Pool Water Pump Price by Type
Depending on the type of pump 1 you install, you can expect to spend between $150 and $1,300 for the project. Various types of pumps are available on the market, each working for a different type of pool. The pumps are designed with different attributes that provide ease of use, durability, and energy-efficiency. So, they come at a different cost. Below are some of the most common pump types, along with their cost and most common use.
| Type of Pump | Costs (Materials Only) |
|---|
| Low-Head | $150 - $650 |
| Single-Speed | $150 - $800 |
| Dual-Speed | $200 - $800 |
| Medium-Head | $300 - $800 |
| Variable-Speed | $500 - $1,200 |
| High-Head Submersible | $800 - $1,300 |
Low-Head Pump
Low-head pumps cost $150 to $650 for the pump only. When you install a low-head pump, keep in mind that it’s meant to be used in conjunction with a waterfall or another water feature that turns water over very quickly so it can function properly and clear the water efficiently. It’s not meant to filter the water or be used with a filter but can help with high-flow situations.
Single-Speed Pump
Single-speed pumps are the most basic pumps in homes that cost $150 to $800 to buy. They operate at all times at a single speed, which means that they use a constant supply of energy. This makes them inexpensive to purchase but costly to run. Some states have banned them for their high energy use.
Dual-Speed Pump
A dual-speed pump has a high and low speed and costs $200 to $800. This means that you can run it for longer at the lower speed, using less energy, then turning it to high speed when vacuuming or needing faster turnover. They can save you energy and money but need to be manually set to which speed you want. Some models come with remote controls for this; others need to be set at the pump.
Medium-Head Pump
Medium-head pumps are the most common type of pumps homeowners install in their pools. They cost $300 to $800 to buy. We see medium-head pumps in most pools because they work with most plumbing types, making them easy to install and find in stores. If you have a regular in-ground or above-ground pool, this is most likely the type of pump you will use.
Variable-Speed Pump
A variable-speed pump works differently than the other pumps, using the same magnetic motor that a car uses. For a price of $500 to $1,200, it costs more to install upfront but uses far less energy than the other types, saving you a lot of money on utility bills each month. Variable-speed pumps are much quieter to use than the other models and give you a much faster water turnover with less energy used.
High-Head Submersible Pump
Today, many people create more complex pools with slides, spas, and other features, which require a high-head submersible pump that costs between $800 and $1,300. These pools need more water turnover and require a high-head pump, which uses a 3-inch pipe (unlike the standard 1-½-inch pipe) to circulate the water. They’re expensive but necessary if your pool has a lot of water features in it. Most pools will not require this type of pump.
Solar Pool Pump Price
Solar pool pumps are one of more expensive pool pumps to install, with their cost starting at $500 and going as high as $2,000 depending on the size of the pump and any features you may desire it to have. Installing them is also more expensive than a standard pump, starting at $400 and going up depending on where you will install the panels.
Solar pool pumps operate similarly to other pumps. They circulate the water in the pool, turning it over so that you don’t need to worry about algae growth or debris collecting in the pool. The difference is that a solar pump relies completely on solar energy to operate, rather than electricity from a grid. This means that there are no operating costs associated with a solar pool pump once it’s been installed. Solar pumps may be added to a solar heater, or it can be installed independently. Ultimately, installing this style of pool pumps will typically cost more than similarly sized ones, but they pay for themselves over time and many areas also have rebates and credits available to help offset the initial cost.
Pool Water Pump Prices by Brand
Many brands on the market sell different types and models of pool pumps for $200 to $1,200. The cost depends on the type of pump you choose to install and the brand. Some low-head pumps cost as low as $200, while others can cost $650 to buy depending on their attributes and quality. Based on your needs and the types of pool you have, specific pumps would be a better or worse fit for your home. Below are some of the top brands and average costs so you can compare them.
| Brand | Cost (Materials Only) |
|---|
| Harris | $200 - $500 |
| Intex | $200 - $500 |
| Hayward | $500 - $1,200 |
| Pentair | $600 - $1,200 |
Harris Pool Pump Cost
Harris is one of the most popular pool pump brands on the market that sells its products for an average cost of $200 to $500. Their popularity is due to the big selection of pool pump options they offer that are both inexpensive and quiet, giving buyers a great value for the price. Harris currently offers above and in-ground pool pump options. If you’re looking for an affordable and quiet pump, they are the brand for you.
Intex Pool Pump Cost
Intex is known for the sand pool pumps it sells that come with a price tag of $200 to $500 depending on the exact model and series you will pick. The pool pumps from Intex are most fit for above-ground pools and are extremely focused on functionality. They have easy-to-use cartridges. Many of their models are controlled digitally, increasing the ease of use and control the homeowner has.
Hayward Pool Pump Cost
Hayward’s pool pumps are in the middle of the price range of these products, going between $500 and $1,200. They sell a wide variety of pool pumps, from industry-standard single-speed pumps to energy-efficient variable-speed pumps so that they can be installed on different types of pools. Most of Hayward’s products are energy-star rated, ensuring high energy efficiency while providing high flow with lower HP.
Pentair Pool Pump Cost
If you want to get a high energy-efficient pool pump that has proven its high performance, you can purchase one of Pentair’s pool pumps for $600 to $1,200. One of their most popular models is the Sta-Rite pool pump, ideal for above-ground pools and has user-friendly drain plugs for easy installation. To add to their efficiency and performance, Pentair has made its pumps compatible with apps so that homeowners can monitor and control them remotely.
Pool Water Pump Cost by Location
The pump you choose will cost anywhere between $150 and $1,300 just for the pump. If you’re wondering how to choose a pool pump, keep in mind that the type you will use will be impacted by several things, such as the size of the pool, the type, what features you have, and how often you want to run the pump. For instance, pools with calm water flow and lesser quantities will be fine with a single-speed, low-head pump. Spas, waterfalls, or fast-flowing water pools require medium-, variable-, or high-speed pumps, depending on their properties.
| Location | Pump Cost (Materials Only) |
|---|
| Above-Ground Pool | $150 - $1,200 |
| In-ground Pool | $150 - $1,200 |
| Spa | $800 - $1,300 |
| Pool Waterfall | $800 - $1,300 |
Above-Ground Pool Water Pump
Homeowners typically pay between $150 and $1,200 to install an above-ground pool pump. Most pumps can be used with both in-ground and above-ground pools, but some smaller above-ground pools can use pumps designed just for them. The key is to make sure you get the right sized pump. You can use any medium-head pump with a single, dual, or variable speed motor.
In-ground Pool Pump
If you want to install an in-ground pool pump in your home, the project costs $150 to $1,200. Except for some very small pumps specially made for above-ground pools, you can use nearly any type of pump in a standard in-ground pool, provided it’s sized properly. For basic pools, use a medium-head pump. If you want to get the best amount of water turnover, look for a dual- or variable-speed pump.
Spa Pump
Installing a spa pump costs $800 to $1,300. It is one of the most expensive pump installations due to the need to go for a specific, more expensive pump model. If your pool has a spa or a spa adjacent, you need a high-head or high-efficiency pump. You may also need to upgrade your plumbing to a larger size to handle the flow and make sure that you select the appropriate pump for the size of the spa or pool.
Waterfall Pool Pump
If you have installed a water feature on your pool, it needs its own pump for circulation, which typically costs $800 to $1,300. This is a low-head pump designed to handle a lot of water very fast because it isn’t pushing it through a filter. You cannot use this type of pump by itself and won’t need to couple it with another to filter your pool as the low-head pump works for the water feature alone.
Cost of Pool Pump Installation
Most professionals charge a flat rate for these projects, with new installations and installing a different pump 1 costing $250 to $350. Replacing an existing pump with the same model and style has a cost closer to $200. Most people pay around $300 for labor on a pool pump installation out of the $1,000 total.
Pool pumps are most commonly installed by pool service professionals. Pumps may be hardwired or plugged in and may take 120v or 240v circuits, depending on the pump. These factors impact the installation process and installation costs. Installation is generally straightforward. The pump sits in a well beside the pool and is connected via a series of PVC couplings and pipes to allow the water to be pulled through the filter and back out into the pool. The pump is first hardwired into the electrical supply, then connected to the pipes, and seated in its well. Some replacements may require replacing the pipes and connectors to fit for size. So, there is a higher installation cost for different pumps when making a replacement.
Keep in mind that if you’re not working with a pool service company to oversee everything, you may need to pay an additional $700 to $1,000 in electrical fees and an additional $1,000 to $2,000 in plumbing costs. These are typically given in the contractor quote, but it’s not always the case. Check with your pool installer to see if you have additional costs related to installing the pump.
Cost To Replace Pool Pump
If you are using the same size pump, from the same brand, with the same type of motor, you can expect to pay under $200 in labor fees, plus the pump to replace it. However, if the installer has to make some modifications such as changing out the pipes or couplings or rewiring the area, the fees will be higher. You will pay $280 to $320 in labor if you replace the pump with a different model or type than what you currently have.
Other cost factors that affect the overall project cost include the type and kind of installation and whether this is a replacement or a new installation. A direct replacement of the same type and brand will cost less than a replacement with a new type and brand. New installations are typically done as the pool is built and factored into the total expense of the pool, including the plumbing and electrical fees.
Pool Pump Motor Replacement Cost
New pump motors can cost from $100 to $500. Labor fees are usually lower, closer to $150 for pool pump motor replacement if everything else is in good shape. You would have to replace your motor if your pump is making noise, straining, or not able to keep up with your pool’s circulation, but it turns on and off, the inverter is in good shape, the filter is replaced regularly, and the housing is in good condition.
Keep in mind that if your pump is oversized for your pool, it can cause the motor to wear out faster and result in higher energy bills. If this is the case, simply replacing the motor isn’t always the best choice. Speak to your pool service provider about the size and condition of your existing pump before you choose to replace the motor to make sure that this is the right course of action for you.
Pool Pump Bearing Replacement Cost
If your pool pump starts making high-pitched noises, it probably means that the bearing is worn off and needs to be replaced. This can cost anywhere from $65 to $300. When the cost is too high, some homeowners opt to replace the whole pump instead of the bearing only. As their name suggests, the bearings bear the load of the pump and allow it to rotate freely. They play a critical role in the pool pump system.
Buying the bearings and replacing them yourself will cost $60 to $80 for a set of two bearings. However, the job is highly complex and very technical and should only be done by a professional. The entire pool pump system has to be shut down and disassembled before doing the repair, so only a professional can do it without damaging the pump itself.
How Do Pool Pumps Work?
Pool water pumps are made up of three general pieces. The housing, which includes the filter, the inverter, which pushes the water through the filter, and the motor, which turns the inverter. When the pump is running, the motor starts turning the inverter. This pulls the water from the pool and pushes it through the filter, where it’s cleared up and recirculated back into your pool.
Pumps can be run for as few as 8 hours a day, with 16 hours of stagnant pool use. They can run continuously for 24 hours, depending on the type of pump you have. The more your pump runs, the less chance that things like algae and bacteria have to grow. However, with single-speed pumps, running your pump 24 hours a day can have high costs. They either run at a much higher speed than needed which spends a lot more energy or leave the pool stagnant for far too long, degrading the water quality and requiring the pump to operate longer. On the other hand, variable speed pumps are very energy efficient because they can be used for the full 24 hours, rather than allowing the pool to remain stagnant.
Pool Pump Sizes
Pool pumps can only be effective if they are properly sized for your pool. This means estimating the number of gallons of water per minute that your pump needs to turn over to cycle all of the water in your pool at least once in 24 hours. You do this by first determining the number of gallons of water in your pool by taking measurements of the pool’s length, width, and depth. Once you have the number, multiply it by 2 (ideal water turnover in 24 hours), divide it by 24 to get the gallons per hour, and divide the final number by 60 to get the gallons per minute which is the way most pumps are sized.
Many factors influence the cost of your pool pump, such as the motor type and the pump size. A pump with a 1/2 HP motor will be less expensive than a pump with a 3 HP motor. The motor size is directly tied to the size of your pool. Larger pools have higher related costs.
| Size of pool | Number of gallons | HP needed |
|---|
| 15-foot round | 5,800 | ¼ HP |
| 18-foot round | 8,300 | ¼ HP |
| 20-foot round | 10,200 | ¼ HP ½ HP |
| 12 x 24 rectangle | 10,800 | ¼ HP ½ HP |
| 16 x 34 kidney | 16,500 | ½-1HP |
| 16 x 32 oval | 17,200 | ½-1HP |
| 16 x 32 rectangle | 19,200 | ½-1HP |
| 20 x 38 kidney | 20,200 | 1 HP |
| 18 x 36 oval | 21,700 | 1 HP 1-½ HP |
| 18 x 36 rectangle | 24,300 | 1HP 1-½ HP |
| 20 x 40 rectangle | 30,000 | 1/1-½ HP |
Cost to Run a Pool Pump
For a pool pump with 1-½ HP, you can expect to spend $2.48 per day to run it. This is because 1-½ HP pumps consume around 2.14 kilowatts per hour, or 51.36 kilowatts per day (24 hours). According to the Energy Information Administration, the average cost of electricity in the U.S. is 10.35 cents ($0.1035). At that rate, you would spend around $2.48 (24 x $0.1035) to run the pool pump for a whole day.
All motors come with a tag that explains how to calculate the cost to run a pool pump. In most cases, it requires locating the voltage and amperage rating of the pump and multiplying these two numbers to get the watts of the motor. When you multiply the watts by 1,000, you get the kilowatts of the pump, which is one of the last steps of the calculation.
All you need to do now is multiply the kilowatts by the number of hours you want the pump to run and the cost per hour. For instance, if you want to run the pump 24 hours a day, you need to multiply the kilowatts by 24 to get the total kilowatt spending per day. When you multiply the kilowatts by the cost per hour, you get the cost to run a pool pump per day.
Pool Pump Repair Cost
Repairing a pool pump can sometimes cost less than replacing it. This cost is $50 to $200, depending on the exact part that needs repairing. The most common problems that homeowners face are pool pump leaks, the pump not pulling water through the system, the pump only pulling in air, motor failure, or the pump producing weird noises. All these require the attention of a professional, especially if the pump is less than five years old.
Enhancement and Improvement Costs
Pool Filter Installation
The average cost to install a pool filter is $500 to $2,000, although the exact cost ranges from $225 to $2,900. The big discrepancy in price is because the cost largely depends on the type of filter you’re installing and the type of pool you have. Filters are needed to clear out the water in the pool and prevent it from degrading in quality. They are normally installed at the same time as pool pumps 1. For larger pools and areas with poor water quality, you need a bigger filter with higher filtration capacities, such as diatomaceous earth filters. On the other hand, if you have a smaller pool that you don’t use as much, you could pass with a small pocket filter.
Install Pool Pump Timer
If you want to install a pool pump timer, you will spend $50 to $100 to buy one. The timer can be installed if you don’t want to run your pump continuously and have to worry about turning it on and off manually. With the timer, you can set the pump’s speed, so it doesn’t run at full speed and spend energy constantly. It’s attached on the right side of the pump and controls the operating time and the speed of the pool pump following a pre-set schedule.
Pool Cover Installation Cost
The average cost to close a pool with a pool cover is $40 to $400. However, costs can go as high as $2,700 for mesh covers and $3,700 for solid covers. When the pool is not in use, it needs to be protected from any debris, dust, leaves, branches, or animals that may fall into it. A properly installed pool cover ensures that the water doesn’t get polluted or degrade in quality due to outside influences.
Additional Considerations and Costs
- Maintenance. Regular pool maintenance, which includes opening and closing your pool properly, can help prolong the life of your pump.
- DIY. If you are replacing a pool pump of the same type and size, you may be able to do this project DIY. Make sure you shut off the electricity at the breaker before beginning. Remove the cover and disconnect the old pump, lift it up and disconnect the wiring. You’ll install the new pump in reverse order. Wire it in first, then lower it down and connect the plumbing. However, keep in mind that having your pump installed by a professional is always the safest way of installing it.
- Energy ratings. Energy Star rated pumps are available, these are usually variable speed motor pumps that use less energy overall, so you can save. If you purchase these pumps there may be rebates or credits available to offset the cost.
- Estimates. Before picking one brand and model of a pump, get at least three estimates. This will give you a general idea of the pricing of pool pumps and allow you to understand what is offered in each price range, ultimately helping you make a better decision.
- Warranty. Some pool pumps come with a warranty for a specific time (usually 5 to 10 years) that serves as a guarantee that the pump will function properly for the time.
FAQs
- How much does it cost to replace an in-ground pool pump?
Replacing an in-ground pool pump costs around $650 in most cases. The cost varies depending on the type of pump you’re replacing and installing and the type of pool you have.
- How much does it cost to replace all pool equipment?
Basic pool equipment will cost as little as $500 to replace. However, the costs can go up to $5,500 or more if you’re replacing all the pool equipment.
- How much does it cost to install a pool pump?
There is a range of costs associated with installing a new pump, but the average project costs around $950.
- How do you install a new pool pump?
The old pump is disconnected from the plumbing, lifted out, and the wires removed. The new pump is installed in reverse order, wiring it, setting it in place, and connecting the plumbing.
- How long does a pool pump last?
If you regularly use your pump and do regular maintenance, it can last 8 to 12 years before needing replacement.
- How much is a 1 HP pool pump?
Depending on the type and brand, this could cost $500 - $1,200.
- How do you know if your pool pump is bad?
Pool pumps that are going bad may make excessive noise, stop circulating water with force, or you may notice it gets harder to maintain your pool’s clarity and chemical balance.
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