When installing a new pool, most likely everything you are buying will be brand new. Components should work well, and if they don’t, you will likely have a warranty to fall back on. That being said, it’s good to plan ahead in case you need to replace certain parts in the future. One question that may come to mind is are pool pump motors interchangeable?
Although some people have replaced their pool pump motor with a higher speed motor, in general, it’s better to keep the horsepower and RPMs the same as the original pump motor. Before interchanging a pool pump motor, the motor and pump must be matched to one another in order to perform properly.
Because pump motors may need replacing after several years of use, it’s important to understand whether or not pool pump motors are interchangeable. If you’re still wondering if you should interchange your pool pump motor, read on to learn the basics of pool pump motor replacements and how often pool pump motors need replacing.
Can I Interchange My Pool Pump Motor?
Pool pumps are essential components for keeping pool water clean and well-circulated. Without a pool pump, water can quickly become stagnant and full of debris. Of course, pool pumps alone cannot run without the installation of a pump motor. A pump motor, located at the wet end of the pump, spins an impeller to create suction. This suction pulls water from the pool and brings it through a filter before being emptied back into the pool.
Because a pump motor must match the pool pump, it is best to keep the same horsepower and RPMs as the pump motor being replaced. In some cases, however, you may exceed the original motor’s horsepower as long as it’s compatible with your pump and pool filter.
Switching your single-speed pump motor for a dual-speed motor may require you to also replace the impeller and diffuser. Both of these parts are rated by their horsepower. If your new pool pump motor exceeds the horsepower of the impeller and diffuser, both of these parts will need replacing.
When Does My Pool Pump Motor Need to Be Replaced
Though pool pump motors tend to last around a decade, it is possible for them to break down sooner than this. When it does, you’ll likely need to consider either troubleshooting your pool pump motor or replacing the motor. In most cases, replacing the motor will be your best option.
In general, pool pump filters will last between 8 and 10 years. Replacing them should happen naturally as they begin to become less effective. Common signs of pool pump filters needing replaced are: complete silence, screeching, popping, clicking, and grinding.
Because pool pump motors are essential for keeping swimming pools clear and functional, it’s important to repair or replace a pump motor as soon as it stops working. Avoiding using a pool pump for even one day can negatively impact your pool’s appearance and quality.
While it’s possible for the entire pool pump to break down, it is more commonly the pump motor that needs replacing. And although it is often recommended to replace the whole pump system, it is only necessary to replace the motor, as long as you’re sure only the motor is damaged.
Look for the Signs Your Pool Pump Motor Needs Replacing
The first step to deciding whether your pool pump motor needs replacing is determining if it is broken. Most pool pump motors will slowly stop functioning, although it is possible for a motor to abruptly quit working. In either case, a damaged pump motor will reveal significant changes in performance and speed.
The most common sign a pool pump motor needs replacing is if unusual sounds are coming from the pump. These sounds may include screeching, grinding, clicking, and humming. Each one of these sounds determines which part of the motor is failing.
If your pump motor is screeching, it is likely because your motor was exposed to rust or oxidation. In this case, it is the motor bearings that need replacing.
Grinding is another sign the motor bearings are worn down. Motor bearings are an essential part of the machine that keeps the motor running. When they wear out, it is time for the pump motor to be replaced.
When a motor begins popping or clicking, it is likely a sign of electrical failure either inside your pump or inside your home. Before replacing the motor, determine what is causing the lack of electrical power.
Another sound your motor pump may make when breaking is a humming noise. Humming is typically the sound motors make when the capacitor fails. Without the capacitor, a pump motor cannot run consistently. If you’d rather not replace the entire motor, you may consider replacing only the capacitor.
In some cases, a pool pump motor may become completely silent. In such an occurrence, it likely means the pump motor is dead and needs replacing.
Determine if the Entire Pump Needs Replacing
Before you replace a pool pump motor, you’ll want to determine if your entire pool pump needs replacing. Though the average lifespan of a pool pump is 10 to 12 years, they can break down anytime before this.
Generally, determining if a pool pump is broken requires opening up the housing where the pump is located. If a pump is damaged, you may notice cracks, rust, discoloration, and leaks near the pump’s housing. You may also want to examine the cables and lines, as well as the bolts. If any part of the pump shows damage, it may need either repair or replacement.
Determine Your Pool Pump Motor’s Age
Although your pool pump motor may perform well for several years, the truth is no pool equipment lasts forever. Even with the best possible maintenance, the average pool pump motor lasts 10 to 15 years. As your pump motor reaches the end of its lifespan, it may begin slowly failing or quitting altogether.
When considering replacing a pool pump motor, first determine your motor’s age. When a pump motor is getting older, it is best to replace the entire motor rather than replacing parts or repairing mechanical issues. By doing so, you can rest assured knowing your pool pump motor will continue performing well for years to come.
