The main purpose of a pool pump, besides circulating the water, is to get rid of the debris and dirt in your water. While there are many excellent pool pumps available on the market, if you don’t take good care of your pump, it will wear down quickly and can break down completely – and then you have to purchase another one! The following tips will help you keep your pool pump in top working condition so that it can continue to circulate your water and keep it clean for years to come.
Check the strainer basket regularly
It is important for your pump to be running smoothly in order for it to be able to suck up the dirt and debris in the pool. You should check the strainer basket regularly and clean it out if you see any dirt or debris on top. Also, make sure that the impeller and intake area are clear of any leaves, sticks, or other debris that may have floated over from another part of the pool.
A clogged filter can also cause a pump not to work properly. When this happens, you will hear loud noises coming from the pump as it tries to suck water through an obstruction. If this happens, remove the clog with your hand or a pool skimmer brush so that the pump can function properly again. When storing the equipment for winter months, empty the debris and grit baskets completely so they won’t overflow when there is no water flowing through them during storage.
Backwash or clean the filter as needed
Backwashing or cleaning the filter as needed is key. The frequency of backwash or filter cleaning will depend on a few factors, including swimming pool pump size, type of filter media and pool usage. But filters should be backwashed or cleaned every four to six weeks, if not sooner.
Inspect and lubricate O-rings and seals
One of the most important maintenance tasks for a pool pump is keeping the seals and O-rings lubricated. This will ensure that your pump continues to function properly as it should. The following are four tips on how you can keep your O-rings and seals lubricated properly so that your pump doesn’t malfunction due to lack of maintenance.
Winterize your pool pump
It is important to winterize your pump so that it will be ready for the spring. Winterizing it can keep your pump running smoothly throughout the season.
When winterizing your pool pump, you need to drain all of the water from the pool and empty all of the dirt, leaves, and other debris from inside the pool area. If there is any residual water remaining, use a hose or bucket to get rid of any excess moisture.
Next, inspect the pump head gasket and if necessary, replace it with a new one. When replacing this part, make sure not to touch the impeller with bare hands because oils from skin can cause additional wear and tear on this part over time.
Following these tips will ensure that your pool pump will be able to do its purpose for a long period of time.