Keep Your Pool Pump Running: A Homeowner's Guide to Pump Maintenance

Your pool pump is the hardworking heart of your swimming pool, quietly circulating thousands of litres of water every day to keep your pool crystal clear. Yet many Australian pool owners only think about their pump when it stops working. A little regular maintenance can save you from expensive repairs and keep your pool in pristine condition year-round.

Why Your Pump Deserves Attention

Think of your pool pump like the engine in your car – it needs regular checks to perform at its best. In Australia's harsh climate, pumps work overtime during our long swimming season, dealing with everything from scorching 40-degree days to the occasional dust storm.

Essential Pump Maintenance Tasks

Listen to Your Pump

Get to know the normal sound of your pump. A well-running pump has a steady hum. If you hear grinding, screeching, or unusual vibrations, it's time to investigate. These sounds often indicate worn bearings or debris in the impeller.

Keep the Strainer Basket Clean

This is the simplest maintenance task you can do. Check your pump's strainer basket weekly during swimming season and remove leaves, debris, and those inevitable pool toys. A clogged basket forces your pump to work harder, using more electricity and shortening its lifespan.

Monitor the Pressure Gauge

Your pump's pressure gauge tells you a lot about your filtration system's health. Know your baseline pressure when the filter is clean (usually 50-80 kPa for most residential pools). If pressure rises 70 kPa above this baseline, it's time to backwash or clean your filter.

Check for Leaks

Walk around your pump monthly and look for water pooling underneath or wet spots. Small drips from the shaft seal are common as pumps age, but steady leaks waste water and can damage the motor.

Ensure Proper Ventilation

Pool pumps generate heat. Make sure your pump has adequate airflow around it – don't store equipment or pool chemicals too close. In Queensland and northern Australia especially, shade for your pump equipment can extend its life considerably.

Seasonal Considerations for Australian Conditions

During summer's peak usage, run your pump longer and check it more frequently. In cooler months, you can often reduce running time, but don't skip your monthly checks – problems can develop even when the pool sees less use.

After heavy storms or dust events (particularly in inland areas), check your strainer basket immediately. The sudden influx of debris can overwhelm your system.

When to Call a Professional

While basic maintenance is straightforward, some tasks require professional attention:

• Annual motor bearing inspection
• Seal replacement
• Electrical connection checks
• Impeller cleaning
• Performance testing

Fun Fact: The average pool pump moves about 250,000 litres of water per week – that's enough to fill a typical backyard pool nearly twice over! Over a year, your humble pump circulates roughly 13 million litres. No wonder it deserves a little TLC.

The Bottom Line

Fifteen minutes of monthly attention to your pool pump can prevent hours of frustration and costly repairs. Your pump works hard to keep your pool inviting – a little regular care ensures it keeps running efficiently for years to come.

Remember, a well-maintained pump doesn't just last longer; it runs more efficiently, saving you money on electricity bills while keeping your pool water sparkling clean for those precious Australian summer days.