If you notice that the water in your swimming pool has turned green due to thriving algae or accumulation of dirt, chances are that your pool pump is about to fail or it has stopped working.
As you might be aware, a swimming pool or spa cannot function effectively without a pump. The primary purpose of the pump is to drive water through the pool’s filtration system, making sure that the water is clean and safe for use.
If the pump malfunctions, then the pool will not be ideal for any activities. With this in mind, it is only logical that you clean and maintain your pool pump regularly to keep it in top shape.
Here is a detailed guide on how to clean a pool pump.
Steps on how to clean a pool pump
STEP 1: Acquire the right pool pump cleaning supplies
Cleaning a pool pump is a demanding job that requires the right tools to attain desirable results. You may opt to buy or rent the necessary tools depending on available resources. Some of the most essential supplies that you need to clean a pool pump include:
- Screwdriver
- Brush
- Vacuum hose
- Cleaning rags or paper towels
- Torque wrench
- Filter cleaner
- Lubricant
- Hand gloves
STEP 2: Turn off the pump
Cleaning a pool pump while it is running is extremely dangerous as the unit consists of several moving mechanical parts. You may end up damaging your tools as well as the pump. For this reason, it is imperative that you turn it off before making any other step. You may turn it off manually using the external on/off toggle switch installed near the pump or at the circuit breaker.
STEP 3: Disconnect the pump and motor
You may need to disconnect the pump and the motor from the piping system in order to clean it efficiently. However, this depends on the make and model of the pump.
STEP 4: Remove the top cover
Removing the top lid of the pump is relatively easy as it only consists of several small screws that hold the cover. All you have to do is to unscrew the cover to disassemble the pump.
STEP 5: Remove excess air from the pump
Air buildup is normal in any pump, particularly in the basket and filters. However, air bubbles may clog the pump causing it to malfunction. Flushing out these air bubbles using a vacuum hose may help unclog the pump as you get into the intricate part of cleaning your pool pump.
STEP 6: Remove and clean the strainer basket
Notably, a pool pump consists of several parts ranging from the strainer basket to the impeller. You may start cleaning the various parts of the pump in any order.
Cleaning the strainer basket is very easy, as it does not require any special tools or supplies. You just need a garden or vacuum hose to wash it. Nevertheless, make sure that you allow the basket to dry completely and check for any damages before reinstalling it back into the pump.
STEP 7: Remove and clean the filter cartridge
The filter cartridge is another essential component that requires regular maintenance when cleaning a pool pump. Importantly, you should backwash the filter at least once every 1-3 months of continuous use.
Start by removing the clamps or any other latching mechanism that is holding the filter before releasing it from its slow. After inspecting the filter for damage, clean it using a spray nozzle, ensuring that you focus on the area between the pleats. Afterwards, rinse the cartridge thoroughly before returning it into its rightful place.
STEP 8: Remove and clean the impeller
You should also clean the impeller to remove any clogs, debris, or dirt that might be causing the pump to malfunction. The good news is that cleaning the impeller is extremely easy. You may use a coat hanger, a bent wire, or even your fingers to fish around for debris.
STEP 9: Reassemble the pump and turn it on
After inspecting the various parts for damage and allowing them to dry, you should reassemble the pump and turn it on for a test run.
Enlist a professional
Cleaning a pool pump might seem easy at first, but the truth is that it is not a job for the faint-hearted. The task involves a number of processes that are not only tedious, but also time-consuming.
You also need to buy or rent the right type of tools to clean the pool pump effectively. Bearing this in mind, it makes great sense to hire a professional pool cleaning service to handle the task. Moreover, a pump consists of several delicate parts that only an expert can clean effectively without causing damage.
Thank you for explaining how to clean a pool pump. My friend just got a new pool. They probably need to have a pump installed to keep it working as well as possible.
I appreciate that you said that you should remove any excess air from the pump. One of my friends has a pool and he said he needs to install a pump for it. In my opinion, you talk to an expert about it.
My cousin is thinking about getting a pump for her pool so that she will be able to maintain her pool better. If it ever broke it could be really nice to get it fixed by a professional. It was interesting to learn about how she needs to disconnect the piping system from the pump and motor in order to clean it better.
This is some really good information about cleaning a pool pump. My father wants to get a pool. But he wants the maintenance to be low. Thanks for explaining that he will want to remove the filters often.
Thanks for the tips to backwash the filter about every 1-3 months and to do this by taking it apart and using a spray nozzle. My grandparents have a pool in their backyard in Fort Worth, TX and are needing some help fixing their pump. I think it’d be easiest if they could find a swimming pool equipment repair service near them to help.