Neighbourly talk first step in trying to fix noisy pump

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 14/09/2003 (8093 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

QUESTION — Could you please give me information on how to minimize the noise of a swimming pool pump, which has been installed in the side yard by our neighbour, right beside our deck?

–Katherine Dueck, e-mail

ANSWER — Due to the close proximity of many homes to each other in our urban neighbourhoods, changes or additions of new systems may cause unforeseen problems or concerns for other homes. My first question is whether you have approached your neighbour about your concerns? Good dialogue and compromise between next-door occupants will be essential for resolution of this and other concerns that may arise.

Minimizing the noise of the pump may be difficult to impossible if the neighbour is not willing to accommodate your requests. The only solution available to you, without consent from the neighbour, would be to build a solid fence, for a barrier, to deflect some of the sound from the offending equipment. I doubt that this would give much relief from the problem.

For some answers to the cause of the noisy pool pump and possible solutions, I have consulted pool specialist Gerry Desjardins of Mermaids Aqua Care Ltd. He suggests starting with a check of the pump for proper operation. Most pool pumps are relatively quiet but can become very noisy when the bearings wear out. They can whine or make scraping noises that will be very loud and annoying. Desjardins has inspected and repaired back yard pool pumps that can be heard from the front driveway, due to damaged bearings. If the pump is older, this may be a likely cause of the noise, which can often be repaired by replacement of the worn bearings.

If the pump is newly installed, damage to the pump is unlikely. If the excessive noise is simply due to a pump that is inherently loud, other solutions may help. Often the noise heard from mechanical systems that contain pumps or motors is amplified due to vibration of the unit.

Desjardins suggests installation of a rubber mat underneath the pump to provide a sound break between the pump and the concrete underneath. This will cushion the pump and prevent excessive noise due to vibration on the hard concrete base. This is a simple, inexpensive remedial action that may provide some relief from the annoyance.

If reducing vibration does not make the pump noise tolerable, partially enclosing the pump in a cabinet or shed may be necessary. A small pool equipment shed is often used to make equipment storage more aesthetically pleasing, but can also be for sound reduction. The shed should be constructed of moisture resistant material and be large enough to allow for proper maintenance and repairs to the contents. Rigid foam insulation on the inside walls may be used to help reduce noise. Desjardins stresses that allowance for proper airflow in the shed is a must.

Proper ventilation is critical to prevent overheating of the pump and other mechanical items. A lack of proper cooling air for the pump will accelerate the deterioration to the bearings and may even cause them to seize. If a pool heater is also installed within the shed, proper clearances from combustibles for the heater and its vent must be allowed to prevent fires and permit proper draft. Adequate combustion air for gas-fired heaters is also required. Installation of several vents in the shed walls and roof may allow some noise to escape, but is critical to prevent problems with the pool equipment and allow drying of moisture within the shed.

No matter what solutions are sought, willingness to help from the pool owner is essential. If the neighbour is not in agreement that a noise problem exists and needs to be addressed, little may be done. This should be approached with caution and diplomacy to avoid a defensive, knee-jerk reaction from the next-door pool owner. If you confront him or her in an accusatory manner, little may be accomplished. Avoid a question such as: “What are you going to do about your noisy pump?”

Presenting your concerns in a reasonable manner and asking for the neighbour’s help finding a solution is the way to go. Offering to pay for a portion of the improvements or repairs may help persuade the neighbour of the necessity of quieting the pump. Many homeowners have, unfortunately, experienced disputes with neighbours over issues like this.

The annoyance from a noisy pool pump may be minor in comparison to the unpleasantness that may arise from a prolonged dispute with the neighbour. Finding a friendly resolution to this situation may even get you an invitation for a dip in the pool, on a hot day.

Ari Marantz is owner/inspector of Trained Eye Home Inspection Ltd. and is the P. R. Rep. for the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors- Manitoba (www.cahi.mb.ca). Questions can be e-mailed or sent to: Ask The Inspector, P. O. Box 69021, #110-2025 Corydon Ave., Winnipeg, MB. R3P 2G9. Ari can be reached at (204) 291-5358.

trainedeye@iname.com