ASK THE INSPECTOR: Discuss noisy pool gear with neighbour

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This article was published 02/07/2011 (5245 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

QUESTION: Our neighbour’s above-ground pool pump is by the fence, which is 10 metres from our bedroom window. Are you aware of a product we could use to muffle the sound or reflect it back so we don’t have to listen to it 24/7?

Personally, I think it should be in code that pool owners soundproof the things themselves. If they can afford the equipment, they can afford to keep it quiet. Thanks, because I’m losing sleep. — Cathy Coss

ANSWER: Noises from outdoor appliances and components can be an annoying problem for some homeowners, but there may be several possible solutions for dealing with these. While there may be no specific building codes to address issues like these, there are local bylaws that prevent excessive noise, but the noise from pool equipment will not likely be loud enough for action to be taken.

While I have not heard of many homeowners complaining about noisy pool pumps, it is quite common to hear complaints of noisy air-conditioner condensers during the summer months. As you are like many people who like to sleep with your windows open to get adequate ventilation on mild summer nights, outside noises like this can be troublesome.

The first thing I always suggest is a calm, courteous discussion with the offending neighbour. Often, neighbours are not even aware components of their homes are causing an issue for you until you raise the subject. If their bedroom windows don’t face the same direction, or they leave them closed at night, they may not know that the pool equipment is overly noisy.

During the daytime, when most people spend time outside their homes, background noises may overpower the pool pump and filter so they are not noticed as a problem. If you have good relations with your neighbour, politely raise the issue and ask them to investigate ways of quieting the offending equipment.

Initially having the equipment inspected and serviced by a reputable pool technician should precede any possible methods of preventing this loud irritation. There is a possibility the equipment is noisy simply because it needs servicing or repairs. If there is damage to the pump or the filter has not been properly maintained, it could cause damage that is creating the noise. If the equipment is older, it may simply be wearing out and becoming excessively loud as it nears the end of its life. Also, the equipment itself may not be the highest-quality, and replacement with better, newer components may limit the noise.

The other possibility is you could speak to your neighbour about turning off the offending components at night, to calm the noise. This could be easily accomplished by installation of timers on the electrical power supply to turn the equipment on and off at specific times. This will also save a considerable amount of energy, which could offset the cost of the timer installation.

I am not sure if pool pump and filter systems are even supposed to be operating on a continuous basis, but this question could be posed to the service technician called in to look at the equipment. If the pumps and filters are only required to be in service for a portion of the day, this solution makes the most sense. It will also be an easier sell to your neighbour if they can realize a noticeable saving on their hydro bill by shutting the pump off when you are sleeping.

If the pool equipment is required to run continuously, to properly condition and clean the water, then building an enclosure may be the last resort. While most gas-fired pool heaters have chimneys that require a specific clearance to combustible materials, I don’t think that applies to the pumps and filter components. A small enclosure could be constructed to house these items that may deaden the sounds enough to prevent a problem for you. If this enclosure is lined with moisture-resistant insulation, such as extruded polystyrene, the sounds may be sufficiently contained.

The difficulty with this recommendation is the enclosure will have to be constructed in such a way that it is easily removable to service or replace the pool equipment. This may include the construction of a small door or removable panel, as long as the components are accessible.

Because our urban environment typically calls for homes to be constructed with as little space between adjoining properties as possible, we often have to grudgingly endure annoying habits and components of our neighbours’ homes. While there are various bylaws in place to avoid conflicts of this nature, interpreting and enforcing these issues can be difficult and lead to poor relations between neighbours. It is always best to try and solve these issues by calm, rational discussions rather than enforcement of various rules.

Talk to your neighbours about this issue, making them realize this is creating a problem that may affect your well-being if you cannot sleep well. If necessary, invite them over for a drink one evening and have them listen to the noise from your bedroom window to hear for themselves how loud the equipment is. If diplomacy does not work, closing your windows and turning the air conditioning on may be necessary to get a good night’s sleep.

Ari Marantz is the owner of Trained Eye Home Inspection Ltd. and the president of the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors — Manitoba (www.cahpi.mb.ca). Questions can be emailed to the address below. Ari can be reached at (204) 291-5358 or check out his website at www.trainedeye.ca

trainedeye@iname.com