Should I replace the cleaner pump?

[Brian T]

Hi guys! Hope everyone is doing well. So I'm in TX and made it through the winter storm. However, my cleaner pump didn't. The housing cracked. I called my pool guy to tell him what happened. I told him that I do not need the cleaner pump as I have a robot. So he basically took the cleaner pump out of circulation. He place a couple of caps and was done.

I asked him if the pipes (going to and from the cleaner pump) will be a problem if no water runs through it. He said it would be fine. Do you guys agree?

 

[mknauss]

I would be hesitant about the line to the pool. Unless you plan to plug that line at the pool. Why not hook them together and use as another return?

 

[Brian T]

Thanks, Marty! That's a good idea. I might hook the hose and use it as another return.

May I ask what it is that makes you "hesitant about the line to the pool?" Algae in the pipes?

 

[mknauss]

Algae in the pipes?

yes.

 

[Brian T]

So I'm not trying to argue with you. I am truly grateful for everyone who has helped me through my journey as a pool owner. I just wanted to tell you what the pool guy said and use that for discussion. He stated algae will not grow in the line because algae needs sunlight to grow.

 

[HermanTX]

My thought would have been to remove the pump and connect the 2 pipe ends together. The suction to the booster pump is connected to your return line so you just keep the circulation through it all by connecting them together.

 

[Brian T]

Thank you

 

[mknauss]

He stated algae will not grow in the line because algae needs sunlight to grow.

Algae is found in light niches, under main drain covers, and behind skimmer weir doors. All places the sun does not shine.

 

[wireform]

Last year one of my pools was opened by non other then the op. They failed to tell me that one return plug was too tight and remained plugged till I was involved. The pool was pristine but as soon as I got the plug out the stagnant water in the line turned the complete pool to a green mess.

 

[mguzzy]

Marty is right.. stuff grows in the pipes that don't need sun. Like Bacteria. Your pool guy is wrong.. Its like saying "I never need to wash my feet cause I always wear socks." The better option is to incorporate it into your return lines so it is always flushed out. You can make it a water feature for fun!

 

[Newdude]

If you had a plug in the return fitting, that stayed sealed to never be opened again, The swampy pipe water would never bother you.

Until last week I would have never mentioned possible freezing and breaking of the pipe. This week I have a whole new outlook on that.

I would blow it out, use a couple gallons of antifreeze because it will condensate eventually and plug it.

 

[PoolGate]

HA! I left the cap on my umbrella stand for a few months and when I finally took it off it made the pool smell like a swamp for like 2 hours. You do not want a stagnant source of water. Route the cleaner return into your system and use it. You can never have too much return water.