Your pool pump just made a weird noise. Or maybe it stopped working completely. Now you’re stuck asking yourself: do I fix this thing or buy a new one?
We get this call almost every week here in Long Beach. After 15 years fixing and replacing pumps across neighborhoods from Belmont Shore to Bixby Knolls, we’ve learned a lot about when each choice makes sense.
This guide breaks down the five things you should think about before spending money. If your pump is acting up right now, a pool repair specialist in Long Beach can take a look and give you honest advice.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Is Repairing a Pool Pump Worth It?
Short answer: It depends on how old your pump is and how much the fix costs.
Fixing your pump usually makes sense when:
- Your pump is less than 5-7 years old
- The repair costs less than half of a new pump
- Only one part is broken (like a seal or capacitor)
- Your pump still works well most of the time
Buying a new pump usually makes sense when:
- Your pump is 8 years old or more
- You’ve fixed it two or three times already
- The repair costs more than half of a new pump
- Your electric bills are high because of an old single-speed pump
Our advice: We call this the “50% rule.” If fixing your pump costs more than half of what a new one costs, replacement is usually the smarter move.
Want us to look at your pump and tell you what we’d do? Reach out to our Long Beach team for an honest assessment.
Factor 1: How Old Is Your Pump?
Age matters a lot when making this choice.
How Long Do Pool Pumps Last?
According to Pool & Hot Tub Alliance guidelines, most pumps last about 8 to 12 years. But that number changes based on:
- How often you run it
- How well you take care of it
- Where you live (more on that below)
- What brand you have
What we see in Long Beach: The salty ocean air here is tough on pool equipment. We’ve noticed pumps near the water in Naples and Seal Beach often wear out faster than pumps inland in Lakewood or Downey.
When Age Becomes a Problem
Here’s a simple way to think about it:
| Pump Age | What We Usually Recommend |
|---|---|
| Under 5 years | Almost always worth fixing |
| 5-7 years | Fix it if the repair is simple |
| 8-10 years | Think hard before spending big money on repairs |
| Over 10 years | Replacement usually makes more sense |
A Story From Last Month
A homeowner in Los Altos called us about a pump that wouldn’t turn on. The pump was 14 years old. The motor had failed.
We could have replaced just the motor for about $450. But the seals were also cracking. The housing had rust spots. Even if we fixed the motor, something else would probably break soon.
We told her the truth: putting $450 into this pump was like putting new tires on a car with a dying engine. She decided to upgrade to a new variable-speed pump instead. Her first electric bill after that was $60 lower than usual.
Parts Can Be Hard to Find
Older pumps sometimes use parts that companies don’t make anymore. We’ve had customers wait three weeks for a part. During that time, their pool sat unused and started turning green.
If your pump is over 15 years old, finding replacement parts can be a real headache.
Factor 2: Compare the Costs
Money matters. Let’s break down the numbers.
What Repairs Usually Cost in Long Beach
These are rough estimates based on what we charge. Your actual costs may be different.
| Repair Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Shaft seal replacement | $150-$300 |
| Capacitor or switch | $100-$250 |
| Bearings | $200-$400 |
| Motor replacement | $300-$700 |
What New Pumps Usually Cost
| Pump Type | Estimated Installed Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic single-speed | $800-$1,200 |
| Variable-speed (mid-range) | $1,200-$1,600 |
| Premium variable-speed | $1,600-$2,000+ |
Important: These are estimates only. Your actual cost depends on your pool setup, the brand you choose, and how hard the installation is.
How to Use the 50% Rule
Here’s the simple math:
- Get an estimate for the repair
- Get an estimate for a new pump
- If the repair is more than half the new pump cost, consider replacement
Example:
- Repair estimate: $500
- New pump estimate: $1,400
- $500 is about 36% of $1,400
- In this case, repair might make sense
Another example:
- Repair estimate: $600
- New pump estimate: $1,000
- $600 is 60% of $1,000
- Replacement probably makes more sense
What We Tell Our Customers
When someone calls us for a repair estimate, we always give them both numbers. We show them what fixing it costs and what replacing it costs. Then we tell them what we’d do if it were our own pool.
We’d rather you make a smart choice than just sell you the most expensive option.
Factor 3: Think About Your Electric Bills
This is where things get interesting. Sometimes buying a new pump actually saves you money.
Old Pumps vs New Pumps
Old single-speed pumps only have one setting: full blast. They run at 100% power all day long. That uses a lot of electricity.
New variable-speed pumps are smarter. They speed up when needed and slow down when possible. The U.S. Department of Energy says these pumps use much less energy than old-style pumps.
What This Means for Your Wallet
Here’s what we typically see with Long Beach customers:
| Pump Type | Estimated Monthly Electric Cost |
|---|---|
| Old single-speed pump | $60-$150 |
| New variable-speed pump | $25-$60 |
Real example: A customer in Belmont Heights had an old pump costing her about $130 per month to run. After we installed a variable-speed pump, her costs dropped to around $50. That’s $80 per month in savings, or nearly $1,000 per year.
How Long Until the New Pump Pays for Itself?
Based on what we’ve seen with our installations:
- Most customers save between $40-$80 per month on electricity
- A new variable-speed pump costs roughly $1,200-$1,600 installed
- The pump often pays for itself in about 3-5 years
- After that, the savings are pure profit
Your actual savings depend on your pool size, how long you run your pump, and your electric rates.
You Might Get Money Back
Southern California Edison sometimes offers rebates when you buy energy-efficient pool equipment. The programs change, so check their website or call them before you decide.
Our Honest Opinion
If your pump is working fine but it’s an old single-speed model, we don’t usually push people to replace it right away. But if your pump needs an expensive repair AND it’s a single-speed? That’s when upgrading makes a lot of sense.
As Jandy and Pentair certified installers, we can also get you longer warranties on new equipment. That extra protection can be worth a lot.
Factor 4: Know the Warning Signs
Catching problems early gives you time to think. Waiting until your pump dies completely forces you into emergency mode.
Sounds That Mean Trouble
Grinding or screeching: This usually means the bearings are wearing out. You might have a few weeks before they fail completely.
Humming but not running: The motor is trying to start but can’t. This could be the capacitor, the motor itself, or an electrical problem.
Loud vibrating: Something might be loose inside, or the pump could be out of balance.
Pro tip: We tell our Pool School customers to stand by their pump for 30 seconds once a week and just listen. You’ll notice when something sounds different.
Water Flow Problems
| Symptom | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| Pump won’t prime | Air leak, clogged line, bad seal |
| Loses prime often | Cracked lid, worn seal, suction leak |
| Weak water flow | Clogged impeller, worn impeller, dirty filter |
| No flow at all | Clog, broken impeller, pump failure |
Electrical Red Flags
Tripping the breaker: Your pump is pulling too much power. Don’t just keep resetting the breaker. This is a sign something is wrong.
Pump shuts off on its own: It’s probably overheating. The motor is working too hard.
Safety warning: If your pump trips the breaker more than once, call a professional. Electrical problems can be dangerous.
Leaks Around the Pump
Water dripping from your pump is never good. Common leak spots include:
- Around the pump lid (often just needs a new o-ring)
- At the shaft seal (behind the motor)
- From the pump housing (could mean cracks)
Catch leaks early. A small seal leak is cheap to fix. But if water gets into the motor, you’re looking at a much bigger repair or full replacement.
A Recent Service Call
Last week we visited a home in Rossmoor. The homeowner said his pump “sounded a little funny” but was still working. Good thing he called.
The bearings were almost gone. We replaced them for about $280. If he’d waited another month, the bearings would have seized up and destroyed the motor. That would have cost $600 or more.
Paying attention to small changes can save you big money.
Factor 5: Timing Matters More Than You Think
When you deal with pump problems affects your options and your stress level.
The Best Time to Replace a Pump
| Season | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Fall/Winter | Less busy, faster scheduling, no rush | Pool not in heavy use anyway |
| Spring | Get ready before summer, good timing | Busier season starting |
| Summer | Pump needed now | Highest demand, possible wait times |
Our advice: If your pump is old and showing signs of trouble, deal with it in fall or early spring. You’ll have more scheduling options and less stress.
What Happens When Your Pump Stops
Without circulation, your pool water goes bad fast. According to the CDC’s Model Aquatic Health Code, proper water circulation is key for keeping pool water safe.
Here’s what we typically see:
- Day 1: Water starts getting stale
- Day 2-3: Chlorine levels drop, algae can start growing
- Day 4+: Green water becomes likely, especially in warm weather
In Long Beach summers, we’ve seen pools turn green in just two days without a working pump.
Living Near the Beach Changes Things
The ocean air in Long Beach is beautiful. But it’s tough on pool equipment.
What we’ve noticed over the years:
- Pumps in Naples, Peninsula, and Belmont Shore often show rust and corrosion earlier
- Salt air gets into motors and eats away at metal parts
- Equipment near the water might last 2-3 years less than equipment inland
If you live close to the beach, keep a closer eye on your pump. Small rust spots can turn into big problems.
When Parts Take Forever
Some older pumps use parts that are hard to find. We’ve had situations where:
- A seal took 2 weeks to arrive
- A motor was backordered for a month
- A part was discontinued completely
If you can’t wait that long, replacement becomes the only choice. This is another reason to deal with aging pumps before they fail completely.
Your Decision Checklist
Here’s a simple guide based on what we’ve learned from thousands of service calls across Long Beach.
Repair Usually Makes Sense When:
- Pump is under 7 years old
- This is the first major problem
- Repair costs less than 50% of a new pump
- Only one part needs fixing
- Parts are available quickly
Replacement Usually Makes Sense When:
- Pump is 8+ years old
- You’ve repaired it multiple times already
- Repair costs more than 50% of a new pump
- Multiple parts are failing
- You have an old single-speed pump and high electric bills
- Parts are hard to find
Still Not Sure?
That’s okay. These decisions aren’t always clear-cut.
What we do for customers who can’t decide:
- We inspect the whole pump, not just the broken part
- We check the motor, seals, housing, and electrical connections
- We give you repair AND replacement estimates
- We tell you honestly what we’d do if it were our pool
We’d rather lose a sale than have you waste money on a pump that’s going to fail again in six months.
Get Help Making Your Choice
Pump problems are stressful. You just want your pool to work.
Here’s what to do next:
If your pump is making strange noises or not working right: Call us at (562) 522-2203. We’ll come take a look and give you straight answers.
If you want to learn more first: Check out our other guides on pool pump repair in Long Beach.
If you’re not sure what you need: That’s fine too. We’re happy to answer questions over the phone at no charge.
We’ve been serving Long Beach pool owners for 15 years. From the canals of Naples to the hills of Signal Hill, we’ve pretty much seen it all. Let us help you figure out the right move for your situation.
FAQs
Q: What are the main factors to consider when deciding whether to repair or replace pool equipment?
A: When making an informed decision about your pool pump, consider five key factors: the age of the pump, frequency of repairs, energy efficiency, cost comparison between repairs and replacement, and availability of parts. If your pump is old and requires frequent repairs, replacement becomes a more cost-effective option. Additionally, newer variable speed pumps offer significant energy savings that can offset the cost of a replacement over time.
Q: How does the age of the pump influence the repair vs replace decision?
A: The age of the pump is a critical factor in pool maintenance decisions. Most pool pumps last 8-12 years with proper pool care. If your pump is approaching or exceeding this lifespan, it’s generally better to replace old equipment rather than invest in costly repairs. An aging pump becomes less reliable and less energy-efficient, making a new pool pump a smarter long-term investment for any pool owner.
Q: When should I replace the entire pool pump instead of repairing it?
A: Replace the entire pump when repair costs exceed 50% of a new pool pump’s price, when you’re experiencing frequent breakdowns, or when you notice signs that it’s time for an upgrade such as loud noises, reduced water flow, or rising energy bills. An energy-efficient pump with variable speed technology will help you make an informed financial decision by reducing operational costs, often paying for itself within 1-3 years through energy savings.
Q: How can upgrading to new pool technology help extend the life of my pool system?
A: Modern pool technology offers significant advantages for keeping your pool running efficiently. Variable speed pumps and energy-efficient models reduce strain on your entire pool system by operating at optimal speeds for different tasks. These advanced pumps generate less heat, experience less wear, and help extend the life of other pool equipment like filters and heaters. Investing in new pool technology during pool service upgrades ensures better performance and longevity.
Q: What is the best course of action when comparing repair costs to replacement costs?
A: To make an informed decision, compare the cost of repairs against the cost of a replacement, factoring in the pump’s age and remaining lifespan. If repairs seem like a simple fix under $200 and your pump is relatively new, repair makes sense. However, if old pool equipment requires repairs exceeding $400-500, or if you’re facing repeated issues, replacement becomes the best course of action. Consider that energy-efficient variable speed pumps can save $300-800 annually on energy costs.
Q: How does proper pool maintenance help you make an informed decision about pump replacement?
A: Regular pool maintenance provides valuable insights that help you make an informed choice about repair vs replacement. Through consistent pool care and professional pool service, you can track your pump’s performance trends, identify declining efficiency, and spot early warning signs of failure. Pool owners who maintain detailed service records can better evaluate whether their investment in old pool equipment repairs is worthwhile or if a new pool pump would better serve their needs.
Q: What role does energy efficiency play in the decision to replace pool equipment?
A: Energy efficiency is a crucial consideration when deciding to replace pool equipment. Older single-speed pumps consume significantly more electricity than modern variable speed models. An energy-efficient pump can reduce energy consumption by 50-75%, translating to substantial savings on utility bills. When you compare the cost of continuing to operate an inefficient old pump versus investing in new pool technology, the energy savings often make replacement the most economical choice for your pool system within just a few years.
Q: Can simple fixes extend the life of my pool pump, or should I plan for a new pool pump?
A: A simple fix like replacing seals, O-rings, or the motor capacitor can extend the life of a well-maintained pump that’s not too old. These minor repairs typically cost under $200 and can add 1-2 years of service. However, if your pump is old and experiencing multiple issues such as leaking, overheating, or motor failure, these are signs that it’s time to replace rather than patch. Regular pool care and the use of pool covers to reduce debris can help make your pool pump last longer, but eventually all pool owners must replace old equipment to maintain optimal pool system performance.
