The pump circulates every gallon of water through the filter and sanitizer, often running several hours a day, every day of the year in Florida. It's the piece of equipment most likely to show wear first, and most pump failures trace back to a small maintenance step that got skipped.
Check the basket regularly
The pump basket (strainer basket) catches leaves, bugs, and debris before they reach the impeller. A full or clogged basket forces the pump to work harder and can starve it of water flow, which is one of the fastest ways to damage a pump's seal or motor. In Florida, where oak leaves and pollen are a near year-round issue, checking the basket weekly during peak season is worth the two minutes it takes.
Watch for signs of a failing seal
A small amount of water pooling under the pump housing, especially near the seal plate, usually means the shaft seal is wearing out. Left alone, a leaking seal lets air into the system (reducing suction) and can eventually damage the motor itself if water reaches the windings. Seals are a normal wear item and a relatively inexpensive fix if caught early.
Listen to the pump
A healthy pump runs at a steady hum. A grinding, screeching, or rattling noise usually points to a failing motor bearing, and a pump that's suddenly much louder than usual is worth having checked before it fails outright. Running a bad bearing to failure often takes the motor down with it, turning a smaller bearing repair into a full pump replacement.
Consider upgrading to variable speed
Older single-speed pumps run at one fixed (high) speed any time they're on. A variable-speed pump can run at a much lower speed for normal filtration and ramp up only when needed (like running a cleaner), cutting electricity use substantially over a full year of runtime. For anyone replacing an old single-speed pump, it's worth pricing the difference. Florida's near-constant pump runtime is exactly the situation where variable-speed pumps pay for themselves fastest.
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Pentair IntelliFlo VS+SVRS Pump 3HP
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Pentair WhisperFloXF VS Pump 5HP
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What we carry
We stock Hayward and Pentair variable-speed pumps and Jandy pumps, along with replacement seals, baskets, and motor parts for common models. If you're not sure whether your pump needs a repair or a replacement, send us the model number and we'll help you figure out which makes more sense.
