Damaging Pool Pumps Mistakes
Swimming pool care is not an easy task. But it is an essential one. And at the heart of all swimming pools lies the pool pump. A well-functioning pool pump keeps a swimming pool clear and attractive. And, more importantly, it provides swimmers with a clean and healthy environment in which to swim.
But if you aren't up to speed with how pool pumps function, you could end up making one of the following common pool pump mistakes.
1. Large clumps of dog hair in the impeller
On hot days, your dog can benefit from taking a dip in the pool alongside you. But if you and your dog regularly spend time together in your pool, remember to remove the dog hair from your filter and baskets. Otherwise, dog hair might slip through the filter and wrap around the impeller. This will lower the water pressure and cause your pool to become dirty and cloudy.
2. Direct and prolonged sun exposure
Although your motor might always feel hot to the touch, this is normal. However, you still want to ensure that the pump isn't in direct sunlight throughout the day. A pool pump that is exposed to hot summer sunlight all day will breakdown faster than one that operates in shade. Cover your pool pump with a pool pump cover or shed. Or provide shade with a tree or shrub.
3. Clogged pump and skimmer baskets
The flow of water through your pump needs to be at a consistent rate. This ensures that your pool remains clean and clear. But if your pump and skimmer baskets clog, the pump will distribute the pool's chemicals inadequately. And your pump could even break down if it has to work harder to push water through to your pool.
4. Over or undersized pool pump
You may be tempted to go for a larger pump with the idea that it might better keep your pool clean. However, you should choose your pump size with care. If your pump is too large for your swimming pool's pipe system, it then has to work harder to push water through.
Over time, an oversized pump will wear out faster and put a strain on your energy bills. The same applies if your pump is too small.
Before you choose a pump, work out how many gallons of water you have in your pool. This will help you choose a pump that lasts longer and is more efficient.
5. Low water level
A residential swimming pool can lose up to 10 millimetres of water in a single day to evaporation if the weather is especially hot — something quite common Australia! If your water level runs too low—below the skimmer box opening—your pump could dry out. If your pump dries out, it could eventually seize up and leave you with an expensive repair or replacement job.
On hot days especially, monitor your pool's water level and ensure that it is half way up your skimmer box opening.
6. Faulty shaft seal on a new motor
When it is time to replace an old pump motor, examine the shaft seal before you install the new motor. If your pump is old, then your shaft seal is also likely old. This is important because the shaft seal keeps water from entering the motor; water inside your pool pump motor could lead to an untimely and costly replacement.
But shaft seals wear out, just like motors do. As such, if you plan to replace the motor on your pool pump, check the shaft seal. If there is evidence of warping or wear and tear, replace the shaft seal too.