A zero maintenance pump includes a motor having a motor housing and a motor drive shaft rotatably mounted in the motor housing. A shaft extension is coupled to the motor drive shaft distal from the motor housing. A coupling element has a body with a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The body includes a body wall defining an interior and an exterior. At least one slot is formed in the body wall. The coupling element includes a flange coupled to the body wall proximate the first end. The coupling element is coupled to the motor housing at the flange proximate the motor drive shaft and the coupling element is disposed over the shaft extension. A mesh element is coupled to the body wall at the exterior. A pump is coupled to the coupling element proximate the second end.