Let’s start with a fact: A pool pump needs to run at least 8 hours a day to properly clean and circulate the pool water. Of course, the size of the pool plays a major part, but we are talking about an average pool size. Another fact: Pool pumps can be noisy at times! Of course, it will have some motor sound but there are many reasons for a pool pump making noise. If you’re wondering how to quiet a noisy pool pump, then you’re not alone.
In this article, we are mentioning some of the major reasons for a noisy pool along with the solution of silencing it!
Top 4 Reasons for pool pump noise:
1. Vibrations
2. Cavitation
3. Blocked Pump
4. Bearings
Vibrations
As we have mentioned above, a pool pump has a motor. As it is a mechanical part, it is bound to lose the mountings and the preciseness of operations due to the wear and tear of its parts. All of this adds to the unpleasant noise while running the swimming pool pump. By standard, pool pump mountings should be on the solid surface like concrete base. If it is mounted or attached to the wooden surface or plastic surface, chances of loosening the mounting increases and the noise too.
Also, make sure all the components of your pool pump motor are perfectly tightened. Any loose nut or bolt will increase the noise.
Solutions:
1.Service your pool pump regularly
2. Make sure you have a strong base for the mounting of the pump
3. Keep checking the nuts and bolts and tight them, if needed.
Cavitation
Cavitation is the formation and accumulation of bubbles around a pump impeller. Let us explain in easy words, Cavitation occurs when the intake of the pump is overwhelming, but the pipe’s friction is too high which restricts the flow of the water. This results in water present there to get high in temperature and ultimately forms steam bubbles. When these bubbles burst, it creates a noise which is not soothing at all.
We are sharing a diagram to help you understand the whole cavitation process:
Source: https://www.michael-smith-engineers.co.uk/resources/useful-info/pump-cavitation
Cavitation can also be caused if the swimming pool water level is too low or there are blockages in the pipe.
Solution:
1. Always check the water level
2. Always check the intake pressure of the water
3. Make sure to run the pool pump for 5-10 minutes to ensure proper working.
Blocked pump
As the pool is mostly under the open sky, chances are that debris, leaves, dust particles, insects, etc., will get inside the pool pump system. These foreign materials can block the impeller, causing it to work harder in order to complete the water-flow process, and thus, creating more noise. It can also cause less intake of water to the pool pump which may lead to cavitation.
Solutions to avoid blockage of the pump:
1. Always cover the pool
2. Always clean the pool water (remove debris, leaves, etc.) before running the pool motor
3. Clean the pool pump once a month
Additional Read: Most Common Pool Pump Issues and Their Solution
Bearings
As we have mentioned a couple of times, a pool pump is a mechanical device with its mountings and parts. One of the most important parts of a pool pump motor is its Bearings.
Bearings help the motor to run smoothly. But, any wear and tear or degradation of the lubricant happen, your pool pump can get that screeching noise!
To avoid that screeching noise from your pool pump, make sure to:
1.Lubricate your bearing regularly
2. If wear and tear is there, it’s better to replace the bearings ASAP
Additional Key Points to Help You Get Rid Of The Pool Pump Noise:
1. Always clean your skimmer baskets
2. Make sure the pump basket is empty
3. Ensure your filter and pool pump are on the same level
4. You can install the vibrations pad
5. Do not forget to have a pool pump cover – it not only reduces the noise up to 90% but also protects the pool pump from outside wanted materials.