Pool equipment almost never fails without warning. The pump that suddenly stopped working was making a different noise for three weeks. The filter that burst had been running at elevated pressure for a month. The difference between a AED 150 repair and a AED 1,500 replacement is almost always whether someone noticed the warning signs early.
1. Pump Making High-Pitched Squeal
Motor bearings are failing. Early fix: bearing replacement, AED 200 to 400. Late fix: full motor replacement, AED 800 to 1,500. Do not ignore this — bearing noise always gets worse.
2. Filter Pressure 8 to 10 PSI Above Normal
Filter media is clogged. Early fix: backwash or cartridge clean, included in service. Late fix: sand replacement AED 500 to 800, or cracked laterals requiring full vessel replacement AED 1,000 to 1,500.
3. Water Leaking From Under the Pump
Mechanical seal has failed. Early fix: seal replacement, AED 150 to 250, a 45-minute job. Late fix: water enters motor housing, destroys windings, motor replacement AED 800 to 1,500. If you see water under the pump, call today.
4. Chlorinator Shows Low Salt or No Flow
Salt level may be genuinely low, or the cell is scaled and cannot detect it. Early fix: test salt, add if needed, or clean the cell. Late fix: scaled cell with damaged electrode coating needs replacement, AED 800 to 1,800.
5. Pool Light Flickering or Dead
LED driver failing, transformer issue, or water ingress. Early fix: bulb or driver replacement, AED 150 to 400. Late fix: corroded housing requires full replacement, AED 600 to 1,500.
6. Automatic Cleaner Moving Erratically
Clogged filter, worn gears, or incorrect hose weighting. Early fix: clean or replace worn parts, AED 100 to 300. Late fix: damaged gearbox housing requires full unit replacement, AED 800 to 2,000.
7. Water Level Dropping Faster Than Evaporation
You likely have a leak — most commonly at the skimmer throat seal, main drain valve, light niche conduit, or a cracked return line. Early fix: leak detection survey, AED 250 to 500, then targeted repair. Late fix: water undermines pool surround, causing deck settlement — structural repair AED 1,500 to 5,000. Try the bucket test: fill a bucket to the same level as the pool, mark both, and compare after 24 hours. If the pool drops more, you have a leak.