Cover equipment to extend life?

[JimK]

I can't believe in just a few short weeks it'll be time to start thinking about closing for the season.

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?

[nefretrameses]

I'd probably want some ventilation under there. Moisture trapped would probably do more damage than the elements.

[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.

[JimK]

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.

[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.

[JimK]

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.

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.

[CarlD]

I wish I would have known about this site and gotten this advice when we had the pool installed in 2004.

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.

[JimK]

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.

[CarlD]

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.

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.

[JimK]

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.