Cover equipment to extend life?
I can't believe in just a few short weeks it'll be time to start thinking about closing for the season. :sad:
This year I had to replace my pump and it got me thinking how I might extend the life of the pump and filter. Since the pool was installed in 2004 the equipment was just left exposed. I know removing the pump and storing it indoors is one way to extend it's life, but that is such a PIA for me and I don't like messing with electricity if I can help it. The filter (DE) is also looking a bit weather beaten although it's still working fine.
Would just covering the pump and filter with a tarp for the winter help?
Re: Cover equipment to extend life?
I'd probably want some ventilation under there. Moisture trapped would probably do more damage than the elements.
Re: Cover equipment to extend life?
I had been thinking about building basically a large "dog house" to go over my pool equipment. With the goal of reducing pump noise and protecting it. The problem with that is that since it will be covered in operation it needs good ventilation to cool the pump. Not a concern if you've got the power off for the winter.
Another thought is if you've got things shut down for winter - why not just remove the pump motor and put it indoors.
Re: Cover equipment to extend life?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
kelemvor
I had been thinking about building basically a large "dog house" to go over my pool equipment. With the goal of reducing pump noise and protecting it. The problem with that is that since it will be covered in operation it needs good ventilation to cool the pump. Not a concern if you've got the power off for the winter.
Another thought is if you've got things shut down for winter - why not just remove the pump motor and put it indoors.
Thank you for the feedback.
I was hoping to avoid removing the pump/motor as it's a major PIA and I don't like messing with electrical stuff if possible.
Would it help to just loosely cover the equipment to keep rain off of it bit allow for some ventilation?
PS - Sorry for the late response.
Re: Cover equipment to extend life?
My solution years ago was to have quick-connects everywhere in the plumbing but especially on the pump and filter inlets and outlets. The pump has a 230v twistlock plug in an weatherproof outlet. Pop the two quick-connects, unplug the power cord, unscrew the banding ground, drain the pump, and put it in the basement.
Proper planning greatly reduces your closing time.
Re: Cover equipment to extend life?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
CarlD
My solution years ago was to have quick-connects everywhere in the plumbing but especially on the pump and filter inlets and outlets. The pump has a 230v twistlock plug in an weatherproof outlet. Pop the two quick-connects, unplug the power cord, unscrew the banding ground, drain the pump, and put it in the basement.
Proper planning greatly reduces your closing time.
I wish I would have known about this site and gotten this advice when we had the pool installed in 2004. :D
I'll definitely keep this in mind should we ever redo the plumbing. The only issue is space is really tight so adding disconnects to the existing plumbing is near impossible.....it would likely require staring over from scratch.
Re: Cover equipment to extend life?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
JimK
I wish I would have known about this site and gotten this advice when we had the pool installed in 2004. :D
I'll definitely keep this in mind should we ever redo the plumbing. The only issue is space is really tight so adding disconnects to the existing plumbing is near impossible.....it would likely require staring over from scratch.
Think about it. PVC is very easy to work, that you should be able to create space to relieve the problem. I "upgrade" my plumbing and pipe runs frequently, to fix problems, to respond to adding an included deck, to adding an SWCG.
Re: Cover equipment to extend life?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
CarlD
Think about it. PVC is very easy to work, that you should be able to create space to relieve the problem. I "upgrade" my plumbing and pipe runs frequently, to fix problems, to respond to adding an included deck, to adding an SWCG.
I've never done any PVC work...so naturally I'm a bit hesitant. If you ever find yourself in SE VA and want to do some pool plumbing work for fun, let me know...lol. :D
Re: Cover equipment to extend life?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
JimK
I've never done any PVC work...so naturally I'm a bit hesitant. If you ever find yourself in SE VA and want to do some pool plumbing work for fun, let me know...lol. :D
Sure...if I'm ever in that part of the state (lived in Alexandria for a decade). But PVC is seriously easy to work. YouTube and, I think Home Depot/Lowes have videos. Try a few joints for practice.
Steps are simple:
1) Use only Schedule 40 or Schedule 80 fittings.
2) Cut to length (Hack saw, Sawzall, two-handed cable saw, Power miter box and brush of the shavings.
3) Use PVC cleaner (yellow can) to clean the pipe back about 1 1/2". Clean the fitting as well
4) Use Purple PVC primer on the pipe and fitting evenly.
5) Use PVC glue (either clear or blue) in white can on both pipe and fitting, thin, even layer.
6) Insert pipe in fitting all the way in. Give a 1/4 turn and turn back to desired position (with angle fittings). Should be hard quickly.
That's it! Simple as pie to work.
Re: Cover equipment to extend life?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
CarlD
Sure...if I'm ever in that part of the state (lived in Alexandria for a decade). But PVC is seriously easy to work. YouTube and, I think Home Depot/Lowes have videos. Try a few joints for practice.
Steps are simple:
1) Use on Schedule 40 or Schedule 80 fittings.
2) Cut to length (Hack saw, Sawzall, two-handed cable saw, Power miter box and brush of the shavings.
3) Use PVC cleaner (yellow can) to clean the pipe back about 1 1/2". Clean the fitting as well
4) Use Purple PVC primer on the pipe and fitting evenly.
5) Use PVC glue (either clear or blue) in white can on both pipe and fitting, thin, even layer.
6) Insert pipe in fitting all the way in. Give a 1/4 turn and turn back to desired position (with angle fittings). Should be hard quickly.
That's it! Simple as pie to work.
Thanks for the tips and encouragement. :)
Re: Cover equipment to extend life?
Typo: Changed 1) to read "Use only Schedule 40....." instead of "Use on Sch..."
PVC is incredibly easy to work and Schedule 40 is good for pressure lines (don't ever use fittings not marked Schedule 40 or Schedule 80 on any line that has water pressure. Non schedule fittings are only for drains where there's no pressure, like sink drains). It's not good for hot water lines either--there you have to use CPVC but I don't know where it's used in the US. We don't use it in NJ.
Re: Cover equipment to extend life?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
CarlD
Typo: Changed 1) to read "Use only Schedule 40....." instead of "Use on Sch..."
PVC is incredibly easy to work and Schedule 40 is good for pressure lines (don't ever use fittings not marked Schedule 40 or Schedule 80 on any line that has water pressure. Non schedule fittings are only for drains where there's no pressure, like sink drains). It's not good for hot water lines either--there you have to use CPVC but I don't know where it's used in the US. We don't use it in NJ.
Thanks Carl.
It's this type of knowledge I lack that can get me into trouble. Should I decide to replumb I know who to ask for guidance. :)
Re: Cover equipment to extend life?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
JimK
Thanks Carl.
It's this type of knowledge I lack that can get me into trouble. Should I decide to replumb I know who to ask for guidance. :)
Most of our team is equally knowledgeable about such stuff, but glad to help. Ben, the PoolDoc himself, is actually a licensed plumber so his knowledge of plumbing is far superior to mine.
Re: Cover equipment to extend life?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
CarlD
Most of our team is equally knowledgeable about such stuff, but glad to help. Ben, the PoolDoc himself, is actually a licensed plumber so his knowledge of plumbing is far superior to mine.
That's good to know.
Any word on how Ben is doing? I read in an earlier post he's fighting Lyme's Disease. I wish him a speedy and full recovery. :)
