How Much Does a Pool Pump Cost?

Average Swimming Pool Pump Prices

Pool Pump Installation Cost

Pool pump costs for labor average $100 to $400, excluding the pool pump price. The pool installation costs will automatically cover pump installation if you're putting in a new pool.

Pool Pump Replacement Cost

Pump replacement costs are typically around $450 on average, but depend on the model you choose. However, you may pay up to $3,500 for extremely large pools with high flow capacity pumps. 

• Commercial pool pumps run $2,000 to $7,000. 

• If you opt for the same make and model, you’ll probably pay $200 to $400 less than opting to upgrade. 

• The added costs of upgrading often come from small modifications needed to the housing or plumbing system to make it work. 

Plumbing rates range from $50 to $200 per hour.

New Pool Pump Cost

The average pool pump costs about $1,300, including labor. Pool pump prices depend on the model you choose. 

• Single-speed and low-head pumps cost the least, ranging from $500–$2,100. 

• Variable speed and high-head submersible models are on the pricier end, between $1,000–$3,200. 

• Solar pumps run on solar energy and cost between $500–$3,000.

Cost to Replace Pool Filter and Pump

Combining replacing your pool pump and filter at the same time may save you a little. You could pay anywhere between $650 to $5,500 to replace a pool filter and pump, though most people won’t pay more than $3,500. 

• New pool filters cost $500–$2,000.

• Pool filters cost anywhere between $150–$1,500 to replace.

Pool Motor Cost

A new pool motor costs $500 on average, with most models ranging from $150 to $800 (materials only). If your pool pump stops working, you might only need to replace the motor instead of the entire system.

Pool Pump Motor Replacement Cost

Including labor and materials, replacing the pool pump motor costs between $250 and $2,000. You’ll spend about 75% of the cost of a new pump on replacing the motor alone. This can be a much more affordable option compared to replacing the entire pump, as long as your pump is expected to last for at least a few more years.

Pool pumps last an average of eight to fifteen years. If your motor is on the fritz and your pump is old, it’s probably more cost-effective to get a whole new pump rather than replace the motor and then replace the whole unit shortly after.

Pool Pump Prices by Type

Single-Speed Pool Pump

Single-speed pool pump prices range from $250 to $1,100 for most residential installations, not including labor. They can hit $4,100 or more for commercial installation. As the name indicates, they pump water at the same speed when turned on.

Dual-Speed Pool Pump

Dual-speed pool pump prices range from $300 to $1,600 for most residential pools, not including labor. You may pay $4,500 or more for commercial grade pumps. As the name suggests, they run at two fixed speeds, high and low. You’ll use high speed for most filtration needs while low works best for general circulation with reduced energy costs. 

Variable-Speed Pool Pump 

Variable-speed pump prices span from $800 to $2,500 for home pools. Commercially sized pumps cost $5,000 or more. This type of pump is more expensive than your average pump, but the payoff is that it’s quieter, faster, and much more energy efficient.

Low-Head Pool Pump

Low-head pool pumps cost $250 to $1,600 on average. They’re usually used strictly for water features, like a waterfall or fountain. They operate at low head pressures, don’t pump much higher than 10 feet, and generally need large pipes.

Medium-Head Pool Pump

Medium-head pool pumps cost $400 to $2,500 and make up the majority of pool pumps. They’re useful in general pool applications and operate at medium pressures. They’re excellent when a pool does not have a water feature. 

High-Head Pool Pump

High-head or high-performance pool pumps cost $1,100 to $3,100. They’re perfect for complex pool setups with things like a pool plus a water feature, such as a waterfall, spa, or endless edge. 

Pool Pump Prices by Brand

Pool pumps typically range from $200 to $1,200 but can run upwards of $5,450.

Pool Pump Cost Factors

A few cost factors that affect pool pump installations include its location, if you have water features, and if you’re going to install a timer or not. 

In-Ground vs. Above-Ground

In-ground pool pumps cost the same as above-ground pool pump installation. Most pumps work for either in-ground pools or above-ground pools. There are a few specific units made for each type of pool, but costs remain the same. 

Waterfalls and Other Water Features

Waterfalls, spas, and fountains add an element of elegance to your pool setting, but they require either their own low-head pump, which can add $1,000 to your pool build, or you’ll need to upgrade to a high-performance pump that can handle complex setups. Upgrading costs up to $3,100.

Timers

A new pool water pump system with a timer costs between $750 and $2,550. Timers ensure that your pool doesn’t run constantly and you won’t have to manually turn the pump on and off. If you’re adding a new filter as well, this could bump the total project costs up to $700 to $5,550. Get a project quote from a pool service near you.

DIY Pool Pump Replacement vs. Hiring a Pro

If you’re well-versed in electrical and plumbing work, replacing your pool pump is a task that’s probably within your wheelhouse. However, an amateur job can lead to even costlier repairs and replacements. Not to mention, installation will be trickier if your new pump is not an exact match to your old one.

A professional replacement can help your new pool pump last for close to a decade or longer. It’s best to at least talk to an above- or in-ground pool repair service near you to see how much hiring a pro will cost.

FAQs

How do you install a pool pump?

To install a pool pump, professionals will do the following:

1. Cut the power and remove the old pump.

2. Wire the new pump in and connect the power wires with the motor.

3. Attach the new pump to the plumbing lines, adding new PVC pipes as needed if the pump fittings are not an exact match.

4. Turn the electricity back on and check that the pump works.

How do you install a pool pump timer?

Installing a pool timer first starts with a trip to the circuit breaker. Turn off the power source for the timer. Once the circuit breaker is off, wire the new timer to the electrical source before closing and sealing the box.

Because installing a pool pump timer involves both water and electricity, it’s a good idea to find an electrician who can safely set your timer up.

How much does it cost to run a pool pump?

Running a pool pump costs anywhere from $10 to $50 per month. While single- and double-speed pumps cost less initially, a variable speed model is one of your best options for cutting back on energy costs over time. You can also cut the amount of time your pump is running to save on energy bills. 

How much does pool equipment cost?

Basic pool equipment prices start at $500 but can run up to $5,500 for a new pump. Here are some of the most common pool equipment costs:

• A new pool heater costs between $1,800–$4,000.

• The average cost to install a swimming pool cover is $1,500.

• The price to install a pool liner runs from $350–$4,000 or more.

• Remodeling a pool costs between $4,800–$14,000. 

• Adding a hot tub costs $6,000 on average.

How do you size a pool pump?

You’ll want to calculate the pool pump size to completely circulate the pool water every six to eight hours. You’ll need to know the volume of your pool and the total dynamic head, which is usually around 50. 

You’ll want to calculate:

1. Pool volume: How many gallons of water are in your pool and your turnover rate.

2. Minimum and maximum flow rate: The maximum flow rate your plumbing, filters, and equipment can handle.

3. Find the flow rate range: The minimum rate you need for 2 recharges a day and the maximum rate your plumbing will allow.

4. Add total dynamic head: Total resistance of the hydraulic system of your pool.

5. Determine final pump specs: Compare the above numbers to the specs on your pool pump.