It’s important to know when you need to fix or replace essential parts of equipment on your pool. Since the pump and filter work together to keep your pool clean and running, you should be aware of the signs that something isn’t functioning how it should be. The good thing is that most of the time you will be able to see or hear the problem, and Namco will always be there to help!

Pump

Starting with your pump, the best way to know when something needs to be replaced is listening for grinding or screeching sounds or looking for puddles under the pump. If you can hear your pump making an unusual noise, it’s a bearing or a seal going bad. A puddle forming under your pump is another indication that it is the seal. While there is a chance that it just needs to be cleaned, it is likely that it will need to be repaired or replaced. Another problem that could happen is the filter is clean and working fine, but there is little to no flow to the pool. This could be a sign of a broken impeller in your pump. If you notice any of these signs, feel free to call your local Namco or bring in the part of the pump that is malfunctioning.

Filter

The good news is your entire filter system should never really need to be replaced as long as you store it in a safe place over the winter. When there is physical damage like cracks or leaks, then you would have to replace the whole filter. Other than that, everything on and inside your filter should be replaceable to a certain extent. This also depends on the type of filtration you are using.

Sand Filters

When it comes to sand filters, the thing you will need to replace the most is the sand. The easiest way to know when it is time to replace the sand is by knowing when the last time you replaced it was. If it’s been 2 or more summers of use and your pool is cloudier than you would like it to be, it might be time. Or when you backwash your pool and see that the water is dirtier than usual and taking longer to clean out, that might be an indication that it’s time to replace the sand in your as well.  Now if it is an issue of sand in your pool, this might be a problem with the internal compnents, the down pipe and laterals. This can be an easy fix by replacing broken laterals or replacing the whole downpipe and lateral structure.

Cartridge Filters

For cartridge filters, there might not be as many signs that you need to replace your cartridge. The cartridge itself is made up of pleated paper that collects debris and other things that you don’t want in your pool. If you clean it regularly, you might be able to get 2 summer’s worth of use out of one cartridge, but make sure there are no tears or holes in your pleats. Another way you can tell if it is time to replace the cartridge is the amount of water flow to your pool. If you have just cleaned it out, and your PSI is high and water pressure is low, it is time to swap out your old cartridge for a new one.

DE Filters           

DE filters are a little more involved than our other filters. These should be cleaned more frequently but will also remind you to check for tears and holes in your DE grids. When DE powder starts coming into your pool, you know there is a rip or hole in one of your grids. After inspecting where the hole is, you can replace the one grid or as many as you need. Much like the cartridge filter, you can also tell you need something replaced by checking PSI. If your PSI is high, but the water flow is low and your water isn’t as clean as it should be, you should inspect your filter.

Liners

You could replace your pool liner for many reasons. Maybe you have had the same liner for years and the sun has taken away the bright blue color you loved in the beginning. Or maybe there is a stain that has been bugging you for a while and you feel like it’s time to upgrade. Hopefully, this is the case, but there is also a chance you are shopping for a new liner because of a hole or leak. If you have a feeling there might be a leak in your liner, don’t panic. It’s normal for pool water levels to go down because of evaporation or water spill out. If you’re noticing more than 5 inches a week disappearing from your pool, try to find where the leak is. By walking around your pool, you should be able to spot a puddle or soft spot in your grass. This will tell you the water is coming from that side of the pool. Once you find where the water is coming from or the tear itself, there are a few options to repairing a liner. You could patch the hole or replace the entire liner.

Namco is here to help you with any pool issues you are having and to help you learn about your pool equipment’s capabilities and features. Contact the experts at Namco online or in-store.