Cold Snap Equipment Replacement Tips: Some Rules of Thumb for Swimming Pool Equipment Replacement

Because of the Deep Freeze suffered by those in Texas and the surrounding areas I thought I would put together some things to think about when replacing your pool equipment. No one can really budget for multiple pieces of equipment that have been damaged and forget about any type of manufacturer warranty if “Freezing” was the cause. I think you need to focus on just what is needed to get the pool up and running which is the pump and filter.

Of course along with that are many small parts like check valves, diverter valves (Jandy Valves as everyone calls them), chlorinators, and salt cells. Anything in the plumbing that is leaking needs to be fixed or patched so that you can get the pool pump and filter running. If your pump was damaged or needs to be replaced, now would be a good time to consider moving to a variable speed pump.

The best way to save money on your utility bills is to replace your standard single-speed pump with a Variable Speed Pump or VS pump. This will significantly lower your electricity bill each month by dropping your total usage down. I will go over this in a separate article in more detail but if you can make the switch do it. Your single-speed pool pump is probably your home's number one energy consumer next to your Air Conditioner.

Here are some average lifespans of pool equipment so you can judge whether you want to replace it or buy new.

Pool Motor:
This is the piece of equipment that you will be replacing most often if you have a standard single-speed pump. If you have a Variable Speed pump the motor will last a very long time – 10 years plus. But for a standard single-speed pump you will get 3-5 years out of it at best. Then you will need to replace it. The typical cost for having a new one installed is $400-$700 depending on your region and the pump HP rating. This will be the most common piece of equipment you will be replacing.

Pool Pump:
The pool pump is the wet end where the pump basket sits as well as the motor on the back. Typically they last several years before needing replacement but figure every 10-12 years or after 3-4 motor replacements. The parts do wear and age over time and it is a good idea to just change the whole thing out over time. Again, I suggest a VS pump if your single speed pump is due for a replacement. A good Variable Speed pump will run you $900-$1,500 installed.

Pool Filter:
The pool filter shell is usually made out of fiberglass and will last upwards of 10-15 years before you see cracks in the tank or fiberglass flaking. Some filters like the Sta-Rite System 3 filters will probably last 100 years – those shells are so thick and well made. If you have a smaller single cartridge filter figure about 8-10 years before you start to see cracks. Sand filter shells are very long-lasting also but for your typical DE or large Cartridge Filter the tanks do wear out over time.

Pool Heater:
The pool heater is the most expensive piece of equipment and having a new one installed will run you $2,000-$3,000 depending on the BTU size and your region. You can keep your heater running with part replacements but figure 8-12 years you will need a new one installed. The plus side is that the newer heaters are more efficient and better built than your old ones and every year they make improvements. But they are pretty expensive to replace.

Salt System:
Your typical salt cell will last about 10,000 hours at 100% output. So if you run your pool all season at a 100% output figure to get 3-4 years out of the cell. The system itself is typically long-lasting but you probably want to upgrade the entire system every 8-10 years as newer and better ones become available. You can get a completely new system installed from $900-$1,400 and most salt cells will run you $400-$600. A saltwater system will cost you more to operate in the long run but there are great benefits from having one - mainly you will not need to worry about adding chlorine to your pool week to week.

Photo credits:
00:00
00:10 Ice Covered Pool
John Summer
Summers Pool Service
00:15 Frozen Equipment
Joe Morton
00:20 Cracked filter
Joe Morton
00:40 Pool Remodel
Pepe's Pools
00:59 Pool Remodel
Pepe's Pools
01:45 Cracked pump
Paul Butler
02:00 Cracked pump
Unknown
04:11 Cracked Chlorinator
Unknown
04:15 Cracked Salt Cell
Unknown

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