Your pool pump is grinding, leaking or won't prime. Is it a repair or time for a new one? Here's how we make that call for Pinellas County homeowners.
Last updated: November 2026
Short answer: Repair your pool pump when the problem is a single, contained part — a leaking seal, cracked lid or basket, failed capacitor or clogged impeller — and the pump is otherwise in good shape. Replace it when the motor is failing (loud grinding, overheating, tripping the breaker), when repairs keep stacking up, or when the pump is older and inefficient. Upgrading to a variable-speed pump often lowers electricity use, since Florida pumps run year-round.
Curtis Pools repairs and replaces pumps, filters, heaters and valves across Pinellas County with our own in-house team. Here's how we diagnose a pump.
What are the signs of a failing pool pump?
- Loud grinding or screeching: usually worn motor bearings.
- Humming but not starting: often a capacitor or a jammed impeller.
- Leaking water: typically a shaft seal or O-ring.
- Won't hold prime / air in the basket: a suction-side leak or cracked lid.
- Tripping the breaker or running hot: a motor or wiring issue — have it checked right away.
- Weak flow: clogged baskets or impeller, a dirty filter, or a pump losing performance.
Which pool pump problems are worth repairing?
Seals, O-rings, lids, baskets, capacitors and impeller clogs are common, contained repairs. On a newer pump in good condition, fixing these makes sense.
When is it time to replace the pump?
When the motor itself is failing, when the pump has needed several repairs in a short time, or when it's an older single-speed model. A new pump also makes sense if you're adding features like a spa, water features or a heater that need different flow.
Is a variable-speed pump worth it in Florida?
For most homeowners, yes. Variable-speed pumps can run at lower speeds for daily filtration and ramp up only when needed. Because Pinellas County pools run all year, that efficiency adds up. Federal efficiency standards for pool pumps have also pushed the market toward variable-speed models — see the U.S. Department of Energy for background.
How can I make my pump last longer?
- Keep skimmer and pump baskets empty.
- Clean or backwash the filter on schedule.
- Keep the water level high enough so the pump doesn't run dry.
- Keep the equipment pad clear of debris and standing water.
- Book regular pool service with equipment checks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a storm damage my pool pump?
Yes — flooding and power surges are common causes. Read what to do with your pool after a storm before restarting.
Do you repair commercial pool pumps?
Yes. See commercial pool equipment repair.
Do you serve Clearwater?
Yes, along with Largo, Seminole, Dunedin and the rest of Pinellas County. See our Clearwater pool services page.
Pump acting up? Call Curtis Pools at (727) 559-7946 or request a pool equipment inspection — honest answers from your Largo neighbors since 1956.