Does my pool pump need to be covered?

Author: Geo Erdman IV  |  Last update: Saturday, July 2, 2022

First of all, you do not have to enclose your pool equipment (pump, filter, heater). A lot of people camouflage it with landscaping or a small fence, so that is not visible. Pool equipment is designed to be outdoors. As long it is taken care of and properly winterized at time of pool closing, it need not be covered.

Should you cover a pool pump motor?

Many of you must have a sprinkler system to spray water onto the pumping area. If you face such conditions, the chances of shorting out get higher. The pump motor must be protected for it is a large investment!

Should you cover the pool pump in rain?

Pool pump and rain

You should keep the pump dry and out of the rain. Rain that is allowed to fall on the pump can get into the motor and cause a short circuit, burning out the motor in the process. Cover the pump and never allow water to fall on it from above.

Do I need to cover pool pump in winter?

Yes. The best way to remove ice and water from the swimming pool cover is to use a cover pump. Either before the water freezes or when the ice melts use the pump to remove the ice/water from the cover.

Can I leave my pool pump on with the cover?

Is It Safe To Run The pool Pump With The Pool Cover On? It is safe to run the pool pump and filter with a swimming pool cover on. The pool cover doesn't in any way stop or hinder the pool pump from circulating the water or carrying out its function.

4 Most Common Pool Pump Questions

Can I leave my pool pump on for a week?

So if you have to leave it running for a week it shouldn't make a big dent in the electric bill. Having to spend the money on getting the pool back in shape will probably cost more than leaving it on anyway. I would make sure you fill the pool water as high as you can though since you will be gone for a week.

Should I turn my pool pump off?

While you may be using your swimming pool less frequently as fall activities start to take over, there is one important thing to remember: Do not turn off your water pump.

Can you leave pool pump outside?

Keep it on a low shelf so it won't fall or roll. If you keep your motor outdoors all winter, you could build a 'lean-to' with lumber or plastic for snow, rain and tree branches, but keep good air flow around the motor, and don't wrap it in plastic, which traps moisture inside the motor.

Can I leave my pool pump outside in the winter?

Keeping pumps away from accumulating moisture (assuming you live in a place that gets considerable rain/snowfall) during the winter is a good way to protect the equipment. Heavy snow is a danger to pool equipment that remains outdoors.

What does a pool pump cover do?

A swimming pool cover keeps rain and debris out of an outdoor pool when it's not in use. It also effectively maintains the water's temperature and prevents evaporation as well. However, it's challenging to remove the pool cover, especially when it's full of rain.

How do I protect my pool pump from the rain?

Protect the pump motor from water damage

In addition to removing circuit breakers, consider moving the motor indoors or covering it with a waterproof material to prevent water from getting inside.

How do you cover a pool pump?

The simplest way to hide your pool pump and filter is to put up a small wall or screen to block the view, and the noise from the pump. If you are handy with wood, you can saw-up your own pool filter screen to hide the pool pump, or you can buy vinyl privacy walls at most home stores and garden centers.

What happens to a pool cover when it rains?

Water accumulation can damage pool covers

Even the smallest amounts of water can add up, putting pressure on the seams of the cover and starting to weaken it. This pressure can cause rips in your pool cover and even make the cover collapse into the pool.

How do I cover my pool pump for the winter?

A simple canvas cover or tarp with tie-down straps can be used to cover the filter, but should be removed prior to the commissioning of your swimming pool or, at minimum, the startup of the filter. A properly winterized filter shouldn't crack.

Should you run your pool pump during the day or at night?

It may be cheaper to run the pump at night, but honestly you should run it 1 hour a day per 10 degrees of temperature at least, and it should be during the day. Running the pump at night should only be when you are doing a major chemical treatment such as algae clean-up.

How long can you leave your pool pump off?

If you want to activate the pump once a day, start with six hours, but never go lower than five hours, especially in the summer. If your pool is in constant use, you may need to run the pump for up to eight hours per day, frequently checking the water clarity and chemical balance.

Do pool pumps use a lot of electricity?

One of the most significant consumers of energy in homes with swimming pools are pool pumps, which keep pools clean by circulating water through filters. Pool pumps can consume 3,000 to over 5,000 kWh per year.

How long can you leave a pool pump on?

The rule of thumb is generally 8 hours, although it could be anywhere from 6-12 hours, depending on your pool's size. Each pool is unique, so to keep your pool pump efficient and effective, you need to figure out exactly what your pool's turnover rate is.

Is it better to keep a pool covered or uncovered?

Covering a pool when it is not in use is the single most effective means of reducing pool heating costs. Savings of 50%–70% are possible. Pool covers on indoor pools not only can reduce evaporation but also the need to ventilate indoor air and replace it with unconditioned outdoor air.

Should I shock my pool before or after it rains?

Give your pool a good shock treatment 1 to 2 days before the storm hits. You can bring the chlorine level up pretty high to prolong the pool being depleted of chlorine.

Should I cover my pool?

Pool covers block both debris and sunlight, to conserve your winter chemicals and protect soft and shiny surfaces. And a pool safety cover as shown here, keeps your pool safe and looking great. It is recommended to use a winter cover, and 99% of pool owners who have their pool winterized do cover the pool for winter.

Can you put a pool pump in a shed?

A small storage box shed is a tidy place to store a pool pump and a few other small items, while a large storage shed or pool house is ideal for storing all your backyard items.

Can pool equipment be indoors?

They may be able to help with a solution, but very rarely can units be made to work properly indoors. If you insist on installing your swimming pool heat pump indoors, be sure to provide a way to supply 3,500 CFMs* of fresh air to your unit. * CFM is (cubic feet per minute) of air travel.

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