As a pool owner, your pool pump is the heart of the pool’s circulation system. However, most of the time people tend to neglect their pool pump and this can lead to other problems later on. Caring for your pump ensures that water and other chemicals like chlorine are able to circulate properly. Some of the common mistakes people make when using a pool pump include:
Running the pump too much or too little
A lot of homeowners are quick to save money by running their pump for a short time. For the water quality in your pool to be maintained, the water in the pool needs to be turned over once a day. This can take 8-12 hours depending on the gallons per minute your pump is able to move. If some of the water does not pass through the filter, you may end up with cloudy or dirty water and you could end up spending more on chemicals and maintenance.
Conversely, running the pump for too long could end up costing you in terms of energy costs. You could also put unnecessary pressure on the pump’s motor, which could mean replacement of the whole unit.
The best solution is a variable speed pump. It can be run on high speed for 8 hours and on low speed the rest of the time at lower overall energy cost compared with conventional pumps.
Choosing a wrong pump size
A lot of people have this misconception that the higher the horsepower, the better maintained their pool will be. However, using the wrong size could lead to high electricity bills. Additionally, a big pump could cause poor filter performance. Buying a smaller pump on the other hand may mean that the pump won’t be able to handle the pool’s demands. Overloading the pump could damage it over time. This is why it’s usually best to consult a professional pool builder when buying a pump.
Failing to clean the pump basket
A pump strainer is meant to catch any dirt and debris. However, the strainer can’t clean itself. Ignoring this could lead to decreased water flow which in turn means reduced filtration and buildup of algae bloom. Have the pump basket emptied every week and more during the spring and fall.
These are some of the mistakes you need to avoid to keep your pool running efficiently. For more information on pool pumps, contact an Austin pool builder.
