The advancement of technology for items such as pool pumps and filters has made pool maintenance very easy. But just for how long can a swimming pool go without a pump to clean it?
A pool must have a pump to keep the water moving and clean, then a filter, a drain, a skimmer, return lines, and a vacuum.
Depending on the size of the pool and individual preference, all these components come in different models and types.
You can enhance your pool with additional features such as the pool heater for your comfort.
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What Is The Purpose Of A Pool Pump?
A swimming pool pump is the most critical apparatus in the pool; it is the central part of the system.
A swimming pool pump not only circulates and moves water via the pipes and drains, but it does more than that.
It helps control the pool temperature and maintains the water at a steady level.
If the pool temperature is not controlled, it can either increase or decrease depending on the season, which may encourage the growth of algae and bacteria s on the pool wall.
The pool pump also helps in filtration and cleaning debris in the pool.
Once switched on, the pump pushes the water through the drain and skimmers, which have a basket attached to prevent debris from returning into the pool.
Essentially the pool pump runs most of the automatic cleaners in the pool by drawing in or pushing out water.
If no circulation of water is happening in the pool, to push the water through the filters, all dirt will settle in the swimming pool; in the end, it will clog it.
Therefore, if you want to enjoy swimming throughout, ensure to drain and refill your pool with fresh water regularly.
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So, For How Long Can A Swimming Pool Go Without A Pump?
Maintaining a pool has never been easy, thanks to the swimming pool pumps.
The pump helps clear any debris from the water and keep the chemicals in the pool mixed as it pushes water through the filtration system.
But what would happen if the pump fails or it’s winter, and it has been switched off? How long can a swimming pool go without a pump and be safe for swimming?
A pool can only be safe for swimming without a pump for a few days and a maximum of one week.
The definite number of days the pool will be safe will also depend on the temperatures of the water, the weather at that particular time, the level of chlorine, and how clean the pool was before the pump stopped functioning.
On the other hand, it can be left for longer as long as no one swims in there.
Even if you are not swimming in the pool and it’s past the one-week duration, it is always good to maintain your pool to avoid extra expenses once the pump is operational.
Always add liquid chlorine to maintain its level while still brushing the pool wall evenly.
Always test the level of the chemical in the pool. A pool test kit will be a good choice.
Also, you can purchase a pool cover to protect your pool since the filtration system is not ok.
What Happens If A Pool Pump Is Not Operational?
Pool pump malfunctioning is not something new, and many swimming pool owners have experienced one or rather more incidences of pool pump failures.
Pool pumps are critical as they keep our swimming pool water clean, clear, and safe for swimmers.
But what happens when a pool pump fails to function as expected?
When a pool pump stops functioning normally, below is a list of what happens next;
Since the water is no longer moving and being pushed to the filters, all debris and dust are never filtered.
Skimmers will no longer be working, and as a result, any floating dirt and debris are never removed from the pool’s surface.
The chemicals in the pool are not circulated and mixed well all around the pool.
It becomes very easy for algae and other bacteria to grow since the water will remain stagnant, a perfect environment for them to thrive.
How To Keep A Pool Clean Without A Pump
A pool pump is the heartbeat of any swimming pool.
A pool without a pump cannot run for long unless some maintenance is done.
Cleaning the pool will also ensure the pump will not be overwhelmed when its operation once more.
Below are some of the ways to keep your pool clean after the pump has failed.
1) Skim And Remove Debris.
Always ensure you remove debris from your pool and, if possible, do it daily.
If not removed, debris can collect very fast and stain your pool.
You can always use a skimmer, a raker, or even a net for a smaller pool.
In addition, you can use a pool vacuum to clean a bigger pool which is also good at clearing debris in your pool.
2) Sanitize With Chemicals
Keep your swimming pool sanitized, clear, clean, and safe.
Make use of some balancing chemical additives or even chlorine tablets to prevent the growth of algae and other bacteria.
Chemical additives will maintain the quality of the pool water.
Fast dissolving chlorine tablets dissolve and distribute evenly in the pool.
3) Shock The Pool
When the pump is functional, normal chlorine levels recommended are 1-3 ppm for a healthy swimming pool.
If chlorine levels go above the recommended level, users risk itching or red eyes.
On the other hand, if your pool water has stagnated for a while without being filtered, shocking the pool will be the only solution to keep the water clean.
Shocking involves adding chlorine 3-5 times the usual amount of chlorine you usually use. Shocking the pool helps prevent the growth of algae and the accumulation of debris.
Typically after shocking your pool, wait for at least 8hours before swimming. Shocking should be done every 1-2 weeks on a regular pool.
4) Brush Pool And Circulate The Water
Regardless of all other external factors, stagnant water is prone to the growth of algae and scum, just like ponds.
Just like rivers that are not prone to the accumulation of scum, ensure your pool water is moving.
To keep your pool clean, ensure the water is circulating or moving.
If there is a way you can access electricity, a robotic pool cleaner can help circulate the water within the pool.
If there is no way to access electricity, with the help of a pool brush, scrub the bottom and sides of the pool; this will help move the water around and circulate chlorine all through.
In addition, it will prevent the growth and accumulation of algae and debris in the pool.
Ways Of Circulating Pool Water Without A Pump
A dysfunctional pool pump is not something new to the pool owners; rather, it is very rampant.
A pool pump is a vital part of a swimming pool system.
It pushes water to the filters to clear debris, and as well it plays a critical role in mixing the chemicals.
Therefore, if the pump has stalled, it means the water will lose its quality since it’s stagnant.
To keep your pool habitable without a pool pump, you can employ some of the below alternatives.
a) The Submersible Pump.
A submersible pump is one of the effective methods you can use temporarily to circulate water as your pump gets fixed or power comes back.
All you need to do is to drop the pump into the deep end of the pool and connect a hosepipe.
Pull the other end of the pipe towards the shallow end for water to empty.
The fact that the water will be moving from the deep end to the shallow end will help the water to circulate.
Ensure to keep on moving the pump to different pool locations from time to time.
b) Use A Robotic Pool Cleaner
Robotic pool cleaners are not only powerful, but they are the best choice to use when you want to circulate your pool water.
Due to their power, they can push around a lot of water while still cleaning the pool.
c) Manually Push The Water Yourself.
In case you cannot access the above alternatives, you can also manually move the water.
With the help of a shovel, pool brush, or any other pool equipment, swish the water in the pool.
d) Replace Your Pump With A Variable Pool Pump.
If the pool pump has broken down and can no longer be repaired, it is high time you replaced your pump.
A variable speed pool pump is one choice you would want to ignore.
Though a bit more expensive than other pool pumps, in the long run, the pumps will save you money since they are capable of running at low speed, thus saving on electricity.
The pumps can save you up to in excess of 50% on energy bills. (put the best pump)
Final Thoughts On How Long Can A Swimming Pool Go Without A Pump.
Power blackout, a burst water pipe, or deterioration of a pool pump are all some of the reasons why your pool pump might fail to function.
Always be aware that a pool pump is the heartbeat of a swimming pool.
It keeps your pool water clean, safe and healthy for anyone who might use it.
But what if the pump fails? Just for how long can a pool go without a pump and still be usable.
In the guide above, I have explored all the possible questions and worries you might be having when such incidences occur.
All in all, ensure you have your pump fixed as soon as possible.
