Your pump runs 6 to 10 hours every single day. It pulls water from your pool, pushes it through the filter, and sends it back clean. That is thousands of hours each year. At some point, parts wear out.
The good news? Most pumps warn you before they quit. You just need to know what to look for.
We have been fixing pool pumps across Long Beach for about 10 years now. Before that, Adam spent five years learning from one of the best repair techs in Southern California. In all that time, we have seen maybe a handful of pumps die with zero warning. The rest? They gave signs for weeks or months before the real trouble started.
This guide will help you spot those signs early. We will also help you figure out when to repair your pump and when a new one makes more sense.
Table of Contents
What Makes Pool Pumps Fail?
Pool pump motors do not last forever. Here is what usually goes wrong:
| Problem | What Happens | How Common |
|---|---|---|
| Worn bearings | Metal parts grind together | Very common |
| Bad shaft seal | Water leaks into the motor | Very common |
| Clogged impeller | Water flow drops, motor works too hard | Common |
| Electrical issues | Corroded wires, bad connections | Moderate |
| Air leaks in plumbing | Pump runs dry, overheats | Moderate |
A Note About Long Beach Pools
Living near the coast has perks. Ocean breezes. Nice weather year round. But salt air is tough on pool equipment.
We see this all the time in Naples, Belmont Shore, and Seal Beach. The salty humid air speeds up rust on metal parts around the pump. Motors in these areas often need service sooner than pumps in Lakewood or Bellflower.
If your pool equipment sits in direct ocean breeze, keep a closer eye on it.
The 4 Warning Signs Your Pump Motor Is Failing
As Jandy and Pentair certified installers, we handle pump repairs across Long Beach every week. These four problems show up again and again.
Sign 1: Loud Grinding or Screech Sounds
This is the most obvious sign. If your pump sounds angry, something is wrong.
What you might hear:
- Grinding noise when the pump starts up
- High screech that lasts while it runs
- Metal-on-metal sound from the back of the motor
What is happening:
Your pump has bearings at each end of the motor shaft. Think of them like the bearings in a skateboard wheel. They let the shaft spin smooth and quiet.
When bearings wear out, metal scrapes against metal. That grinding creates heat. Keep running it and the shaft can bend. The motor windings can burn. A $150 bearing job turns into a $600 motor replacement.
Our advice: Do not ignore grinding sounds. We have seen too many pool owners in Los Altos and Bixby Knolls wait “just a few more weeks” and end up needing a whole new pump.
Sign 2: The Motor Gets Too Hot
All motors make some heat. But there is a limit.
How to check:
After your pump runs for about 20 minutes, carefully touch the motor housing. Warm is fine. Too hot to keep your hand on? That is a problem.
Safety note: Use caution. If the motor is extremely hot, do not touch it for long.
Common reasons pumps overheat:
- Dirt and leaves blocking the air vents
- Debris clogging the impeller inside
- Dirty filter limiting water flow
- Pump running mid-day in direct sun without shade
Last summer we got a call from a homeowner in Belmont Heights. Her pump kept shutting off every afternoon. Turned out the motor sat in full sun with no airflow. We added a simple shade cover and cleaned out the vents. Problem solved without any parts.
Sign 3: Water Leaking Around the Pump
A puddle under your pump is never a good sign.
Most likely cause: The shaft seal
This seal sits between the “wet end” (the part that touches pool water) and the motor. It keeps water out while letting the shaft spin. When it wears out, water drips through.
Other leak sources to check:
- Pump housing cracks
- Loose lid clamps or bolts
- Bad gasket around the pump basket
- Cracked drain plug
Why this matters:
Water and electric motors do not mix. Even small leaks can cause:
- Rust inside the motor
- Electrical shorts
- Complete motor failure
We replaced a shaft seal last month for a customer in Rossmoor. She had noticed a tiny drip for weeks but figured it was nothing. By the time she called, rust had started forming on the motor housing. We caught it just in time. Another month and she would have needed a new motor.
Sign 4: Weak Water Flow
Your return jets should push water with some force. If they feel weak, your pump may be struggling.
Signs of low flow:
- Weak jets at the wall returns
- Skimmer pulls water slowly
- Water chemistry harder to keep balanced
- Pool takes longer to clear up after treatments
What to check first:
- The pump basket – Is it full of leaves and debris?
- The impeller – Hair and lint wrap around the blades
- The filter – When did you last clean it?
- Air leaks – Bubbles in the pump basket mean air is getting in
The impeller is the spinning part inside that moves water. Hair, string, and small debris love to wrap around it. This slows it down and cuts your flow rate.
Pro tip: Check your impeller every few months. With the pump OFF and breaker OFF, reach through the pump basket opening and feel the blades. Pull off any gunk wrapped around them.
When Your Motor Won’t Start at All
Sometimes the pump just will not turn on. Or it trips the breaker right away.
Quick checks you can do:
- Is the breaker tripped? Reset it once.
- Does the timer work? Test the switch manually.
- Does the motor hum but not spin?
If the motor hums without spinning, something may be stuck. With the power completely off at the breaker, try spinning the impeller by hand through the pump basket. It should turn freely.
Call a professional if:
- The breaker trips again after reset
- You smell burning
- You see sparks
- The motor will not spin freely
Working with electricity near water is dangerous. Please do not take chances. The Electrical Safety Foundation International warns that water and electricity create serious shock and electrocution hazards. Please do not take chances.
Common Motor Problems We See in Long Beach
Bearing Failure
Bearings wear out based on how many hours the pump runs. A pump running 8 hours a day puts on thousands of hours per year.
| Factor | Effect on Bearing Life |
|---|---|
| Running pump dry | Shortens life significantly |
| Vibration from bad impeller | Speeds up wear |
| Salt air exposure | Causes rust and corrosion |
| Poor installation | Creates misalignment |
Quick bearing test: With the pump off, spin the motor shaft by hand. Feel for rough spots or grinding. Smooth is good. Rough means the bearings are going.
Impeller Issues
The impeller spins inside its housing to push water. Problems happen when:
- Debris wraps around the blades
- Blades crack or break
- The impeller comes loose on the shaft
Older inground pumps tend to have more impeller problems. The impeller can work loose over time. This causes vibration and drops your flow rate.
Shaft Seal Wear
Shaft seals are meant to be replaced. They do not last forever.
How long they last depends on:
- Your water chemistry
- How many hours the pump runs
- Chemical exposure
Some last a year. Some last several years. There is no set schedule.
Signs the seal is going:
- Water dripping between motor and wet end
- Rust stains on the motor
- White mineral buildup where water evaporates
Replacing a shaft seal means removing the motor from the pump housing. Most seal jobs take about an hour once we have the part.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Pump?
This is the question we get most often. And honestly? It depends.
During our “Pool School” talks with customers, we walk through the math together. We want you to understand the numbers, not just trust us blindly.
When Repair Usually Makes Sense
| Situation | Why Repair Works |
|---|---|
| Pump is less than 5-7 years old | Still has life left |
| Only one part failed | Rest of pump is fine |
| Pump body has no cracks | Worth saving |
| You have a variable speed pump | These are expensive to replace |
Common repairs and rough costs:
- Bearing replacement
- Shaft seal replacement
- Capacitor replacement
- Impeller cleaning or swap
These repairs typically cost a fraction of what a new pump costs.
When Replacement Makes More Sense
| Situation | Why Replace |
|---|---|
| Pump is 8+ years old | Approaching end of life |
| Multiple parts have failed | More problems coming |
| Housing is cracked or corroded | Cannot be fixed |
| Old single-speed pump | Upgrade saves electricity |
| Repair cost is close to new pump price | Not worth it |
About Variable Speed Pumps
Here is something worth knowing. Variable speed pumps use way less electricity than old single-speed models.
According to a study cited by the U.S. Department of Energy, pool owners saved as much as 75% on pumping costs after switching to variable speed pumps, with average savings around 60%.
In Long Beach, where pools run almost year round, that adds up fast. Many of our customers tell us the energy savings helped pay for the upgrade over a few years.
As certified Jandy and Pentair installers, we may be able to set you up with extended warranties of up to five years on qualifying equipment packages. That peace of mind matters.
What You Can Check Yourself vs. When to Call Us
Some things are safe to check on your own. Others need a pro.
Safe DIY Checks
- Empty and clean the pump basket
- Check impeller for clogs (power OFF first)
- Look at plumbing for obvious air leaks
- Wipe dirt and leaves off motor vents
- Test that the timer or switch works
Call a Pool Professional When
- You need to remove the motor from the pump
- The breaker keeps tripping
- You smell burning near the equipment
- You cannot find where a leak is coming from
- The motor needs bearings or shaft seal work
- You want honest advice on repair vs. replace
What makes us different: We will tell you when a $150 fix will solve your problem. We do not push new equipment when you do not need it.
One of our Long Beach customers put it this way:
“Adam is very knowledgeable and honest. He saved me money on some bad advice I received prior from a different repair person that suggested additional things needed to be done.”
That is the kind of service we aim for.
How to Make Your Pump Motor Last Longer
Good pool care keeps your pump happy. Here is what works:
Run the Pump at Cooler Times
Set your timer for early morning or evening. Cooler air means less heat stress on the motor.
Most Long Beach pools do fine running from 6am to noon or 4pm to 10pm during summer. Avoid the hottest afternoon hours if you can.
Keep the Equipment Area Clean
Your motor needs airflow to stay cool.
- Clear leaves and dirt from the air vents
- Trim back bushes or plants crowding the equipment
- Make sure nothing blocks the back of the motor
Clean the Pump Basket Often
| Season | How Often to Clean |
|---|---|
| Heavy use (summer) | Weekly |
| Light use (winter) | Every 2 weeks |
| After storms | Right away |
A clogged basket makes the motor work harder. That extra strain shortens its life.
Watch Your Water Chemistry
Bad water chemistry damages pump parts faster than you might think.
Keep these in the right range:
- pH level
- Alkalinity
- Calcium hardness
Aggressive water eats away at seals, gaskets, and o-rings.
Get Regular Professional Checkups
We catch small problems during routine service visits. A worn bearing we spot early costs way less to fix than a seized motor we find too late.
For homes in Los Altos, Belmont Heights, Naples, and across Long Beach, regular inspections may help you avoid surprise breakdowns.
Commercial pool operators have it written into health codes. They need more frequent equipment checks. But residential pool owners benefit from regular checkups too.
Ready to Get Your Pump Checked?
A failing motor does not mean days without your pool. Many repairs take just one service visit once we have the parts.
Here is what happens when you call us:
- We listen to what you are experiencing
- We schedule a visit (we aim for within 24 hours on repairs)
- We inspect the pump and diagnose the real problem
- We explain what we found and your options
- You decide what makes sense for your situation
No pressure. No scare tactics. Just honest information so you can choose.
Many pool owners tell us they worried about strange pump sounds for months before calling. After our assessment, they knew exactly what needed fixing and what could wait. That clarity is worth a lot.
Service Areas
We handle pool pump repairs throughout:
- Long Beach (all neighborhoods)
- Seal Beach
- Los Alamitos
- Rossmoor
- Lakewood
- Bellflower
- Downey
- Paramount
- Westminster
- Cypress
Call (562) 522-2203 to schedule your pump assessment.
FAQs
Q: What are the most common pool pump motor problems that indicate failure?
A: The most common pool pump problems include unusual noises like grinding or screeching sounds, which often indicate worn bearings or issues with the impeller housing. Overheating is another critical sign, where the pump is overheating due to poor ventilation or electrical problems. You might also notice reduced water circulation, meaning the pump cannot effectively circulate water from the pool through the filter system. Additionally, visible leaks around the pump and motor assembly, particularly near worn seals or the volute, suggest your pool pump motor needs immediate attention. These issues can affect both in-ground pool and above-ground pool systems.
Q: When does pool pump motor repair make more sense than replacing your pool pump entirely?
A: Pool pump motor repair is typically more cost-effective when the pump and motor are relatively new (less than 5-7 years old) and only specific components like worn seals, capacitors, or bearings need replacement. If the motor housing and impeller housing are in good condition without cracks or corrosion, repair the pump rather than investing in a new pool pump. However, if your pump requires multiple repairs, has significant electrical problems, or is an older single-speed model, pool owners should consider upgrading to a variable speed pool pump for better energy efficiency and long-term savings on pool maintenance costs.
Q: How can pool owners tell if their inground pool pump motor is overheating?
A: Signs that your pump is overheating include the motor feeling extremely hot to the touch at the rear of the motor, automatic shutdown due to thermal protection, or a burning smell near the pump and motor assembly. Overheating often results from inadequate ventilation around the motor, blocked air vents filled with dirt and debris, or the motor working harder due to an obstruction in the impeller or filter system. For inground pool systems, ensure there’s proper airflow around the equipment and check the impeller for blockages. Regular pool maintenance helps prevent overheating by keeping moving parts clean and ensuring your pool system operates efficiently.
Q: What should I check before deciding between pool pump motor repair and buying a new pool pump?
A: Before making a repair or replacement decision, inspect several key areas of your swimming pool pump system. Check the impeller for obstructions, examine worn seals around the pump housing, and look for leaks near bolts or clamps. Test the electrical connections for any electrical problems and assess whether the motor can still effectively circulate water through your pool filter. Consider the age of your equipment, frequency of repairs, and energy costs. For both above-ground and in-ground pool types, evaluate whether repair costs exceed 50% of a replacement pump price, as this typically indicates replacement is more economical.
Q: How does regular pool maintenance help prevent pool pump problems?
A: Consistent pool maintenance significantly extends the life of your pump and motor system and helps keep your pool running efficiently. Regular tasks include cleaning the pump basket and skimmer to prevent obstructions, inspecting and clearing dirt and debris from the impeller housing, and ensuring proper water chemistry to prevent corrosion of moving parts. Pool owners should also check for leaks around worn seals, ensure adequate water levels so the pump doesn’t run dry, and keep the area around the motor clear for proper ventilation. For spa and pool combinations, maintaining proper flow rates prevents strain on the pool system. These preventive measures reduce the likelihood of major pump needs and costly emergency repairs.
Q: Can I repair a pool pump motor myself or should I hire a pool service professional?
A: Simple pool pump motor repair tasks like cleaning the impeller, replacing the pump basket, or tightening bolts or clamps can be handled by experienced pool owners with basic mechanical skills. However, complex repairs involving electrical problems, motor rewinding, replacing internal seals in the volute, or diagnosing issues with the rear of the motor should be left to qualified pool service professionals. Working with electricity near water presents serious safety risks, and improper repairs can void warranties or damage your pool system further. Professional technicians can accurately diagnose whether your pump needs repair or if you should replace your pool pump entirely, potentially saving money in the long run for both above-ground pool and inground installations.
Q: What are the benefits of upgrading to a variable speed pool pump when my old pump and motor fail?
A: When pool pump problems necessitate replacement, upgrading to a variable speed pool pump offers substantial advantages over traditional single-speed models. These energy-efficient pumps can reduce electricity costs by 50-75% by allowing you to adjust flow rates based on your pool maintenance needs—slower speeds for regular circulation and higher speeds for vacuuming or spa jet operation. Variable speed pumps operate more quietly, generate less heat, and reduce wear on your pool filter and other pool system components. They’re suitable for all types of pool configurations, including in-ground pool and above-ground setups. While the initial investment for a new pool pump is higher, the energy savings typically result in payback within 1-3 years, making them a smart choice to keep your pool running efficiently.
Q: How do I know if water circulation problems are caused by the pump motor or another part of my pool system?
A: To diagnose circulation issues in your swimming pool, start by checking whether the pump motor is running but water flow is reduced. If the motor won’t start at all, you’re likely facing electrical problems or motor failure. Check the impeller housing for debris, ensure the pump basket is clean, and verify that skimmer and return lines aren’t blocked. Examine the pressure gauge on your filters. For both in-ground and above-ground pool types, systematically eliminating these variables helps determine whether you need pool pump motor repair or if other pool system components require attention to properly circulate water from the pool.
