To cover or not to cover up the pump & filter?

[denisbaldwin]

My pump and filter are exposed to the elements, mounted on a concrete pad about 10 feet from my pool. They have no shelter, but I was considering building one.

I wasn't going to do it for asthetic reasons, simply to cover up the pump and electrical from rain. Is this something you would recommend? I'm looking at about $200 in lumber to do it the way I had planned, but the more I think about it the more I think it's a waste of money. After all, these pumps and filters are made to be outside, right? Is there any reason why I wouldn't want to leave it uncovered?

Denis

 

[mas985]

Yes most of the equipment is made to be outdoors and is rain proof but I suspect, but have no proof, they would last longer if covered. I have my stuff open to the elements for close to 5 years now but we as probably you as well, do not have very harsh winters which I think helps quite a bit. The sun is probably more damaging than the rain so make sure the PVC is painted. There are also pump motor covers you can use though I never really saw the need for those since most pump motors are designed to keep out the rain.

 

[JohnT]

I really like having mine indoors after the first few seasons outdoors. All the tools and things like pipe dope, teflon tape, strap wrenches, O-ring lube etc. are all right there hung on nails or on shelves over the filter. Blocks a lot of the pump noise from the pool area as well.

 

[lbridges]

Here's what Pentair says about the Intelliflo pump (admittedly haven't looked at other manuals):

Location
1. Install the pump as close to the pool or spa as possible. To reduce friction loss and improve efficiency,
use short and direct suction and piping returns.
2. Install a minimum of five (5) feet from the inside wall of the pool and spa. Canadian installations require
a minimum of three (3) meters from pool water.
3. Install the pump a minimum of two (2) feet from the heater outlet.
4. Do not install the pump more than (8) feet above the water level.
5. Install the pump in a sheltered well ventilated location protected from excessive moisture, (i.e., rain,
sprinklers, etc.).
6. For hot tubs and spas, do not install within an outer enclosure or beneath the skirt of a hot tub or spa.
7. Install the pump with a rear clearance of at least 6 inches so that the motor can be removed easily for
maintenance and repair.

 

[PaulR]

Blocks a lot of the pump noise from the pool area as well.

This is key for me, as the lot isn't huge. When both the filter and booster are running, that's more than I want to impose on the neighbors.
--paulr