A swimming pool is one of the greatest features of a house, especially in cities with hot weather like Las Vegas, but behind that crystal clear water and refreshing dip is a functioning system of plumbing and equipment that makes it all possible. The core of this system is your pool pump, which is responsible for moving water through the filter, heater (if installed), and chlorinator to keep the water clear, safe, and chemically balanced.
Like any piece of machinery, the pool pump needs to be maintained to function properly. Without proper maintenance, pumps can wear down due to poor circulation, lack of energy efficiency, and ultimately, failure. Luckily, with some simple maintenance and some help from professional swimming pool pump plumbing services, you can dramatically extend the life of your pool pump and save on the cost of swimming pool leak detection and repairs or replacements that eventually come further down the line. In this blog, we look into why maintenance matters, what maintenance tasks should be done routinely, and when to call a professional plumber for swimming pool pump plumbing services.
The Importance of Pool Pump Maintenance
Think of your pool pump as the heart of your pool’s circulation system. When it’s working properly, it keeps your water filtered and chemically balanced, reducing the risk of algae growth, cloudy water, and costly chemical adjustments. But even minor issues, like a clogged basket or a small leak, can reduce performance and strain the motor.
Below are some things regular maintenance prevents:
- Motor overheating and burning out
- Water flow inefficiencies
- Increased energy consumption
- Costly swimming pool leak detection and repair, or early replacement of the pump
Regular maintenance ensures that your system functions as it should and will increase the life of the pump by years.
Basic Pool Pump Maintenance Tips
Maintaining a pool is a huge responsibility. In addition to regular maintenance by pool leak detection specialists, there are several things you can do as a pool owner to enhance the performance of your pump.
1. Empty the Pump Basket Regularly
The pump basket collects debris, like bugs, plant debris, and hair, before the water reaches the filter. When the pump basket is filled with debris, it reduces the flow and makes the pump work harder, which stresses the motor. Make it a habit to check the pump basket every 1–2 weeks and clean it, especially in heavy usage months or leaf-dropping seasons.
2. Check and Clean the Pool Filter
A dirty filter or hair clog in the filter can create back pressure on the pump, which will force the pump to work harder. Make sure to run your cartridge filter, sand filter, DE filter, or follow the manufacturer’s cleaning schedule, if needed, and seek professional routine water filter installation service.
3. Check for Leaks
Has your pump developed visible leaks (drips or puddles)? Visible leaks could suggest that an O-ring is failing or that the housing is possibly cracked. Even small leaks can develop into bigger issues and become electrical problems if water enters the motor housing casing. In such cases, it is best to call a professional leak detection plumber if you have any leaks in your pump, for it to be repaired.
4. Monitor Water Flow and Noise Levels
Is your pump making an unusual sound like grinding, humming, or screeching? This likely means there is a mechanical issue, like a bad bearing or impeller blockage. If the water flow is reduced, this may suggest a clog or suction-side water leak for your pool pump.
5. Keep Water Levels Up
When water levels are low, the pump will suck air instead of water, causing loss of prime or cavitation, which can permanently damage the pump. Make sure your pool stays filled to the correct level, especially in hot months, when evaporation is higher.
Smarter Pool Pump Maintenance for Every Season
Even in a warm climate like Las Vegas, seasonal maintenance can help provide efficient, long-lasting operation of your pool pump. In the spring, you will need to check seals, fittings, and connections, as they may have worn from the winter, prime your pump, if it has been sitting for an extended period of time, and lubricate O-rings so a watertight seal can be made.
When summer arrives, you will notice that the near-peak heat will put even more stress on your pool pump, so pay attention to performance, clean any dirt and debris off the motor vent, and test the amperage of the motor for early signs of possible breakdown.
During the fall and winter months, you should remove debris from the system and reduce the run times for the pump based on reduced use of the pool. If closing the pool, fully drain the pump and pipes to protect against freeze damage. These simple, season-specific steps help you avoid breakdowns and costly swimming pool leak detection services & repairs while maintaining smooth pool operation all year long.
When Should You Call a Swimming Pool Plumber?
Some maintenance tasks are not DIY. This is when you need to call a certified swimming pool pump plumbing expert, like experienced professionals at Larkin Plumbing.
Here are some situations when you should call for help:
- Continuing leaks or failure of seals
- Sounds that are unfamiliar or lacking suction
- The motor heats up or does not turn on
- Circuit breakers are tripping frequently
- The pump operates, but does not circulate the water
Professional service personnel can quickly identify if it is a pump issue, or plumbing or electrical connections. At Larkin Plumbing, the best pool leak detection company has the manpower, plumbing tools, and experience to identify leaks, perform pump repairs, or replace pumps if necessary.
When Should You Repair or Replace Your Pool Pump?
Although pool pumps do have infinite potential, even with regular maintenance, they won’t last forever. A pool pump has an average lifespan of 8-12 years with proper care of maintenance. If you are approaching the end of the lifespan of your pool pump or have had numerous problems with your pool pump, it may be less expensive to replace it rather than keep repairing it.
Below are some indicators that it may be time for pool pump replacement:
- You are spending too much on the swimming pool pump plumbing
- You put in a new pump motor, and it is burning out
- You have an older pump that is inefficient or destroying your pool
- Finding replacement parts is becoming more difficult
Today’s newer generation of pumps, particularly variable speed pumps, is more energy efficient and constructed better than older generation single-speed pumps. A professional local plumbing company can assist you in choosing a proper replacement pump and install it accordingly for maximum life expectancy.
Why a Professional Plumber Makes A Huge Difference
Regular maintenance from a professional plumber of your pool pump will not only prolong its life, but it will also help preserve your pool system and investment. With some proactivity on your part and the involvement of a trustworthy professional, your pool system will last longer and run more energy efficiently, and keep your pool ready for swimming throughout the swimming season. At Larkin Plumbing, our certified swimming pool plumbers provide complete pool pump repair & maintenance, leak detection, and replacements. Larkin Plumbing is the best plumbing company in Las Vegas and has served Las Vegas homeowners for decades for all plumbing needs from commercial leak detection services and water heaters repair to professional drain cleaning services and, we are there to help you anytime and provide 24 hour emergency plumbing services in Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin and surrounding areas.
For your pool water to stay clean, clear, and safe, you will need your pool pump working properly. With ongoing maintenance and a knowledgeable professional behind you, you can swim worry-free and maintain your equipment for longer. At Larkin Plumbing, we’re here to help, whether that be fixing reduced flow from your pump or if you’re just looking for a seasonal assurance. Contact us today, and our qualified plumbers will ensure your pool pump operates reliably and efficiently so that your enjoyment does not have to be interrupted.
