Category Archives: Information

Tips, Tricks and Advice

09.01.13
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Dosing Pumps

Dosing pumps are one of the most cost effective and simple chlorinators available. A basic dosing pump simply pumps chlorine from a drum into your plumbing when the filter is operating. Your filter will dispense this chlorine back into the pool. You can adjust the rate at which these pumps disense chlorine to adjust for different weather conditions or seasons. Some units even have a super dose button which usually doses over a litre of chlorine.
pH dosing pumps are also available to dose acid to manage your pH level.

Dosing pumps run when your filter does, so they can distribute the chlorine carefully throughout the day. This means your pool is getting chlorine when it needs it and it also means you can reduce your chlorine usage. A dosing pump can often use only 500-750ml a day. 60L drums are also available saving you from looking after the chlorine for months. Our delivery men can also fill your 60L drum rather than leaving you with new small ones and will remove the empties so you won’t even have to touch chlorine. Delivery is free in the Sydney metropolitan area.

Dosing pumps are also simple. A basic unit consists of a single squeeze tube, which is the pump, and two tubes for intake and output. It has a dial for speed adjustment and a piggy back power cord. They are reliable and very simple to repair and maintain.

For those who want the ultimate in maintenance free pools, more complex models are available. These can not only chlorinate your pool, but also maintain the pH. Some units even have digital readouts which allowing setting and monitoring of ORP (chlorine) and pH levels at any time.

09.01.13
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Spa Pool Hot Pumps

Hot pumps are combined heater and pump units used in bathroom spas and some older portable spas. While still used in bathroom spas they are no longer available for use in portable spas and most models are unrepairable.

This PDF factsheet contains information for those with hot pumps on portable spas.

Hot Pumps [PDF]

09.01.13
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Spa Error Codes

Most new spa pools have digital controllers which can display a wide range of error codes enabling quick diagnosis of faults.

This PDF factsheet contains a list of error codes for most brands of spa controllers.

Spa Error Codes [PDF]

09.01.13
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Leaking Pumps

Any leaks around your pool equipment are a bad sign. A continuous leak or drip can cause corrosion and long term damage to your equipment.

The most common leaks occur from the discharge of the pump (the pipe connection on top of the pump) where the water goes from the pump into the filter. A leak here will drip down onto the motor and can cause corrosion and damage to the motor casing, surrounds, endshield and bearings.

If you have difficulty removing the lid of your pump remember to tighten all of the union connections when finished. When you are trying to open that lid the pump will often rock back and forth and this will loosen the union connections, especially the discharge. This can mean the next time the pump operates it will leak onto the motor.

The other common leak is from the pump seal and water will leak from underneath where the pump and motor sections join. This can occur due to old age or if the pump is run without water for any period of time.

Pump Checking Steps [PDF]

09.01.13
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Can I claim it on insurance?

Insurance policies can vary from company to company so it is important to check what is covered.
Theft of goods is covered by most insurance policies and covers products like pool cleaners and filters.
Filters are not usually covered for any form of damage as they are a passive product. If they break, split or leak and it is not a manufacturing fault covered under warranty then it may not be covered.
Pumps are sometimes covered under fusion however this requires the motor to be fused and does not include seized bearings, old age, corrosion or any other damage. Fire or storm damage to equipment is often fully covered while fused pumps are depreciated as below.

When claiming insurance there are a few important things to take into consideration:
a) How old is the product?
Pool equipment is generally depreciated at 10% per year making it worthless after 10 years. You may only be paid the depreciated worth not the full replacement value.
b) Do you have an excess or no-claim bonus?
If you have an excess (usually $100 – $300) or a no-claim bonus consider whether it is worth lodging a claim.

Pumps today can range from $350-$700 for most home swimming pools. After depreciating the value for age and deducting your excess will it be worth claiming?

Contact your insurance company for more information.

09.01.13
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How to prime a pool pump!

When re-installing a pool pump it must be primed so it is full of water and ready to operate. The water flowing through the pool pump helps keep it cool so a lack of water flow can cause serious damage.

a)First reconnect the pump and both the suction (from pool) and outlet (to filter) pipes to it.
b)Cartridge filters – ensure your cartridge is clean first.
Sand filters or DE filters – turn filter multiport handle to recirculate or auxiliiary filter.
c)Remove the clear hair and lint pot lid from the front of the pump. Fill the pump as much as possible with water and replace the lid.
d)Switch on the pump. Within 30 seconds to a minute water should start pouring into the pump and you should start seeing bubbles coming out of the return jets in the pool. If the hair and lint pot on the pump is empty after this time, stop the pump and repeat steps c and d.
e)If pump remains full when switched off and starts pumping immediately when turned back on then your pump is now primed. Switch the pump off, turn the handle back to filter (sand or d/e) and then turn it back on and you are back in business.