Variable-Speed Pump (1.0-2.5 HP)
Energy-efficient pump required by California Title 20; saves $500-1200/year vs single-speed; quieter operation and long lifespan; installed pricing includes labor
Installed price$1,200–$2,500LA-area, parts and labor
Typical lifespan~8 yrswith regular care
Cost per year of life$150–$313price ÷ lifespan
Who usually installs it10% DIY · 90% pro
Most installs involve plumbing or electrical work. When wiring or gas lines are involved, call a licensed pro.
Common brandsPentair IntelliFloHayward Super Pump VSJandy FloPro VS
Repair or replace?
A common rule: if a repair costs more than half the price of new, or the unit is in its last year or two of a ~8-year life, replacing is often the better value. Try the repair-or-replace calculator with your own quote. Ranges are LA-area estimates; see How We Estimate.
Models and variants
- Pentair IntelliFlo2 VSF PumpPentair · about $1600 · 3-yr warranty
- Hayward PowerFlo Matrix PumpHayward · about $1400 · 2-yr warranty
Related repairs
- Pump Motor Failure / Not Priming$200–$300 pro
- Pump Motor Wear / Bearings Failure$250–$500 pro
- Pump Shaft Seal Leakage$100–$250 pro
- Main Drain Blockage$150–$400 pro
- Skimmer Basket Damage / Missing$50–$100 pro
- Skimmer Leak / Cracked Housing$100–$300 pro
- Return Line / Plumbing Blockage$150–$400 pro
- Pump Running But No Suction / Air in System$50–$200 pro
Maintenance that protects it
Costs and calculators
- Pool ownership costs by pool type
- Annual Pump Operation (Variable-Speed, 1.5HP, 8 hrs/day): $400–$600
- Annual Heat Pump Operation (electric heating, 6 months): $300–$600
- Pump Replacement (variable-speed, 1.5-2.5 HP): $1,200–$2,500
- Pump Motor Repair (capacitor, seal, bearing): $50–$600
- Annual Maintenance Cost Calculator
- Pool Running Cost Calculator
- Equipment Lifespan Calculator