Swimming pools are usually associated with moments of leisure, relaxation, and fun. Any inconveniences that tamper with these moments can shoot up your anxiety stressful.
Pool pump noise is one such disturbance that can ruin a great summer day, leaving you exasperated. The feeling caused by the noise is a mood killer and must be addressed at all costs.
But before you start addressing the issue, it is imperative to understand what causes it and what is needed to fix it. In this blog, we explore the causes of pool pump noises and the various avenues available to fix them effectively.
Understanding Pool Pump Noises
A pool pump is a mechanical device that comprises mechanical parts that rotate at high revolutions to produce suction power. There are a lot of vibrations associated with pump operation.
Yet, it is necessary for you to understand the nature of the noises emanating from your pool pump since some of them can be reduced or eliminated completely.
There are two kinds of noises associated with your pool pump. We explore their nature in the classification below:
Operational Noise: This noise is caused by the working of the pool pump. Consider it as a ‘necessary evil’ that you cannot isolate from the working device.
There are, however, ultra-high-quality pumps that are designed to operate more quietly, compared to their economically priced counterparts.
But these pumps cost up to three times the amount of a standard pool pump that gets the job done for you on a budget.
External Noise: These are humming noises often referred to as ‘grinding’ noises and they are signs of a malfunctioning pump.
A pool pump needs maintenance and you will need to seek the expertise of technicians.
Additional Read: What are the Different Types of Swimming Pool Pump Noise?
Why Is My Pool Pump So Noisy?
Usage weather-related wear and tear are the usual suspects that cause pool pump noises. The pump comprises an electric motor, impeller, filter, and housing.
As you use your swimming pool over the weekends, any one or all four components may develop quality issues.
Simply put, dealing with pool pump noises require a sublime blend of troubleshooting and component replacement expertise.
Here are how the experts find out why your pool pump makes so much noise:
Water Level Check: Water levels in your pool and has a lot to do with the unbidden noises arising from your pool pump.
Low water level causes a plethora of problems which lead to a noisy pump ruining your day.
Low water levels lead to dry running which causes pockets of air to accumulate inside the system, adding more strain to the pump’s electric motor.
One of the preliminary steps associated with evaluating pool pump noises begins with checking the water level in your pool.
Cavitation: Low pool water level causes your pool pump to siphon air into the system. The air causes the motor to dry run, increasing the heat generated during operation.
The increased heat causes the vaporization of water adhering to the inner lining of the pump. The steam causes components of the pump to melt and lose tensile strength or cavitation.
Components such as the impeller are usually susceptible to cavitation and begin producing coarse noises caused by steam melting the components balancing the shaft.
A thorough examination of the impeller often enables technicians to zero in on pump noises.
Assessing Motor Noises: Sounds in an electric motor range from the familiar rattling’ sound to the high-pitched ‘screeching’ sounds.
An electric motor’s rotational mechanism comprises metal moving parts seated on bearings designed to reduce friction.
The rattling noises are caused by the degradation of the metal on the larger rotating components of the motor.
The screeching sounds are from the bearings that need replacement.
Scouting for Clogs: CLOG: As debris gets caught inside the circulation system, your pool pump is made to work harder to draw water.
An overburdened motor does not take very long to make its presence known.
Clogged pool pumping systems cause a motor to dry run, unleashing all the problems associated with it on you.
Inspecting the debris basket usually gives a technician a good picture of what is going on with your pool pump.
Exploring Pool Pump Sound Proofing
All the points above cover the methods to identify and fix problems arising from damage or degradation of the pump’s components or as we introduced it, external noises.
Dealing with the operational noises associated with your pool pump entails a fresh strategy altogether.
It takes you beyond troubleshooting and servicing. It calls for building an enclosure around your pump.
What is an Enclosure?
Think of the enclosure as a case or a barrier that surrounds your pool pump, insulating you from the operational noses it emanates.
To build an enclosure, you need the right materials and a tested approach to deliver the maximum noise insulation effectively.
We explore the enclosure setup as follows:
Silicon Mate Base: Besides the sound of the motor, the vibrations a pool pump motor sends down to its mounts create that unpleasant cacophony.
Using silicone mats under your pump vastly dampens the vibrations. For any good pool enclosure setup, dampening mats under the motor is akin to the icing on a cake.
Pump Cover: The pump cover is the actual ‘enclosure’ in your pool pump enclosure setup. From Silicone to wood, there are a wide number of materials you can choose from to create this enclosure around your pool pump.
Acoustic foam, a material usually used in soundproof rooms can be used in the enclosure setup.
However, arriving at a good setup that gives you significant soundproofing would need the services of a professional.
Additional Read: 5 Benefits of Using Swimming Pool Pump Cover
You do not have to endure the sound-bound annoyance from your pool pump anymore.
Drop us a line for a heads up on what we have in store for you, professional solutions that give you a bank for your buck! Reach us at [email protected].