During the summer, your pool’s pump and filter run for long hours, and the heat can stress the components. If you ignore the sounds and sights of your equipment for too long, you might wake up to a green pond that is full of frogs instead of a place to swim. Taking five minutes every day to look at your gear will save you hundreds of dollars and keep the splashing going all season long.
Listening to the Song of the Pump
Your pool pump pushes water through the filter and keeps the chemicals mixed. If you start hearing a high-pitched screech or a sound like pebbles rattling in a blender, that is a major warning sign that the bearings are wearing out. The motor may also be starving for water. For example, if a plastic bag gets sucked into the intake, the pump will struggle and shake. This can lead to the motor burning out completely. Since a new pump can cost a lot of money, catching these weird noises early allows you to fix a small clog before it turns into a total mechanical failure.
The Pressure Gauge Never Lies
On top of your big filter tank, there is a small round dial called a pressure gauge. This tool tells you exactly how hard the system is working to push water through the sand or the cartridges inside. When the needle climbs high, it means the filter is full of dirt and sunscreen. The water cannot get through easily. Check this gauge once a week. A dirty filter puts back-pressure on your pipes. This can cause them to crack or leak. By watching that needle and cleaning the filter when it gets too high, you ensure that the water stays clear and the pipes stay whole.
Leaks Are Sneaky Summer Villains
Evaporation is normal when the sun is out. But if you see puddles forming around the pump or the heater, you likely have a loose fitting or a cracked O-ring. If a leak happens on the suction side of the pump, it will pull air into the lines. This causes bubbles to shoot out of the returns in the pool. The air can cause the pump to lose its prime. The motor will run dry and melt its own internal parts. If you notice air bubbles in the pool or water dripping by the motor, tightening a union or replacing a five-dollar rubber seal can prevent you from needing to replace the entire heater or pump later in the month.
Watching your equipment doesn’t have to be a full-time job. However, spending a few minutes checking your pump, filter, and connections can prevent costly repairs and keep the fun alive all summer.
If you need trusted pool equipment services services in Torrington, CT, reach out to Hydrocare today.
