DIYLifestyle

How to replace a pool pump

If there is one problem guaranteed to ruin your mood, it's when your pool pump decides to call it a day.

So what do you do when you suspect you have a faulty pump? The first things to check are the Kreepy Krauly and the hose pipes. If the Kreepy is not functioning properly it can slow down water suction, or flow pressure. It is also a good idea to check the hoses for any holes, as these will also reduce the amount of water suction pressure into the pump. If the water pressure is still not as high as it should be, 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.

This pump is about 5 years old and no longer has enough power to circulate water through the system.

 

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.

– See more at: https://www.home-dzine.co.za/garden/garden-poolpump.htm#sthash.PPNLMv8m.dpuf

Replacing a pool pump

While it may seem like a daunting task, replacing a pool pump is actually quite easy and should take no more than about 30 minutes.

The first step is to 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. Armed with this information, head off to your local pool supply or hardware store for a replacement pump. A new pool pump can cost anywhere between R1500 to R2000 for an average-size pool.

While at the hardware store you will also need PVC pipe, elbows, connectors and again, make a note of the pipe size and connector fittings used on your existing pump system. This will ensure that you come home with the right parts.

You will also need PVC glue, a junior hacksaw, wire strippers and screwdriver.

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Removing the old pump

While every pipe configuration may be different, the principle of water floor from the pool to the pool is the same. In this setup the pump is connected to the circulation system at three points – all shown above.

To remove the old pump, first switch off the mains electrical supply, as you need to disconnect the wiring for the old pump. Take a pic with your phone or camera, so that you know the exact location of wires, so that you know which wires go where when you put the new pump in place. DO NOT attempt to remove the old pump without first ensuring that the power is switched off.

Unscrew the connectors so that the old pump can be removed and the new pump placed in position and re-attach the wires.


GOOD TO KNOW

If in any doubt about removing the old and re-wiring the new pump, call a qualified electrician to do the job for you.


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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 new 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.

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Everything is now perfectly in place and it’s time to PRIME THE PUMP. To do this, use a hose pipe to fill up the chamber (shown above) 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 until it remains in the filtration basket and then quickly pop on the vacuum seal/top.

Switch back on at the main and test your new pump.

Article courtesy of EasyDIY

 

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