The most crucial part of a swimming pool is its maintenance. Your ability to preserve it matters a lot. One of the aspects of the upkeep is replacing the pool pump. You might have been using it for a long time, then you need to change it. Changing it is necessary to keep the pool working. With this in mind, this guide will help you with simple steps on how to replace a pool pump. Before a pool pump stops working it will give some certain sign, calling your attention for partial or total replacement. This article will help you with the Signs You Need for Pool Pump Replacement and how you can easily replace them.
What are the signs that you need to replace the pool pump?
When the pool pump has a problem, it will surely give you some signs. Some signs will need a simple adjustment. But if these symptoms are not attended to will affect the pool as a whole. Some of these symptoms are:
Rumbling Sounds
This will happen if the pump is getting loose from its fixed position. It will create some disturbing vibration that will cause a rumbling sound. The vibration will make the pump collide with the pool surface and it will cause noise. This issue can be easily fixed. You just need to re-fix the pump back to its original position and make sure it is tightly fitted. But if there is a crack on the pump, then you will have to replace it.
Grinding or Screeching Sounds
The screeching or grinding sound may appear if you just installed the pump, you don’t have to worry about this. The sound might also be from worn-out bearing. And if not attended to as fast as possible, it will cause damage to the pump’s winding. And as well overheating of the pump. Also, if the bearing makes this noise it might be that seal of the pump is leaking.
Blowing Bubbles and Spitting Water
If you notice these signs it shows that the pump has an air leak, and it is not filtering the water very well. This needs urgent attention because if the pump is not filtering water properly, the pool will get dirty. And you will have extra work to do cleaning the pool.
Old Age
Under normal circumstances, that is the pump is used as prescribed and maintained properly. It should last between 8 to12 years. But it is expected to fail sooner, so early replacement of the pool pump will be the best.
Also, read the best inground pool pump guide.
How to Replace the Pool Pump
Now that you have understood the signs for a damaged pool pump, and you’ve decided to replace it. Let’s dive into the simple steps to get it installed.
Step 1
Turn the handle of the inlet and outlet pipes of the filter in a clockwise direction to close it. Or you can just put it off by turning the handle of the lever on the valve perpendicular to the pipe.
Step 2
Turn the knob of the pressure release valve on the filter anti-clockwise to open it. This will let out any pressure in the system, then closed the valve.
Step 3
Use socket and ratchet to loosen the bolts tightening the flange of the pump to the case of the filter. Remove these bolts and keep them safe. If there is a filter pad on the pump, remove and keep them safe as well.
Step 4
Bring out the pump from its case. Then, get the new pump together with the impeller and the flange gasket. Ensure that the new pump you get is the same as the old one you are replacing it with. The impeller and flange gasket is also of the same type and style as the old one.
Step 5
Check for any debris in the circular housing of the filter case, that is where the impeller rotates. If there be any debris, get rid of it. And using the tip of your finger, apply a thin coating of water-pump grease around the inner housing surface.
Step 6
Also, apply the thin coating on each side of the new gasket of the flange. Let the gasket lay flat, facing the flange of the new pump. And allow the holes in the gasket to align with the bolt holes on the flange.
Step 7
Place the new pump with the impeller at the center of the opening of the filter case. Make sure they are aligned and that the manufacturer’s label on the pump is facing upward. Position the pump easily in the case in correct alignment and fix the flange at the side of the case.
Step 8
Let the bolt holes on the flange align with the threaded holes of the filter case, and insert the bolts. Tighten the bolts first with hand and then, using the socket and ratchets, tighten the bolts securely.
Read more guides on the best above ground pool pump here.
Conclusion
Make sure that you get the right type of pump. That is of the same type as the old one you want to replace. However, to get the new pump installed, you will need a little knowledge of electrical connections and as well plumbing. But you can seek the help of a professional electrician and plumber to help you with this aspect. This article has outlined for you the simple step-by-step instructions on how to replace a pool pump.