Why Is My Swimming Pool Pump So Noisy?
A pool pump is relatively quiet even when turned on, so you don’t expect it to keep you up at night. But you wake up one day, and you notice the loud noise coming from it, and it isn’t enjoyable. This may make you worry that it is not working as it should, but that is not always the case.
The good news is that a noisy pool pump is something that you can figure out and fix. There are only a few things that could be wrong, and they are all reasonably easy to repair without needing to call a professional.
Top reasons why your pump is noisier than before
To understand the problem causing loud noises in your pump, you need to find out the source of the noise. Is it the pump itself that is loud or the motor?
You should also identify the type of noise; is it a screeching sound, or does it sound like marbles are rolling inside it. Once you have this, you can go ahead to find out the actual problem as follows.
Blockage
Sometimes debris gets sucked into the pump blocking the pipes hence causing a loud noise. For example, when the dirt is pulled into the pump, it stops it making it difficult to draw in water; therefore, it overworks to do its job.
The blockage could also happen to the impeller, which will be sucking in more air than water. If the pump continues working, it will lead to an overheated impeller, producing a rattling sound.
Wrong mounting
If your most silent pool pump model is not mounted correctly, it may produce a loud vibrating noise. The motors naturally have a vibration, but it becomes drowned down since it passes water. If it is not mounted well on concrete, the noise becomes louder as it becomes lose.
You can test this by pushing the pump downwards to see whether it will move. Any movement shows that it is not secure, which can be solved by mounting the machine well.
Cavitation
This happens when the pump isn’t getting enough water, such that it sucks in both air and water. It can also be due to the pump not getting enough water as fast as is needed.
When the impeller spins more quickly than the water is coming in, it begins to suck in air. As the impeller spins with inadequate water, it causes a loud noise that can sound like rattling.
Worn out bearings
When your pump is producing a screeching sound, it could be because the bearings are worn out. The bearings are usually in the motor of the pump to reduce friction as the motor spins.
As the bearings start to wear out, they produce a sound that may seem to come from the motor. Unfortunately, this problem can only be solved by a professional.
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How to quiet a noisy pool pump
Once you figure out the cause of the loud noise, it is easier to find a solution. The following are some of the ways to quiet the pump.
Mount the pump properly
One of the most common causes of noise from the pump is a poorly mounted pump. If you touch the machine and it is moving around, this could cause the sound. You can quickly solve this by getting a professional to mount it again, ensuring that it is secure.
You can also do it yourself by tightening the screws that hold it, but it is better to call someone if this doesn’t work.
Raise the water level
If your pump isn’t getting adequate water, it could be the cause of the noise. Raising the water level using a hose can be an easy solution. Ensure that the water is getting to the skimming baskets so that enough water makes it into the pump.
Clean the skimmer
Skimmer baskets are supposed to filter out debris to prevent it from entering your pump system. This is why it needs to be cleaned regularly. For example, if the skimmer baskets have a lot of dirt from the pool, they could prevent enough water from getting into the pump leading to loud noises and cavitation.
Empty the skimmer baskets, ensuring that you dispose of the dirt properly so they don’t return to them. Make it a habit of checking that there is no debris in the baskets.
Install vibration pads
Another way to deal with loud pool filter vibration noise is by installing isolation pads that reduce the vibrations coming from the pump. This is the best solution when the noise is not too loud, and you can’t get to the bottom of the problem.
The pads are made from rubber that works by muting the noise coming from the pump. The pads can be installed under the motor and around the pump, ensuring that it is not blocking any essential openings.
Replace the bearings
If you notice a whining and rattling sound from your pump, the issue could be the bearings. The machine has two bearings that help reduce friction. You can buy them as a kit to replace them, including the shaft seal.
Unfortunately, it is not easy to replace the bearings, so it is best to get a professional to do it. This is because you need bearing pullers to remove the old ones and replace them.
Pool pump cover
If you cannot get to the cause of the problem and are on a tight budget to fix it, you can buy a pool pump soundproof cover. They work for both centrifugal and jet pumps; hence they are suitable for most options in the market.
It is ideal for dampening any noise coming from the pump, creating a temporary fix to the issue. In addition, it will reduce the noise coming from the machine and protect it from the elements.
What does a damaged pool pump sound like?
Loud vibrating noises from your pool booster pump should be no cause for alarm since they don’t signify a bad pump. However, when it produces screeching, rattling, and whining noises, you should be concerned.
If the pump makes a high-pitched noise, it could be a sign that something is blocking the impeller, which should be solved urgently. The good thing about blockages is that they can clear it away as the pump works and things go back to normal.
Screeching sounds could also mean that the bearings are worn out, and this could damage your pump.
DIY Soundproof Pool Pump Cover
Getting a pump cover is one way to drown down any noises coming from your pool pump. While it is pretty affordable to buy, you can also create one yourself to deal with the problem. A DIY solution is built like a little house for your pump. You can construct it using wood and nails or concrete if you prefer it.
How to deal with a neighbor’s noisy pool pump
If your neighbor has a noisy pump that is disturbing your peace, there are a few actions you can take to ensure that the problem is sorted.
Talk to your neighbor
Your neighbor may not know that their pump is producing unusual noises. Approach them and tell them that their machine is too loud so they can take steps to deal with the problem.
Gift them a pump cover
If it doesn’t seem that your neighbor is in a hurry to solve the problem of their loud pump, you can gift them a pool pump cover. You can buy one online relatively cheaply, and it will go a long way in reducing the noise from the machine.
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Legal action
If you have tried talking to your neighbor about fixing their loud pool pump and they have taken no action, you can get a court order against them. This could force them to repair their machine or restrict them from using it until it is fixed.
Dealing with a noisy pool pump is an easier job than you would imagine. It is all about identifying the problem and looking for a suitable solution. Ensuring that both your pool and pump and well maintained will go a long way in ensuring that you don’t need to deal with strange noises from the machine. Do regular maintenance services on the pump to keep it in good working condition.