The average cost to install a pool pump ranges from $717 to $877, including the materials and the cost of labor. The price could be somewhat higher if you opt for an upgraded pump with a built-in timer.
This pricing guide is based on the nationwide analysis of pool pump installation costs across the U.S., including both urban and rural areas. Your actual price will vary based on pool size and pump type.
Cost by Location
The cost to install a pool pump varies depending on where you live. If you live in a place with a higher cost of living, you’ll likely pay more. Labor costs are generally higher in metropolitan areas and lower in rural areas.
See the table below for the typical cost to install a pool pump in a mix of big and small cities across the U.S.
| Location | Cost to install a pool pump (including labor and materials) |
| Northeast U.S. | |
| Pawtucket, RI | $713 – $872 |
| New York, NY | $788 – $964 |
| Southeast U.S. | |
| Dothan, AL | $674 – $825 |
| Atlanta, GA | $684 – $837 |
| Midwest U.S. | |
| South Bend, IN | $700 – $856 |
| Chicago, IL | $730 – $893 |
| Northwest U.S. | |
| Corvallis, OR | $703 – $860 |
| Seattle, WA | $761 – $929 |
| Southwest U.S. | |
| Roswell, NM | $684 – $837 |
| San Diego, CA | $732 – $895 |
Cost by Pump Type
Pump installation costs mainly depend on the type of pump. If you’re aiming for a budget-friendly installation, single-speed pumps are more economical, while high-head submersible pumps are at the higher end of the cost spectrum.
Select the one that best suits your needs. The table below shows how costs vary for various types of pumps:
| Pool Pump Type | Cost to install pool pump (including material and labor) |
| Single-speed pumps | $300 – $900 |
| Dual-speed pumps | $400 – $1,000 |
| Variable-speed pumps | $800 – $2,000 |
| Low-head pumps | $300 – $1,000 |
| Medium-head pump | $600 – $1,200 |
| High-head submersible pump | $800 – $2,000 |
| Solar pump | $1,100 – $2,700 |
- Single-speed pump: A single-speed pool pump has one fixed speed and is the cheapest, but it often requires the most energy to run.
- Dual-speed pump: This pump has low and high speeds. It is more energy efficient than the single-speed pump, but it has to be manually set to the chosen speed. New models come with a remote control.
- Variable-speed pump: A variable-speed pool pump has a variable speed. Although it costs more to install, it saves money in the long run because it uses less energy.
- Low-head pump: This pump is designed to operate with a low discharge pressure. It is ideal when your pool has water features like a fountain or waterfall.
- Medium-head pump: A medium-head pump can produce moderate pressure. It is submersible and can be used for above- and in-ground pools.
- High-head submersible pump: This pump is used for complex pools with water features, such as spas, slides, endless edges, fountains, or waterfalls.
- Solar pump: A solar pump functions similarly to other types of pumps. However, this pump is powered by solar energy. It is environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Solar pumps can be low, medium, or high head. Its initial cost may be high, but it saves money on electricity when functioning.
Cost by Brand
There are different brands on the market that sell pool pumps. Harris is more popular because of its affordable price and the variety it offers. Intex’s pumps are more suitable for above-ground pools, and most of them come with a digital control.
On the other end, Hayward and Pentair are more expensive but come with the latest pool technology. Even though they are costly, these pumps are highly energy-efficient.
Here you will find the top brands and average costs to buy them:
| Pool Pump Brand | Average overall cost |
| Harris | $200 – $500 |
| Intex | $200 – $567 |
| Hayward | $367 – $1,333 |
| Pentair | $467 – $1,467 |
Cost by Pool Size
Larger pools obviously require larger, more powerful pumps. The more powerful the pump, the higher the cost.
The chart below illustrates the type of pump you need for each pool size, and its cost. If you’re not sure how many gallons your pool is, use this equation:
Length x width x average depth x 7.5 = volume (in gallons)
| Pool Volume (in gallons) | Pump Size (in HP) | Pump Cost (without labor) |
| 5,800 – 10,800 | 0.25 | $98 – $139 |
| 10,200 – 16,500 | 0.5 | $110 – $120 |
| 16,500 – 30,000 | 1 | $143 – $750 |
| 21,700 – 30,000 | 1.5 | $195 – $939 |
| 40,000 + | 2-3 | $285 – $2,200 |
Labor Cost
In general, the more time that is required to install a pool pump, the higher the labor cost.
If you’re replacing an existing pump with the same pump type, you can expect to pay an average of $167 in labor costs. However, if you’re replacing the pump with a completely new pump type, you can expect labor costs to range between $220 and $407.
If you need any additional repairs along with the pump installation, you will pay separately for them. On average, a plumber charges between $48 and $167 per hour, while an electrician charges between $57 and $130.
Additionally, labor costs may increase if you hire the contractor after business hours or during peak pool season.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
On average, the cost of materials and supplies needed to install a pool pump ranges from $27 to $30. You will need to add the price of the pump itself to get an approximate estimate.
Even if you’re interested in DIY installation, we don’t recommend doing it yourself, as it involves significant plumbing and electrical work. Some pool companies require professional installation to maintain the warranty.
Improper DIY installation can lead to costly repairs for the pump system and personal injury or irreparable damage to the pool equipment.
Other Factors That Affect Cost
In addition to pool size and pump type, there are a few factors that affect the overall installation cost:
Timer
A timer prevents a pump from constantly running so you don’t have to to turn it on and off manually. It can be very useful for saving electricity because you can set the time and speed at which the pump will run.
A pool pump timer costs between $20 and $275. Some pumps have built-in timers, but they are more expensive than regular ones.
Excavation
Most homeowners have the pump installed underground for in-ground pools. You will pay extra for this.
Warranty
A warranty covers repairs for your pump. Once the company’s warranty expires after the purchase, you have to pay to renew it. Warranty renewal depends on the brand and model you purchase.
FAQ
If your pump stops working, the motor is probably to blame. The motor circulates water and is the most likely part to fail. The cost to replace a motor can range from $65 to $650, including labor.
If you take good care of the pump, a pool pump can last between 8 and 13 years. You will get more life out of it by doing regular pump maintenance.
The rule of thumb is: yYour pool pump must be powerful enough to filter all the water in your pool once a day. For this reason, most pool pumps run for approximately 8 to 12 hours a day.
Install a Pump and Enjoy a Perfect Pool Experience
Pump installation involves plumbing and electrical work, so it’s best to leave it to licensed professionals. They’ll ensure the job is done correctly, so you can enjoy the perfect pool experience once it’s complete.
Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled pool maintenance services and leave the rest to us.
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— How Much Does Pool Maintenance Cost?
Main Image Credit: aaron_anderer / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0
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