make sure you do that.

Note: Never work on a pool pump motor or capacitor while the pump has power.

How Much Does It Cost to Rebuild a Pool Pump?

It costs between $50 to $500 to rebuild a pool pump if you do it yourself. Labor charges often go up to $50/hour, plus potential trip charges and material charges. The total pool pump rebuild cost depends on the parts that need to be replaced, as well as the pump’s make and model.

Here’s what affects the cost of rebuilding a pool pump:

• Replacing the motor often costs around $200 to $500.
• Changing the impeller is typically between $50 to $75.
• Getting a new capacitor can range from $20 to $50.
• Swapping the wires on a pool pump usually costs anywhere from $10 to $20.

Note: The costs of rebuilding pool pumps doesn’t include trips, materials, and labor if you get a professional pool technician to handle the job.

Unfortunately, there’s often now way around replacing or rebuilding a pump. Once the pool pump loses pressure, it won’t circulate enough water to mix the chemicals or clean the pool. It can also damage the rest of your swimming pool equipment.

Is It Worth Fixing a Pool Pump?

It’s worth fixing a pool pump if the pump is less than a decade old. In my experience, pool pumps usually last about ten years before they start experiencing multiple mechanical and electrical issues. Repairing or rebuilding your pump before the ten-year mark will reduce your pool’s operational costs.

Ask yourself these questions to know if you should rebuild your pool pump:

• How old is your swimming pool pump? Select Home Warranty estimates that most pool pumps can’t last longer than 15 years. This is true in my experience in the pool industry. However, I’ve noticed old-school pumps tend to last several years longer than new single-speed pumps.
• Is the pump making any noises that it usually doesn’t? Hums, grinds, screeches, and roaring water are often indicators that something’s wrong with the pump. These noises are almost never caused by gaskets and seals. Instead, they typically mean something’s wrong with the impeller, motor, or capacitor.
• Can you fix the problem by replacing or lubricating the O-rings and gaskets throughout the pool pump? If there aren’t any strange noises coming from your pool pump, you should clear the lines to ensure there’s not a clog. I suggest lubricating your pool pump’s O-rings and gaskets annually.

Another rare sign that it’s time to rebuild your pool pump is if the pool salt readings are low. Reduced salt levels usually mean the water was diluted by rain or garden hose water. However, it could also mean that your pool pump isn’t circulating water quickly enough.

When Should I Rebuild My Pool Pump?

You should rebuild your pool pump if the filter pressure drops below 10 PSI when the pump is running at its highest RPMs. You should also rebuild a pool pump if it hums, screeches, or the impeller doesn’t move. Many low-pressure pump problems can be fixed by replacing the O-rings.

If your pool pump is flooded or soaked and the motor is submerged, there’s no use in rebuilding it. You’ll have to get a different pump. Once the motor has water in it, the bearings, shaft, and capacitor will rust and corrode.

In most cases, Inyo Pools recommends replacing the motor before getting a new pool pump. The motor often costs a few hundred dollars, whereas a new pool pump can be between $800 to $1,200 or more.

If you need to get a new pool pump because yours is damaged beyond repair, I’ll always advise getting a variable-speed pump. They’re eco-friendly, quiet, and energy-efficient.

The Pentair SuperFlo VS Pump is my favorite pool pump on the market. It comes with six preset speeds that you can adjust, a built-in schedule that bypasses the equipment timer, and a digital display that shows exactly how many watts it’s using. These pumps work for pools up to 20,000 gallons.