Replace a pool pump
If your pool pump is not performing as it should, there are several things that could be the cause of the problem.
05/2024
If your pool pump is not performing as it should, the first things to check are the Kreepy Krauly and the hose pipes. If the Kreepy is not functioning as it should it can slow down water suction, or flow pressure. Also, check the hoses for any holes, as these will also reduce the amount of water suction pressure into the pump. The next step would be to replace the pool pump.
Like most things you buy these days, pool pumps have a life expectancy. The average pool pump will probably last about 4 to 5 years, maybe longer if you are lucky. But sooner or later you are going to have to replace the pool pump. My pump is about 5 years old and I thought it was starting to pack up. The suction seems to have dropped and it doesn't pull enough water through.
Replacing a pool pump is not a difficult project and will probably take about an hour to do. When replacing the pump, take note of the size of the pump. The average pool uses around a 0.75kW pump, but if you take a look on the old pump there should be a metal tag that indicates the size of the pump that you have. To better understand the financial implications, you might want to explore this guide on pool heat pump cost.
Builders Warehouse has a fairly extensive range of pool pumps at competitive prices. While at the store you will need to grab a length of pipe, pipe connectors, elbows and bends, as well as Tangit adhesive. You will also need a hacksaw, screwdrivers and wire strippers.
To remove the old pump, first switch off the mains electrical supply, as you need to disconnect the wiring for the old pump. DO NOT attempt to remove the old pump without first ensuring that the power is switched off.
With the old pump out of the way you can place the new pump in situ and adjust the positioning until it fits nicely. Chances are that the old pipes and connectors will need to be repositioned to fit onto the new pump, unless you are replacing with exactly the same model.
This is where the length of pipe, connectors and hacksaw come into play. You need to cut small lengths of pipe, add bends or connectors to join everything together. Tangit is a PVC weld adhesive that is perfect for this type of job and dries very quickly.
Everything is now perfectly in place and it's time to PRIME THE PUMP. To prime the pump, use a hose pipe to fill up the chamber (shown on the left) with water. You don't want to run the pump while the chamber is empty, as this could cause damage. Fill the chamber with water and then quickly pop on the vacuum seal/top.
Switch on the pump to test and look forward to plenty of healthy swimming during summer.
But wait a minute... something's not right here. The water flow is still sluggish. I have checked the Kreepy, replaced the pool pump and it still doesn't work. What now? Another reason for sluggish water flow could be a blockage in the pipe. I know my kids have a bad habit of cleaning out the pool basket and then forgetting to put the basket back. Only when I see it lying on the side of the pool do I realise. Could be that debris has been sucked into the pipe and has caused a blockage. Busy working on this problem and will post my outcome of this shortly.