So you think you’re the pool guru because you toss in shock packets, run the pump a few hours, and call it a day? Cute. Except your pool pump has been roaring louder than a lawnmower, and you pretend it’s fine. Spoiler: that racket is your pool’s version of an SOS.
Mistake #1: Ignoring Pump Noise
When your pump sounds like it’s chewing rocks, that’s not “normal wear and tear.” It’s a red flag. Air leaks, clogged baskets, or cavitation could be cutting your system’s efficiency in half.
Simple Fix: Check the pump basket, tighten the lid, and inspect seals. Noise is never just noise; it’s a clue.
Mistake #2: Thinking Filtration Time Doesn’t Matter
You brag about running the pump “a couple hours” a day, as if that’s enough. Newsflash: water doesn’t care about your schedule. Without enough filtration, debris builds up and chlorine does all the heavy lifting until it burns out.
Simple Fix: Run the pump 8 to 12 hours daily in summer. Adjust runtime for pool size and bather load.
Mistake #3: Skipping Skimmer Maintenance
Your skimmer isn’t a decoration. When it’s clogged with leaves and bugs, circulation tanks, and the pump works overtime, screaming like it’s auditioning for a rock concert.
Simple Fix: Empty baskets daily. Clean them properly so the pump doesn’t choke.
Mistake #4: Assuming Chemicals Solve Everything
Dumping shock into a poorly circulated pool is like spraying perfume on a dumpster. If your water isn’t moving, chemicals can’t distribute, and algae laughs in your face.
Simple Fix: Balance circulation before dosing. Chemicals are not a substitute for flow.
Mistake #5: Forgetting About Filter Care
That noisy pump may be straining against a filter that hasn’t been backwashed since who knows when. Your system isn’t magic; it’s mechanical, and neglect shows.
Simple Fix: Backwash sand filters, clean cartridges, and deep clean as scheduled. Filters are the lungs of your pool.
Your “Stop Ignoring the Noise” Checklist
- Listen to your pump; noise means trouble
- Run filtration long enough for water turnover
- Empty skimmer baskets daily
- Circulate before you sanitize
- Clean or backwash filters regularly
Your pump’s noise isn’t background music. It’s the quiet clue you missed. Pay attention, fix the basics, and maybe your pool will finally stop screaming at you.
