Is your pool pump working a little harder these days in July? You may be asking yourself why your equipment does not last as long as your neighbor’s to the north, or what the Florida climate is doing to the machinery that is supposed to have your pool in safe, clean condition.
We can tell you what it does. After 20 plus years of servicing pools in Central Florida, the men at PoolTek Pool Services are well acquainted with the effect this has on pool equipment. Should you like to discuss your pool with us, we are at (407) 553-9429.
There is no better place for a pool than Central Florida. Yet the unrelenting sun, heavy humidity and warmth we have all year round exact a toll on the systems you rely on. To get the most out of your equipment and nip issues in the bud, one has to understand the source of the trouble.
Why the Climate in Florida Is Hard on Pool Equipment
In cooler climes a pool will be left to lie fallow for months. Not so in Windermere, Orlando, Kissimmee and environs; here they are in operation for much of the year, leaving your equipment with scant respite.
Then there is the humidity to contend with. The moisture in the air hastens corrosion and gives algae a foothold while putting electrical parts under duress. Throw in some UV rays and an afternoon thunderstorm and you are looking at wear and tear in spades.
Pump Motor Failures
The pump is the heart of the system and in the heat of Florida it is put to work overtime. Motors must run longer to do their job of filtering and moving water and the hours accumulate.
Some of the pump problems we encounter are a direct result of the climate:
- Long run times that overheat the unit
- Noisy bearings from wear and tear, a grinding or hum you can hear
- Electrical connections corroded by the humidity
- Seals cracking after too much UV
- A motor having trouble keeping up with the water flow
An odd noise or poor circulation is reason enough to have it looked at.
Filters Under Stress
Central Florida is hard on a filter. The warmth and sun bring with them more pollen, debris and algae from our storms. Your filter is tasked with purifying water with a higher contaminant load.
Whether it is a sand, DE or cartridge type, they will show it. Cartridges clog in short order, sand channels and becomes less effective, and the plastic of the housing will eventually become brittle and crack from the sun. Before long you will see cloudy water and a greater need for chemicals if the filter is not up to the task.
Heaters and Heat Pumps
Homeowners here still put their heaters to use for a winter swim or when the night turns cool. Humidity and moisture are the enemy inside a heater or heat pump though. We find rusted internals, corroded heat exchangers and moisture induced electrical faults to be common. In some of our coastal areas the salt in the air will only hasten the process.
Problems with Salt Systems and Chemical Feeders
Salt chlorine generators are de rigueur in Central Florida but the cell will wear down with the heat and constant application. Calcium will build up on it and the electronic controls are prone to failure from a few years of exposure.
Sun and heat will break down the components of a chemical feeder as well, disrupting your water chemistry.
Plumbing and Seals
Your O-rings, valves and pipes are not exempt. Exposed rubber and plastic will be degraded by the UV and the heat causes materials to expand and contract. Leaks and cracked valves are the end result as seals go bad and let in air.
Protecting Your Equipment
It is not difficult to put in some regular care and make a difference. Make sure the equipment is in the shade, do not let the filters overwork by cleaning them as you should, and stay on top of your water chemistry to stave off corrosion. Be alert to any leaks or change in flow. And have a qualified technician perform maintenance on a routine basis.
Our technicians at PoolTek are vetted employees who have been background checked and we have an in-house repair department to put things right without delay. We supply standard pool chemicals on each visit and do not tie you to a contract.
For a free estimate or to have Trey and the rest of us at PoolTek Pool Services take a professional look at your system, call (407) 553-9429. We are in the office Monday to Friday from 8 to 5 and cover Windermere, Orlando and the rest of Central Florida.