Efficient Pool Pump Repairs and System Upgrades

Yes. Your pool pump is essentially the heart of your pool’s circulation system – if it’s not running properly, your water quality, filtration and even chemical efficiency will suffer. Regular servicing helps pick up noisy bearings, leaking seals, loss of prime and electrical issues early, so you avoid sudden breakdowns and costly damage to the motor or wet end. Direct Pool Supplies’ servicing team focuses on repairs, replacements and upgrades to keep your pump running efficiently and reliably.

Day-to-day pump care is simple but important. A basic checklist includes:

• Keeping the equipment as sheltered as possible from full sun and weather
• Regularly cleaning the hair and lint pot basket so debris doesn’t starve the pump of water
• Making sure isolating valves are open and the pump is properly primed before starting
• Never letting the pump run dry or with blocked baskets/filters
• Checking around the join between motor and wet end for any water leaks (often a sign of a worn shaft seal)
• Using the correct lubricant on O-rings and replacing them when they’re perished

Following these steps helps maintain good flow, protects the shaft seal and motor, and extends the life of your pump.

Most pool pumps are very serviceable. Common repairs include replacing seals and bearings, fixing or replacing lids and O-rings, unblocking or replacing impellers, and addressing minor electrical or plumbing issues. Direct Pool Supplies also stocks a full range of spare parts for popular brands, so many “sick” pumps can be given a second life. In some cases – for example, with old, inefficient or badly corroded pumps – it can be more cost-effective to upgrade to a new high-efficiency model instead. 

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all price. The cost to service a pump depends on:

• The type, size and age of the pump
• Whether it needs simple diagnostics or major work (like seal and bearing replacement)
• The cost of any parts required
• Your location and technician travel time
  

If you decide to upgrade to an eco/variable-speed pump, the extra upfront cost is often offset by power savings – Direct Pool Supplies notes that an average standard pump can cost around $1,100 per year in electricity, while an eco pump can cut this to roughly $200 per year, depending on usage and tariffs. For an accurate figure, it’s best to request a tailored pump service or upgrade quote for your postcode.

With good installation and regular maintenance, many residential pool pumps give around 8–10 years of service. Direct Pool Supplies recommends considering replacement at about the eight-year mark for optimal performance, especially if the pump runs long hours or shows signs of wear (noise, leaks, struggling to prime). Factors like exposure to weather, poor flow (blocked baskets/filters) and running the pump dry can all shorten its life, while good care and timely repairs can extend it. 

As a general guide, most Aussie pools benefit from running the pump around 8–12 hours per day, particularly in warmer months. This ensures enough circulation for proper filtration and chemical distribution. Eco/variable-speed pumps are usually run for longer at a lower speed to move the same amount of water at a much lower power cost. The ideal run time depends on your pool size, bather load, debris and equipment, so your technician may fine-tune it during a service.

Direct Pool Supplies provides pool pump services across much of Australia’s east coast. Current service areas include Sydney (exclusions apply), Canberra, Newcastle, Taree, Forster, the Central Coast, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Cairns. You can use the postcode checker on the Pool Pump Services page to confirm availability in your suburb and book a visit. 

We accept most payment methods. Contact us if you're unsure of your preferred payment method.