Top 3 Common Pool Owner Mistakes

November 6th, 2018 Posted in Pool Maintenance
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Owning a pool is not simple – there are many different factors you must stay on top of to maintain and care for a pool. Mistakes happen, but some pool ownership mistakes can be very costly. If you want your swimming pool to be a benefit to your home and lifestyle, not a burden, here are three common mistakes you will want to avoid.

Poor Maintenance

You can save yourself time and money in the long run by keeping up with your pool maintenance. Proper cleaning can go a long way in preventing damage to equipment. Opting to use a pool service for your ongoing maintenance is worth the investment.

Right-Sized Equipment

Bigger is not always better when it comes to pool pumps and motors. Over-sizing a pump for the pool you have is a waste of energy and can put excess strain on the filtration and plumbing systems for your pool. Not only does it cost you more on your utility bills each month, you may end up spending more in repairs by having a pump that is too big, or too small, for your pool.

Water Levels

Pools lose water from use and evaporation. Letting your pool water level get too low can cause expensive damage to your equipment. Levels should be kept above the skimmer, either through manually filling as needed or by installing an auto-filler to maintain the right water levels.

By keeping an eye on these factors, along with proper circulation and chemicals, can help minimize problems with your pool to make ownership a breeze. Signing up for ongoing professional maintenance can help reduce your chance of pool issues and keep your pool in good condition for many years of enjoyment to come.

Posted on behalf of:
Somar Pool Service & Repairs
4581 Weston Road
Weston, FL 33331
(954) 840-8544

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Comparing Different Pool Pump Speed Options

September 14th, 2016 Posted in Pool Repairs
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The pool pump is the workhorse of your pool, keeping the water flowing for adequate filtering and heating. When it comes to replacing your pool pump, which is expected every few years, you have many choices to contend with, including speed options. Pool pumps generally come in three speed options: single, two-speed and variable. The type you choose will affect your pool’s efficiency and how much you initially pay for your new pool pump.

Single-speed

The traditional pool pump is a single-speed motor that runs at the same speed 24/7. While these are the most affordable to purchase, they may cost you more in the long run. Pool owners with these types of single-speed pumps can end up paying thousands of dollars a year in electricity. 

Two-speed

The next level of pool pump is the two-speed pump, offering more efficiency than the standard one-speed pumps. Since these pumps have a low-speed option, pool owners can reduce the amount of energy used for normal use. The higher speed may only be needed when heating the pool or when more debris is needing to be filtered from the pool. These dual-speed pumps are more expensive, but can have a considerable savings on energy bills.

Variable-speed

The most efficient option available is the variable-speed pump which calculates the correct flow rate for the pool. These motors are also quieter, use digital technology and tend to last longer than one or two-speed pumps. The efficiency can be up to 90% better than a single-speed pump, saving substantial money on utility bills.

If you need a pool pump replaced, talk to your local pool repair company to discuss which type of motor will best suit your needs.

Posted on behalf of Somar Pools, LLC
Miami Beach, FL
(305) 767-7755

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Signs Your Pool Pump Needs Repair

March 13th, 2016 Posted in Pool Repairs
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Your pool pump works day in and day out to move water through your pool to provide a safe, clean pool for your enjoyment. It should be expected that eventually the pump will wear out and need service or replacement. More often than not, a simple repair is all that is required. Here are some common pump issues which alert you to when you need a repair.

  • Your pump is loud or making strange noises. When your pool pump starts increasing in volume or screaming when pumping, the most likely reason is that the bearings are going out. Your pool service can replace the bearings to fix this issue.
  • You notice your pump is leaking water. Is your pump is leaking or spraying water, you may need to consider replacing the threaded fittings that can be damaged from constant use. Worn out seals are also often a cause of leaking pumps. Both of these repairs only take about an hour in labor costs and the components are inexpensive to replace.
  • Reduce pumping. If you notice your pool pump is not pumping as much water as before, there may be debris clogging the basket or the basket may need to be replaced. These are usually repairs you can do on your own.

Since your pool pump is necessary to maintain your pool, at the first sign of a problem, call your local pool service. If your pool pump is fairly new, it may be under warranty, so you will want to call a pool service that can provide warranty work at no cost to you if it is covered.

Posted on behalf of Somar Pool Service & Repairs
4581 Weston Road
Weston, FL 33331
(954) 840-8544

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Benefits of Upgrading Your Pool Pump

September 10th, 2015 Posted in Pool Repairs
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When it comes to keeping your pool clean, your pool pump is the workhorse of the system. Pool pumps filter the pool water, keeping algae and debris out of the water while helping maintain the PH balance. However, if your pump is too small or is not running long enough every day, it may not be getting your pool as clean as you think and actually may be costing you more in energy. Upgrading to a right-sized pool pump is the best way to keep your pool clean and save money off your energy bill.

Right Size, Right Speed

To keep your pool clean, the water in the pool should be cycled through the pump at least once every 12 hours. To do this, you can either have a pump that runs all the time, or have it set to run several hours at a time, then off for several hours. Some people opt to have a larger pump than their pool requires, then try to save energy by only running it part of the day. In the long run, this could be costing more money. The trick is to have the right size pump that can run all day, giving you a clean, efficient pool.

In many cases, a pool company may sell a pump on the “bigger is better” philosophy. That is not necessarily the best option. Instead, a pump that is designed to clean the correct amount of gallons of water over a 12 hour period that can be left on all day can actually save money while cleaning 24-hours a day. These need to be 2-speed or variable speed pumps that can be set at an efficient rate to clean your pool.

If you have a high-horsepower, one-speed pump that you are cycling on and off every day, it may be time to upgrade to a more efficient, right-sized pump. Talk to your local pool service about how a multiple speed pump can keep your pool cleaner and save on energy at the same time.

Posted on behalf of Somar Pools, LLC
Miami Beach, FL
(305) 767-7755

 

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Is Your Pool Pump Air Locked?

August 2nd, 2014 Posted in Pool Repairs
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A common issue with pool pumps is difficulty priming, often caused by what is referred to as an air lock. This happens when air gets into the suction line to the pump, making it difficult for the pump to pull in water. Pool pumps are designed to push in water, not air, which can cause the pump to struggle to get primed.  Although often the pump will eventually get primed on its own, the strain on the pump can cause damage to the pump and the fittings. It’s better to get the pumped primed quickly, then find out what is causing the air lock in the first place.

Causes Of An Air Locked Pool Pump

An air lock in the pool pump line generally happens when the water level has dropped for some reason. If the water level drops below the inlet valve for the pump, air can get into the line, causing the air lock. The most common cause of this is when the pool has been drained and refilled, or has lost water due to leaks, excessive outdoor temperatures or other factors. If the pool is losing water, there could be bigger issues than just the pump not priming; there could be a leak in the pool lining which needs to be fixed immediately.

One other cause of pumps repeatedly becoming air locked is poor plumbing. Some pumps have a three-way valve which can cause air locks if it was originally plumbed in too high during installation. While the pump may eventually prime, it must work hard to do so, creating heat which will cause damage in the long run.

If you are having issues with your pool pump getting air locked, call in a professional pool service technician to inspect your pump and pool. There could be a simple solution to get your pump working correctly before it needs to be replaced altogether.

Posted on behalf of Premier Pool Enterprises

 

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Troubleshooting Pool Pump Problems

July 1st, 2014 Posted in Pool Repairs
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Your pool’s pump is an essential component to the overall system, circulating the water in your pool through the filter. Not only does this purify and clean the water, it also ensures that your pool water chemicals are evenly distributed. Unfortunately, the pool pump is also one of the most common repair issues for pool owners. Knowing how to troubleshoot your pool pump can help you determine the problem, so you know if you need to call a pool professional to fix the issue. 

Common Pool Pump Problems

Like any mechanical device with a motor, your pool pump needs regular maintenance to perform optimally. In addition, there are parts which will eventually wear out and need replacement. Here are the most common signs of a pool pump problem.

  • Pump shuts off. Most pumps are designed to shut off automatically if they get too hot. It may be overheating due to debris getting stuck in the impeller.
  • Pump won’t start. If the pump will not turn on at all, check the breaker to the pump to make sure it has not been flipped off. If the breaker is fine, then it may be a loose wire or connection. It is also possible that the motor needs to be completely replaced.
  • Pump is leaking. If the pump is leaking water at the connections or plugs, the plugs may just need to be tightened. You may also need a new o-ring if the pump continues to leak at the plugs.

Keep in mind that preventive maintenance to inspect the pump and replace pool filters should be performed to the manufacturers standards. If simple troubleshooting does not fix the problem, call your local pool pump repair service to get the issue resolved.

Posted on behalf of Premiere Pool Enterprises, Inc.

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Does Your Pool Pump Need Repair Or Replacement?

September 25th, 2013 Posted in Pool Repairs
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Pool pumps like any motor need regular maintenance and repairs to keep working properly. However, just because a pump is having issues does not necessarily mean it needs to be replaced. Parts wear out and need to be replaced, but often these are not nearly as expensive as replacing the entire pump. Knowing the difference can save you hundreds of dollars and extend the life of your pool pump.

Common Pump Repairs

Eventually all pool pumps will need to have parts replaced as wear and tear take their toll. Troubleshooting can give you an idea of what may be wrong and whether it is a pool pump repair issue or if the entire pump will need replacement. Here are come common issues that usually mean the pump can be repaired.

–         Pump leaks. Often times a leaking or even spraying pump is just a matter of replacing the threaded fitting that can become warped over time. Another easy fix is leaks caused by worn out seals. Both these are fairly inexpensive parts and only take about an hour in labor costs to fix.

–         Loud pump noise. If your pump is making a racket, screaming when pumping, there is a good chance that the bearings need to be replaced. These bearings can be replaced, but not repacked as they are usually sealed.

–         Low pumping. If your pump is not pumping the same amount of water as usual, there may be debris blocking the pump basket or the basket may be cracked or broken. These both are usually easy fixes.

Although many problems can be repaired, sometimes the pump just must be replaced. Your local pool service professional can go over your options to find the best solution.

Posted on behalf of Premier Pool Enterprises

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How Important Are Pool Pumps and Filters?

July 4th, 2013 Posted in Pool Repairs
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Pool pumps and filters play a very important role in keeping your pool clean and fresh.   What generates the power to run the filtering system of any pool is its pump. Of course, your pool filter would virtually be worthless without a motor or pump to drive it. Pool pumps today are either single speed, two speed or variable speed pumps. Generally, a two-speed pump will only switch to the higher speed when extra power is necessary, operating for the most part at the lower speed.  The lower the speed, the lower your energy bill. A variable pump has multiple speeds than can be set for different needs. If you intend to use your pump on an adjacent whirlpool or spa, or plan to attach a cleaning tool to your motor, then the variable speed option may be just for you.

Likewise, pool filters are an important and necessary part of a pool’s equipment. A filter will help to maintain your pool’s cleanliness while filtering out potentially harmful debris and chemicals. Swimming pool filters typically come in three different types: diatomaceous earth filters (DE), cartridge filters and sand filters. The DE filter provides the purest filtered water back to the pool by running the water through its internal grids coated with powder. Cartridge filters are best used for smaller bodies of water such as a spa. In sand filters, water passes through a mixture comprised of sand and pea gravel.

Whatever type of pump you may have, or type of filter, your local swimming pool service company should be able to provide you with the professional service that your existing system requires. They should also be able to steer you to alternative products that may better meet your individual needs.

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Swimming Pool Pumps and Filters

May 5th, 2013 Posted in Pool Repairs
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Pool pumps are important! What generates the power to run the filtering system of any pool is its pump. Of course, your pool filter would be virtually worthless without a motor or pump to drive it. Pool pumps today are either single speed, two speed or variable speed pumps. Generally, a two-speed pump will only switch to the higher speed when extra power is necessary, operating for the most part at the lower speed. The lower the speed, the lower your energy bill. A variable pump has multiple speeds than can be set for different needs. If you intend to use your pump on an adjacent whirlpool or spa, or plan to attach a cleaning tool to your motor, then the variable speed option may be just for you.

Likewise, pool filters are an important and necessary part of a pool’s equipment. A filter will help to maintain your pool’s cleanliness while filtering out potentially harmful debris and chemicals. Swimming pool filters typically come in three different types: diatomaceous earth filters (DE), cartridge filters and sand filters. The DE filter provides the purest filtered water back to the pool by running the water through its internal grids coated with powder. Cartridge filters are best used for smaller bodies of water such as a spa. In sand filters, water passes through a mixture comprised of sand and pea gravel.

Whatever type of pump you may have, or type of filter, your local swimming pool service company should be able to provide you with the professional service that your existing system requires. They should also be able to steer you to alternative products that may better meet your individual needs.

 

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Tips for Replacing Your Pool Pump

October 25th, 2012 Posted in Pool Repairs
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One of the most common pool repairs is replacement of the water pump.  A pool pump has a wide range for its life span estimate, and much of that may depend on how strong your routine pump maintenance program has been.  While estimates vary between a year and a decade, three years is the average expected life of a pool pump.  This means that you can expect to replace your pool pump a few times over the life of your swimming pool.

A variable speed pump is often more efficient than the traditional kind of pool pump. A variable speed pump will continue to keep your pool clean but uses less energy to reduce the cost of operating your pool.  They also often work at lower temperatures to further save on your operating costs.

You can also use a seasonal timer with your pump to reduce the amount of time your pump runs during the off season.  It will also run less during the summer months because it will adjust on its own.

The size of the pump matters for how efficiently it will run so make sure you purchase one large enough for your pool but not so large that you waste the extra capacity.  Also look at your pool’s plumbing since it can only carry so much water at a time.  If you buy a pump that exceeds this amount, not only is it wasteful but it can damage your pump.  A pump that is too large can also damage your filter.

You will also want to factor in any additional features of your pool such as a spa or pool sweep.  These features can affect the size of the pump needed for your pool.

If you are not sure what kind of pool pump to buy, talk to a service professional who can guide you on that decision.

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