How to Recycle Pool & Spa Equipment
Pool and spa pumps, filters, heaters, cleaners, and covers. Scrap metal is the primary recycling path; chemicals and refrigerants need careful handling.
Quick answer
Sell working pumps and filters locally, then scrap motors, copper exchangers, and metal housings. Have an HVAC tech recover refrigerants from heat pumps. Plastic filter bodies and vinyl liners rarely have easy recycling; do not invent pool-store take-back programs. Before you go, confirm that a local recycling center accepts the material in its current condition.
- Recycling route
- Check locally
- Typical value
- Copper-rich heaters and motors pay best at scrap; working pumps sell used for parts of new-equipment cost
How to Prepare
- 1Drain water and rinse chemical residues outdoors per local rules
- 2Separate motors and copper from plastic housings
- 3Do not vent refrigerants from heat pumps yourself
- 4List working equipment on Marketplace before scrapping
- 5Ask the scrap yard what metals they want
Where to Recycle
- Metal scrap yards
- Marketplace and Craigslist for working gear
- Pool service companies (sometimes buy used)
- E-waste / HVAC techs for refrigerant-bearing units
Special Instructions
InTheSwim and similar trade guidance emphasize scrap value in motors, copper heat exchangers, stainless tanks, and bronze pump bodies. Leslie's or Pinch A Penny may sell and install replacements, but that is not the same as a national recycling take-back. Vinyl liners and PE covers have limited local reuse or recycle options; solar blankets sometimes move via free ads. Asbestos can appear in some vintage equipment; if you suspect it, hire professionals rather than DIY demolition. ABS and plastic filter housings are often rejected at curbside.
Environmental Impact
Recovering copper and steel avoids mining demand. Proper refrigerant recovery prevents greenhouse-gas releases. Keeping pool chemistry out of storm drains protects waterways.
Sustainable Alternatives
- Give away solar covers and blankets locally
- Rebuild motors through pool techs
- Hire pros for suspected asbestos-containing vintage heaters
Official guidance and resources
Accepted items and drop-off rules can vary by location. Check the destination before you go.
What’s Accepted
Accepted
- Pool pumps and motors for scrap or rebuild
- Heat exchangers and metal tanks
- Working filters and cleaners for resale
- Metal spa components
Not Accepted
- DIY venting of heat-pump refrigerants
- Placeholder manufacturer trade-in URLs
- Curbside drop of mixed plastic filter housings
- Chemically soaked media without local guidance
Donation & Take‑Back Options
Estimated value: Copper-rich heaters and motors pay best at scrap; working pumps sell used for parts of new-equipment cost
Hazardous Components
- Pool chemical residues
- Refrigerants in heat pumps
- Possible asbestos in some older heaters (professional assessment)
FAQs
Will Leslie's recycle my old pump?
Do not assume a national recycle take-back. Ask the store what they offer locally, then plan on scrap or resale.
Related recycling guides
- How to recycle Sporting Goods Storage & Bags
- How to recycle Playground & Outdoor Play Equipment
- How to recycle Recreational Vehicles & Ride-On Toys
- How to recycle Team Uniforms & Jerseys
- How to recycle Sports Training & Exercise Accessories
- How to recycle Fishing Equipment
- How to recycle Athletic Shoes & Sneakers
- How to recycle Winter Sports Equipment
- How to recycle Sports Balls
- How to recycle Water Sports Equipment
Recycle pool & spa equipment
Search recycling centers by city or ZIP, or explore more sports & recreation materials.