Regular pump maintenance is the key to optimal performance and longevity of the equipment and the entire spa. Since spa pumps are installed out of sight, it's easy to forget them during routine maintenance. However, neglect can cause premature wear, which will affect operations and possibly lead to the need for pump replacement. Therefore, to protect your pump from wear and damage, here are some preventive maintenance tasks to undertake.
Conduct a Visual Inspection of the Pump
Regularly inspecting your spa pump can help you pinpoint issues before they grow out of hand. You don't need to unscrew or move around any of the parts. Just do a visual check to look for broken or loose connections. In particular, test all the connections and make sure they feel tight. Check the gasket as well for any visual signs of wear. If connections are loose or if the gasket is damaged, there may be a reduction in water pressure, which in turn could cause pump failure. Turn off the water if you notice your pump's connections are loose.
Clean and Replace Filters
Spa filters collect dirt and debris and prevent the pump from getting jammed or clogged. If the filters are blocked due to neglect, they cause stress on the pump, affect water pressure and lead to pump failure. Similarly, worn filters allow debris to pass through and clog other crucial parts of the system, including the pump motor. A clogged motor may overheat, fail to perform optimally or get damaged altogether. To prevent this, clean your filters regularly and replace them when they wear out.
Lubricate the Pump's O-Ring
Your spa pump's O-ring or gasket prevents leakage in the pump. If it's damaged, it can allow leaks which can cause the electrical motor to fail. A damaged motor means the pump won't work to circulate water in the spa. Proper maintenance of the O-ring calls for regular lubrication. Therefore, in addition to visually inspecting the gasket for damage, lubricate it to prevent failure due to friction. Only use approved O-ring lubricants to extend the durability of the gasket.
Run the Pump Daily
There are times when you may not need to run your spa at all. While this may save energy, it can spell bad news for your pump. If the pump is left for long periods without running, it can seize up. Once the pump and motor seize up, they won't be able to generate enough pressure for proper operation during the next use. Avoid this by running the pump for an hour every day, even when you're not using the spa.
Carrying out all these tasks by yourself may seem taxing, especially if you know little about spa pumps. Call in an expert for regular maintenance and tune-ups to keep your spa pump and its components in excellent condition.
Share12 February 2020
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