Having a swimming pool in your backyard can be a wonderful way to escape the heat on those hot summer days in the south. You may also own a commercial swimming pool to give your guests the opportunity to do the same thing. To ensure that your pool remains clean and safe, you will need to clean each of its parts periodically, including your swimming pool pump.
Purpose of the Swimming Pool Pump
The pump is an essential component of the circulation system of your swimming pool. It pulls pool water from the main drain and skimmer and sends it through the filter. After passing through the filter, the water returns to the pool through its main return systems. A swimming pool pump contains a hair and lint trap, motor, and impeller. These parts can be delicate and require frequent cleaning and maintenance to prevent breakage. We recommend cleaning the pump and other swimming pool parts every one to two weeks.
3 Steps to Keep Your Swimming Pool Pump Clean
The hair and lint trap sits at the front of your pool pump. Clearing this out often is essential to prevent the pump from clogging.
- You will need to turn off the pump to start this process and to release system pressure. The trap is a clear basket that sits inside of the pump. Remove the basket, clear out the debris, and then return the basket to the pump. If you have a variable speed or two-speed pump, it will have a leaf and debris catcher as well.
- The next step is to clean the motor. Before you start, make sure that you have the power turned off to avoid serious injuries. Remove any foliage underneath the pump to prevent blocked air circulation. You will also need to clear away any dirt that may have been pushed underneath the pump from rain water and other common causes. It is a good idea to check the vents and make sure that they are clear as well. You can accomplish this easily by running a stiff brush over the area.
- Cleaning the impeller of your swimming pool pump should be the last step. The impeller pulls water through the motor and then pushes it out the other side. Unfortunately, it is easy for this part of the motor to become clogged with leaves and other debris that did not stay in the pump basket. A broken or cracked pump basket is the most frequent cause of this problem.
Your impeller may be clogged if you notice low filter pressure or little to no water flows through it. The impeller may also simply be dirty. To begin cleaning it, turn the water pump off and insert a long screwdriver into the swimming pool pump. Although it will be difficult to see the impeller, you should be able to move the screwdriver both clockwise and counter-clockwise. It may offer resistance if clogged but just keep moving the screwdriver until you see the bottom of the pump. Remove any debris that you feel at the bottom and replace the cap.
Feel free to contact Frank Wall Enterprises, LLC for additional pool maintenance tips.