Browse Equipment Repairs articles, guides and tips on the Pool Care Australia blog.
Your skimmer box most likely cracked because the ground beneath it shifted. In Australia, ground movement causes 70% of skimmer box cracks, driven by clay soil that expands up to 30% in volume after rain. Stress typically appears within 5 to 10 years.
Robotic pool cleaners are your best option for hands-free cleaning in Australia. They handle floors, walls, and waterlines in 2–3 hours, cost roughly $0.20 per cycle to run, and last 5–7 years with basic maintenance.
Your pool chlorinator can fail from salt buildup, flow sensor faults, power surges, or a failing cell. Low chlorine output, fault codes, and visible scale are the clearest warning signs. Cell replacements run $200–$550 in Australia, while control board repairs cost $100–$200.
Pool pump repairs in Australia typically cost between $150 and $600 in 2026. A capacitor replacement runs $200–$250, a shaft seal repair hits $250–$350, and a full motor replacement reaches $400–$600. Labour averages $80–$120 per hour, with regional areas running 15–20% higher.
Your pump's age is the fastest way to decide. Under five years, repair usually makes sense—parts are available, costs stay under $300, and warranties may still apply. Over five years, multiple repairs can add up to $400–$800, matching or exceeding replacement cost.
Single-speed pumps cost $350–$700 upfront, while variable-speed models run $850–$2,200. The price gap closes fast. Variable-speed pumps cut energy use by up to 90%, saving $500–$1,500 annually, with most paying for themselves within 1–3 years.