How much does a pool pump cost?
How much does a pool pump cost?
$200 – $1,200 average pool pump cost (unit only)
$300 – $1,600 average total cost to replace (pump & installation)
Pool pump cost
Pool pump replacement costs $300 to $1,600 on average, including the unit and installation. Pool pump prices are $200 to $1,200+, depending on the size, type, and speed, with variable speed pumps costing the most. Pool motor replacement costs $65 to $650. Other pool pump repairs cost $50 to $300.
| National Average Cost | $900 |
|---|---|
| Minimum Cost | $230 |
| Maximum Cost | $5,400 |
| Average Range | $300 to $1,600 |
*Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Pool pump replacement costs
Pool pump replacement costs $300 to $1,600, including labor and materials. The pump alone costs $200 to $1,200, and installation labor adds $100 to $400. Replacing a pool pump with the same size and model eliminates the need for plumbing or electrical modifications, reducing labor costs.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| New pool pump | $200 – $1,200 |
| Installation labor | $100 – $400 |
| Total cost to replace | $300 – $1,600 |
Additional factors that affect the cost of pool pump installation include:
Pump size (HP) – Above-ground and small pools need less horsepower, while larger pools need a more powerful pump to completely filter, or turnover, the pool water twice daily.
Pump type – A variable speed pump is the most expensive and energy-efficient, while a dual speed pump is a compromise between low-cost and energy efficiency. Single-speed pumps are the cheapest but are no longer manufactured due to their energy inefficiency.
Pump brand – More expensive brands include Pentair and Sta-Rite which use a more costly and long-lasting stainless steel pump housing. Less expensive brands include Harris, which uses a cheaper thermoplastic housing, and Intex, which manufactures above-ground pool pumps.
Warranty –Pump warranties range from 90 days to 3 years, depending on the pump manufacturer. Pentair has the highest pump prices and the longest warranty.
Electrical modifications – Hiring an electrician costs $40 to $100 per hour for electrical wiring while adding an exterior receptacle with cover costs $200 to $275 on average.
Plumbing modifications – Hiring a plumber costs $45 to $150 per hour to replace pipes and connectors to ensure a proper fit for the new pump.
Routine maintenance – Regularly scheduled pool maintenance costs $80 to $150 per month for weekly or bi-weekly cleaning services.
Pool conversion – Converting a chlorine pool to a saltwater swimming pool costs $600 to $2,200.
Pool enclosures
A pool screen enclosure costs $4,000 to $14,000 on average.
Rescreening a pool enclosure costs $1,200 to $3,500 on average and painting the pool cage costs $1,500 to $2,500.
Pool installation
A new above ground pool costs $1,850 to $5,000 installed, while a new inground pool costs $25,000 to $100,000. Installation includes a pool pump.
Installing a fiberglass pool costs $23,400 to $59,900, depending on the pool's shape and size.
Pool pump installation cost
Pool professionals charge $100 to $400 for labor to install a new pool pump. Installing a different-sized pump requires electrical and plumbing modifications. Installing the same pump size and model eliminates the extra labor and costs $100 to $200 on average.
In-ground pool pumps cost $400 to $2,000 installed. The self-priming pumps are mounted above the water table and require more power to raise the water vertically.
Above-ground pumps are cheaper and easier to install, costing $250 to $550 on average. The smaller pumps mount below the water level, requiring less powerful suction since gravity feeds the pump. Installation requires connecting a few hoses and plugging in the pump.
Cost to replace pool filter and pump
Pool filter replacement costs $250 to $1,700 for labor and materials, depending on the filter type. A filter works with the pump to clean the pool water. Replacing both the filter and the pump ensures a proper size match. Combining the projects may reduce labor costs.
Cost to replace pool equipment
Replacing small parts like a pump timer or bearings costs $65 to $200. Replacing major equipment like a pool liner, heater, or cover costs $350 to $20,000. The following table details several commonly replaced parts.
| Part | Average cost installed |
|---|---|
| Pump motor | $65 – $650 |
| Pool filtration system | $300 – $1,700 |
| Bearing | $40 – $160 |
| Timer | $60 – $200 |
| Automatic pool cleaner | $250 – $1,000 |
| Heater | $1,600 – $6,500 |
| Liner | $2,000 – $7,500 |
| Cover | $1,000 – $20,000 |
Pool timer – Adding a timer to the pool pump costs $60 to $200 and saves on energy costs by limiting the pump running time. Adding timers to pool heaters, cleaners, and heaters saves energy and extends the lifespan of the pool equipment.
Pool cleaner – An automatic pool cleaner costs $250 to $1,000 on average. Above-ground and small pools use less expensive units, while larger pools need more powerful and expensive systems.
Suction-side vacuums use the return jets to create suction and often require an additional pump to work optimally.
Pressure-side vacuums work in the same way but pull debris into an onboard filter bag.
Robotic pool cleaners are available at a much higher price to clean the entire pool quickly and completely.
Pool heater – A pool heater costs $1,600 to $5,200 on average for a gas, propane, or heat pump model. A solar pool heater costs $2,500 to $6,500. A pool heater extends the swimming season in colder climates and increases energy costs.
Pool liner – A pool liner costs $2,000 to $5,000 for an above-ground pool or $3,000 to $7,500 for an inground pool to refresh the pool's appearance and prevent water leaks.
Pool cover – A pool cover costs $1,000 to $3,600 for a manual safety cover or $8,000 to $20,000 for an automatic cover.
Pool pump motor replacement cost
Pool pump motor replacement costs $65 to $650 for the part and labor. Motor replacement is easier and cheaper than replacing the entire pool pump. Replace the entire pump instead to avoid repeated repairs if it is more than 10 years old or has any cracks or leaks.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| New pool motor | $25 – $500 |
| Labor cost to install | $40 – $150 |
| Total cost to replace | $65 – $650 |
Pool pump motor cost
The cost of a pool pump motor is $25 to $500 for the part alone. Replacing the motor is cheaper than replacing the entire pump if the pump is in good condition. However, upgrading an older pump with a new energy-efficient pump saves money on utility bills.
New pool pump prices
New pool pump prices are $300 to $2,700 installed, depending on the type, size, and speed. Variable speed pumps have high upfront costs but are programmable, quiet, and provide good value over time. Select a pump with enough power to effectively circulate or turn over the pool water twice daily.
| Type | Total installed price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Single speed | $300 – $900 |
|
| Dual speed | $400 – $1,000 |
|
| Variable speed | $800 – $2,000 |
|
| Low head | $300 – $1,000 |
|
| Medium head | $600 – $1,200 |
|
| High-head submersible | $800 – $2,000 |
|
| Solar pump* | $1,100 – $2,700 |
|
*Installed pump only. Solar panels are sold separately.
Variable speed pool pump costs
A variable speed pool pump costs $700 to $1,600 for the part alone or $800 to $2,000 installed. The higher upfront cost is offset by the low running costs. A variable speed pump runs longer hours at lower speeds, saving 50% to 80% in energy compared to a single speed pump.
Low, medium, and high-head pool pump prices
Pool pump prices depend in part on the pump head height, or the height of a column of water that a fully operational pump maintains.
Most pools use a medium-head pump.
Low-head pumps are secondary pumps to run waterfalls or other low-flow water features.
High-head pumps are powerful pumps for pools that require more water turnover, such as complex pools with multiple water features or spa jets.
| Type | Unit cost | Total cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| Low-head pump | $200 – $600 | $300 – $1,000 |
| Medium-head pump | $500 – $800 | $600 – $1,200 |
| High-head submersible pump | $700 – $1,600 | $800 – $2,000 |
Pool pump prices by brand
| Brand | Unit price* | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Harris | $200 – $500 | Affordable pumps with thermoplastic housing 1-year warranty |
| Intex | $200 – $600 | Budget-friendly above-ground pool pumps 2-year limited warranty |
| Hayward | $300 – $1,400 | Expansive line of pool pumps to fit most pool sizes Good customer support 90-day warranty |
| Pentair / Sta-Rite | $400 – $1,600 | High-efficiency pumps with an app for easy control and automation Sta-Rite is their most popular line 3-year warranty |
*Not including installation.
Pool pump size chart
A properly sized pump cycles all the pool water through the filter at least twice each day. Large, deep pools need stronger pumps to effectively circulate the water. Use a pool volume calculator to estimate the gallons of water in the pool and select a pump to fit the volume.
| Pool volume | Pump size (HP) | Unit price | Total cost installed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5,000 gallons | ¼ | $200 – $600 | $300 – $1,000 |
| 10,000 gallons | ¼ – ½ | $200 – $700 | $300 – $1,100 |
| 15,000 gallons | ½ – 1 | $250 – $800 | $350 – $1,200 |
| 20,000 gallons | ½ – 1 | $250 – $800 | $350 – $1,200 |
| 25,000 gallons | 1 | $300 – $800 | $400 – $1,200 |
| 30,000 gallons | 1 – 1 ½ | $300 – $1,000 | $400 – $1,400 |
| 40,000 gallons | 2+ | $900 – $1,600 | $1,000 – $2,000 |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a pool pump?
Yes, you need a pool pump to keep the water clean and safe for swimming. The pump circulates water through the filtration system, runs the skimmers and vacuums, distributes chemicals throughout the pool, and disrupts algae from settling on the water's surface.
How long does a pool pump last?
A high-quality pool pump lasts 8 to 15 years if kept in good condition with regular pool maintenance.
When should I replace my pool pump or motor?
Replace your entire pool pump if it has visible cracks, rust, discoloration, leaks, or frayed cables or lines. If the pump is in good condition, listen to the motor to detect other part failures.
Balance and tighten the pump base if you hear a rumbling or vibrating sound.
Clean the skimmer and debris baskets if you hear grinding or rattling sounds.
Check for blockages or replace the bearings if you hear a screeching whine.
Replace the capacitor if you hear a humming sound.
Replace the motor if it has failed and is completely silent or is more than 10 years old.
Schedule an electrician if the motor doesn’t turn on, overheats quickly after starting, or you hear pops and clicks indicating a lack of power to the motor.
How much does it cost to run a pool pump?
Running a pool pump costs $75 to $150 per month for a single-speed pump or $30 to $50 per month for a dual- or variable-speed pump when operating 8 hours per day. Multi-speed pumps reduce the flow rate to match the pumping task, while single-speeds waste energy by always running at full-power.
Getting quotes for pool pump installation
Replacing a pool pump, motor, or other equipment involves working with water and electricity. Hire a licensed pool repair contractor to ensure the project is handled safely and correctly.
When requesting estimates for pool pump repairs and installation, be sure to:
Look for a pool contractor that has been in business for more than five years.
Choose licensed, bonded, and insured companies.
Browse their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Get at least three estimates to compare.
Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before delivery.
Never pay in full before delivery.
Questions to ask
How long have you been doing pool pump repairs and replacements?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
How long will the replacement take?
What size pump do you recommend for my pool?
Do I need to be home for the installation?
Is there a warranty, and if so, what does it include?
Do you service pools and equipment?
May I have a copy of your insurance policy for my records?
Will you provide a list of references with contact information?